Maine is about as big as the other five New England states combined. Glaciers, or mountains of ice, covered Maine during the Ice Age. When the last glaciers melted, they left hundreds of harbors, bays, and inlets and more than two thousand islands off the coast. The state's jagged coastline, with its numerous inlets and bays, measures nearly 3,500 miles (5,633 km) in length. The glaciers didn't just change the coastline. New lakes and waterways were formed. The glaciers also left behind a lot of boulders and eskers, or long skinny ridges of dirt and rocks.
The phrase turf and surf is sometimes used to describe a meal of steak and seafood. It could also be used to describe Maine's natural resources and economy. Because of Maine's many forests, wood products such as paper, toothpicks, lumber, and wood pulp are a big part of Maine's economy. In fact, forests cover more than 80 percent of the land. Lobster and shellfish are another large part of how Mainers earn their living. Millions of pounds of lobster are harvested there each year! What is less well-known is that Maine is a leading potato producer. Much of the soil is too acidic; however, a sandy soil (perfect for potato farming) is found in the northeast corner of the state. Maine also produces most of the country's blueberries.
1,317,207
Capital:
State Abbreviation: ME
Governor: John Baldacci (Democrat)
U.S. Senators: 2
Susan Collins (Republican)
Olympia Snowe (Republican)
U.S. Representatives: 2
Republicans: 0
Democrats 2
State Senators: 35
State Representatives: 151
Counties: 16