Maine Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location...: Maine is the northernmost portion of New England and the easternmost state in the contiguous United States.
Cities: The three largest cities in Main are Portland, Lewiston and Bangor and the state capital is Augusta.
Behind the Name: Maine is nicknamed the “Pine Tree State” to commemorate the pristine wilderness of conifer and hardwood forests that cover nearly 90% of the state.
A Closer Look: Maine was an enclave of Massachusetts until 1820, when as a result of a growing population it became the 23rd state in the Union.
Did You Know? Historically known for its shipbuilding, Maine was home to the first atomic submarine, the Swordfish, yet also produces more canoes than any other state in the union. [Ed. Note: Speaking of ‘Tippe-canoe’…Tippecanoe referred to President William Henry Harrison, the 9th US President, the oldest to be elected prior to Ronald Reagan and the last born prior to the Declaration of Independence - who also had the shortest tenure of any president, a mere 32 days. But, we digress…he was actually born in Virginia, not Maine…so never mind…](Source: Thanks Wikipedia)
Maine Careers and Employment:
Population: 1,316,456 (3.3% increase since 2000) - 51.2% Female, 48.8% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 46th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) health care and social assistance; (2) retail trade; (3) manufacturing; (4) accommodation and food services; and (5) construction.
Taxes: Income Tax, 2.0% to 8.5% and Sales Tax, 5% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 112.7 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 8th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 13.58; Apr: 39.10; July: 66.08; Oct: 43.99 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 26th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Maine Economics:
In General: Most of Maine’s workforce is employed in the service industry, but there are many jobs available in industries such as wholesale and retail trade (21%), military and government related service (13%) and manufacturing (11%).
Agriculture: Nearly two-thirds of Maine’s agricultural revenues are derived from livestock and associated production, primarily by means of eggs and milk. The state’s most valuable crops are its prominent “Maine State Potatoes,” but the state is also a leading producer of many fruit crops including wild blueberries.
Manufacturing: Maine’s manufacturing industry is led by paper products, including cardboard boxes, paper bags and pulp, as well as plain paper itself.
Mining: Sand and gravel and limestone are the base products of Maine’s mining industry.
A Closer Look: Maine is the national leader in naval shipbuilding and construction, housing both the Bath Iron Works and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard along with the Brunswick Naval Air Station. The state also maintains significant production of aerospace equipment.
Did You Know? America’s ‘maine’ fish producer: Maine’s fish and shellfish industry is ranked at the top of the nation; its yearly lobster catch is the biggest of any state in the country.
Maine Education:
Find Colleges and Universities in Maine, here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.
