StateMaster - Statistics on Delaware. facts and figures, stats and information on Delawarean economy, crime, people, government, health and education. 7 maps and 6 flags

Delaware is the second smallest state and was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7th 1787, thereby making it the first state in the Union, but it's history goes back further to the Native Indian tribes of the region and the first European settlers. Its name derives from the Eastern Algonquian tribe of Delaware, and the area was first settled by the Dutch in 1631. In 1682, William Penn leased the lands known as the 'Lower Counties on the Delaware' to provide access to the Atlantic for his burgeoning Pennsylvania colony. Delaware is located on the 'Delmarva' Peninsula (so named because of the three states which are found on the peninsula: Delaware, Maryland and two counties of Virginia) a land mass known for its relative seclusion, low coastal plain, and vegetable farming. The northern boundary with Pennsylvania is highly unusual as it is the only true-arc boundary in the U.S. It is an arc that extends exactly 12 miles from the cupola of the courthouse in New Castle, Delaware, and is commonly referred to as the 'Twelve-Mile Circle'.

Background:

Delaware is known by many as a corporate tax haven, and is home to countless corporate head offices and banking headquarters. Many of these businesses are centered in and around Wilmington, the state's largest city. The capital Dover is home to one of the biggest U.S. Air Force bases. Delaware is relatively one of the richest states, with the second largest gross state product per capita in the Union behind Washington DC. Much of this wealth can be attributed to its liberal tax policy. Delaware has the largest percentage of African Americans north of Maryland (approximately 20%), and historically had the largest population of free blacks during slavery. For the House of Representatives, Delaware is granted one lone seat. In presidential elections, Delaware has often been a barometer for the nation at large and sided with the winner for over 50 years. The last two presidential elections have halted that trend however, as Delaware sent its 3 electoral votes to Democratic candidates Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004.