|
|
CONNECTICUT - USA
Connecticut is a state of the United States, part of the New England region.
Connecticut was one of the thirteen colonies that revolted against British
rule in the American Revolution.
USS Connecticut was named in honor of this state. History
The name "Connecticut" comes from an Algonquin Indian word meaning "on the
long tidal river". Connecticut was one of the original 13 states. The first
Europeans to settle permanently in Connecticut were English Puritans from
Massachusetts in 1633. Its first constitution, the "Fundamental Orders", was
adopted on January 14, 1639, while its current constitution, the fourth for
Connecticut, was adopted in 1965.
Law and Government
The capital of Connecticut is Hartford and has been the sole capital since
1875. Prior to that, New Haven and Hartford alternated as capital. Unlike
most other states, Connecticut does not have county governments; rather,
there is the state government and then the government of the local
municipalities.
The current governor of Connecticut is M. Jodi Rell (Republican) and the two
U.S. senators are Christopher J. Dodd (Democrat) and Joseph I. Lieberman (Democrat).
Connecticut currently has five congressional delegates.
Geography
Connecticut is bordered on the south by Long Island Sound, on the west by
New York State, on the north by Massachusetts, and on the east by Rhode
Island. The state capital is Hartford, and the other major cities include
New Haven, New London, Norwich, Stamford, Waterbury, and Bridgeport. In all,
there are a total of 169 incorporated towns in Connecticut.
The Connecticut River cuts through the center of the state, flowing into
Long Island Sound, Connecticut's outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. See: List of
Connecticut rivers
Connecticut's rural areas and small towns contrast sharply with its
industrial cities. Many towns center around a small park, known as a "green".
Near the green may stand a small white church, a town meeting hall, a tavern
and several colonial houses. Forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and a sandy
shore add to the state's beauty.
Economy
Connecticut is an important center of the insurance and financial
industries. Many inhabitants are employed in New York City.
The total gross state product for 1999 was $151 billion, placing Connecticut
22nd in the nation. The Per Capita Income for 2002 was $42,706 giving
Connecticut the highest Per Capita Income of the nation. (http://www.bea.doc.gov/bea/regional/statelocal.htm)
The agricultural output for the state is nursery stock, eggs, dairy products,
cattle and tobacco. Its industrial outputs are transportation equipment (especially
aircraft), machinery, electrical equipment, fabricated metal products,
chemical products, and scientific instruments.
Demographics
As of the 2000 census, the population of Connecticut is 3,405,565. Its
population grew 3.6% (118,449) from its 1990 levels. According to the 2000
census, 81.6% (2,760,355) identified themselves as White, 9.4% (320,323) as
Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% (309,843) as black, 2.4% (82,313) as Asian, 0.3%
(9,639) as American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.04% (1,366) as Native
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 4.3% (147,201) as other, and 2.2% (74,848)
identified themselves as belonging to two or more races.
6.6% of its population were reported as under 5, 24.7% under 18, and 13.8%
were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 51.6% of the population.
Colleges and universities
Albertus Magnus College
Central Connecticut State University
Charter Oak State College
Connecticut College
Eastern Connecticut State University
Fairfield University
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Mitchell College
Quinnipiac University
Rensselaer at Hartford
Sacred Heart University
Saint Joseph College
Southern Connecticut State University
Teikyo Post University
Trinity College
United States Coast Guard Academy
University of Bridgeport
University of Connecticut
University of Hartford
University of New Haven
Wesleyan University
Western Connecticut State University
Yale University
Sports Teams
Connecticut Sun of the Women's National Basketball Association
Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League
Minor league baseball teams:
Bridgeport Bluefish
Norwich Navigators
New Britain Rock Cats
|
|
