Quick Facts

Capital	Hartford
Largest City	Bridgeport
Population	3,626,205 (2023)
Area	5,543 sq mi
Statehood	January 9, 1788 (5th)
Nickname	The Constitution State
Time Zone	Eastern (ET)
State Motto	"Qui Transtulit Sustinet" (He Who Transplanted Still Sustains)

Interactive map of Connecticut showing major cities

About Connecticut

Connecticut, the 29th most populous state with 3.6 million residents, is the southernmost state in New England known as the Constitution State for adopting the Fundamental Orders in 1638-1639, often considered the first written constitution in history. Despite being the third-smallest state by area (only Rhode Island and Delaware are smaller), Connecticut wields outsized economic and cultural influence as home to Yale University, the insurance industry capital, and one of the nation's highest median incomes.

The state occupies a strategic position between New York and Boston along the Northeast Corridor. Hartford serves as the state capital and insurance industry center, while Bridgeport is the largest city. New Haven, home to Yale University (founded 1701), serves as Connecticut's cultural and educational hub. Stamford, in southwestern Connecticut, has become a major corporate headquarters location offering lower costs than Manhattan while providing easy access via Metro-North Railroad.

Connecticut's economy is one of the most prosperous in the nation, ranking first in per capita income. Major sectors include financial services and insurance (Hartford hosts Aetna, The Hartford, and Travelers), advanced manufacturing (particularly aerospace and submarines), healthcare and bioscience, and higher education. The state is home to the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics, which builds nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy, and Pratt & Whitney, a major aircraft engine manufacturer.

Major Cities in Connecticut

Bridgeport

Population: 148,654

Connecticut's largest city sits along Long Island Sound and serves as a regional commercial center. Once a major industrial city and home to P.T. Barnum (who served as mayor), Bridgeport has transitioned from manufacturing to service industries including healthcare and education. The city is working to revitalize its downtown and waterfront areas while maintaining affordability compared to nearby suburbs.

Stamford

Population: 135,470

Stamford has evolved into a major corporate hub, attracting companies seeking lower costs than Manhattan with easy rail access. Major employers include Charter Communications, Synchrony Financial, and numerous hedge funds and financial services firms. The city's downtown features modern office towers, upscale shopping, and a growing residential population. Stamford's proximity to New York (35 miles) makes it attractive for businesses and commuters alike.

New Haven

Population: 134,023

New Haven is dominated by Yale University, one of the world's most prestigious universities and a major economic driver. The city's economy revolves around Yale's employment (12,000+), healthcare (Yale New Haven Hospital), and research activities. New Haven claims to have served the first hamburger in America at Louis' Lunch in 1900. The city features world-class museums, performing arts, and a vibrant restaurant scene driven by Yale's international population and Frank Pepe Pizzeria's legendary New Haven-style pizza.

Hartford

Population: 121,054

Hartford earned the title "Insurance Capital of the World" for hosting major insurance companies including Aetna, The Hartford Financial Services Group, and Travelers. The Connecticut State Capitol building, completed in 1878, features stunning Victorian Gothic architecture. Despite economic challenges, Hartford remains Connecticut's political center and a regional employment hub. The Mark Twain House & Museum preserves the home where the author wrote his most famous works.

Waterbury

Population: 114,403

Known as "The Brass City," Waterbury was once the world's largest brass manufacturing center, producing buttons, buckles, and other brass goods. The Mattatuck Museum preserves this industrial heritage. While manufacturing has declined, Waterbury maintains regional importance with healthcare and education sectors. The city's historic architecture includes the stunning Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and numerous 19th-century buildings.

Norwalk

Population: 91,184

Norwalk is a coastal city offering a blend of residential neighborhoods, corporate offices, and maritime heritage. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk features marine life native to Long Island Sound. SoNo (South Norwalk) has evolved into an arts and entertainment district with galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. The city's proximity to New York and coastal location make it attractive for professionals and families seeking coastal New England character.

Interesting Facts About Connecticut

First Constitution

The Fundamental Orders of 1638-1639 is considered the first written constitution in history

Yale University

Founded in 1701, Yale is the third-oldest university in the United States and an Ivy League institution

Insurance Capital

Hartford is the "Insurance Capital of the World," home to Aetna, Travelers, and The Hartford

Highest Income

Connecticut has the highest per capita income of any U.S. state

Submarine Builder

Electric Boat in Groton builds nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy and is a major employer

First Hamburger

Louis' Lunch in New Haven claims to have served the first hamburger in America in 1900

Mark Twain Home

Mark Twain lived in Hartford and wrote "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn" there

Oldest Newspaper

The Hartford Courant, founded 1764, is the oldest continuously published newspaper in America

Nutmeg State

Connecticut is called the "Nutmeg State," possibly from colonial traders selling wooden nutmegs

Lollipop Invention

The lollipop was invented in New Haven by George Smith in 1908

Frisbee Origins

The Frisbee was inspired by pie tins from the Frisbie Pie Company in Bridgeport

Helicopter Pioneer

Igor Sikorsky developed the first practical helicopter in Stratford, Connecticut in 1939

Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport is the nation's leading maritime museum, preserving 19th-century seafaring heritage

Charter Oak

The legendary Charter Oak hid Connecticut's colonial charter from the British governor in 1687

Connecticut - The Constitution State