Delaware - The First State
Corporate capital of America, tax-free shopping, and beaches
Quick Facts
| Capital | Dover |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Wilmington |
| Population | 1,018,396 (2023) |
| Area | 2,489 sq mi |
| Statehood | December 7, 1787 (1st) |
| Nickname | The First State, The Diamond State |
| Time Zone | Eastern (ET) |
| State Motto | "Liberty and Independence" |
Interactive map of Delaware showing major cities
About Delaware
Delaware, officially the State of Delaware, is the second-smallest state by area (after Rhode Island) at 2,489 square miles. With just over 1 million residents, Delaware is known as "The First State" because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. Despite its small size, Delaware packs remarkable economic clout as the legal home to over 60% of Fortune 500 companies.
Geography & Climate
Delaware features coastal plains, beaches, and flat terrain. Major geographic features include:
- Highest point: Ebright Azimuth (448 ft), lowest high point of any state
- Major water bodies: Delaware River, Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean
- 28 miles of Atlantic coastline including Rehoboth Beach
- Three counties: New Castle, Kent, Sussex—fewest of any state
Corporate Capital of America
Delaware is the legal domicile for over 60% of Fortune 500 companies and more than 1.5 million business entities. This corporate concentration results from Delaware's business-friendly legal framework and Court of Chancery, established in 1792, which specializes exclusively in business law.
Tax-Free Shopping & Tourism
Delaware has no state sales tax, making it a shopping destination for neighboring states. Delaware's beaches, particularly Rehoboth Beach known as "The Nation's Summer Capital," attract millions of tourists annually seeking coastal escapes and tax-free shopping.
Major Cities
Wilmington
Population: 70,898
Largest city, financial center, corporate law
Dover
Population: 39,403
State capital, Dover Air Force Base
Newark
Population: 31,997
University of Delaware, college town
Middletown
Population: 24,799
Fast-growing town
Smyrna
Population: 12,883
Historic town in Kent County
Milford
Population: 11,463
Riverwalk town
Counties
Delaware has only 3 counties—fewer than any other state:
Pop: 570,719
Pop: 185,103
Pop: 251,161
Interesting Facts
First to ratify U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787
Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies incorporated in Delaware
No state sales tax—attracts shoppers from neighboring states
Specialized business court (1792) with no juries
Founded 1802, invented nylon, Teflon, Kevlar
"The Nation's Summer Capital"—popular with D.C. residents
Only 2,489 square miles—second smallest state
Dover International Speedway hosts NASCAR races
Delaware Bay has world's largest horseshoe crab population
Fewest counties: New Castle, Kent, Sussex
175-room du Pont mansion with American decorative arts
1,100-acre horticultural display by Pierre S. du Pont
Slave state that stayed in Union during Civil War
Delmarva Peninsula produces over 600 million chickens annually
Neighboring States
Delaware's eastern border is the Delaware River and Bay, and it has Atlantic Ocean coastline to the southeast.
Compare Delaware
Compare Delaware with other states by population, area, economy, and demographics.
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