Maryland - The Old Line State
Capital: Annapolis | Abbreviation: MD | Region: Mid-Atlantic | Population: 6.2 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 6,177,224 |
| Area | 12,406 sq mi (32,131 km²) |
| Population Rank | 19th |
| Area Rank | 42nd (9th smallest) |
| Capital | Annapolis |
| Largest City | Baltimore (576K) |
| Statehood | April 28, 1788 (7th state) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4) |
| Nickname | The Old Line State |
Interactive Map
🔴 Annapolis (Capital)
About Maryland
Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state with a population of 6.2 million, making it the nineteenth-most populous state despite being the ninth smallest by area. The state capital is Annapolis, a historic seaport city and home to the United States Naval Academy. Baltimore is the largest city with 576,000 residents and a metropolitan area of 2.8 million. Maryland was one of the original Thirteen Colonies and the seventh state to ratify the Constitution on April 28, 1788.
Maryland's geography is dominated by the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, which nearly splits the state in two. The Eastern Shore, west of the bay, is known for agriculture and seafood, while the Western Shore includes Baltimore and the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Maryland's unique shape includes a narrow panhandle in the west reaching the Appalachian Mountains. The state's location between North and South gave it strategic importance during the Civil War, though it remained in the Union.
Maryland has one of the highest median household incomes in the nation, driven by proximity to Washington, D.C., and a highly educated workforce. Major economic sectors include federal government and contracting, biotechnology, cybersecurity, healthcare (Johns Hopkins), finance, and maritime industries. Maryland is famous for blue crabs from Chesapeake Bay, Old Bay seasoning, and the unique black and gold state flag featuring the Calvert and Crossland family coats of arms.
Geography & Climate
Maryland features diverse geography centered around Chesapeake Bay:
- Chesapeake Bay: Largest estuary in US, 200 miles long, defines Maryland geography
- Eastern Shore: Flat terrain east of bay, agriculture, seafood, beaches
- Western Shore: Baltimore-Washington corridor, most populous region
- Piedmont: Central region with rolling hills
- Appalachian Mountains: Western panhandle with mountains, forests
- Climate: Humid subtropical, hot humid summers, mild winters, four seasons
Major Cities
Baltimore
Population: 576,498
Metro: 2.8M
Known For: Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, Johns Hopkins, Orioles & Ravens, crab cakes
Columbia
Population: 104,681
Known For: Planned community, between Baltimore & DC, tech companies, diverse
Germantown
Population: 91,249
Known For: Montgomery County, DC suburb, biotechnology, diverse population
Silver Spring
Population: 81,015
Known For: DC suburb, urban center, diverse, Discovery Communications
Waldorf
Population: 79,229
Known For: Southern Maryland, growing community, DC commuters
Annapolis
Population: 40,812
Known For: State capital, Naval Academy, sailing capital, colonial architecture
Chesapeake Bay & Blue Crabs
Chesapeake Bay is central to Maryland's identity, economy, and culture:
- Largest Estuary: Chesapeake Bay is largest estuary in United States, 200 miles long, 64,000 sq mi watershed
- Blue Crabs: Maryland blue crabs are legendary, steamed with Old Bay seasoning, crab cakes are state specialty
- Seafood Industry: Oysters, clams, rockfish (striped bass), watermen heritage
- Sailing Capital: Annapolis is "Sailing Capital of America," boat shows, Naval Academy sailing team
- Environmental Treasure: Bay supports 3,600+ species, critical habitat for migratory birds
- Bay Bridge: Connects Eastern and Western shores, 4.3-mile span
- Old Bay Seasoning: Iconic Maryland spice blend created in Baltimore (1939)
Economy & Industry
Maryland has a high-income, diverse economy:
- Federal Government: Many federal agencies, military bases (Fort Meade, Andrews AFB), government contractors
- Cybersecurity: Fort Meade houses NSA, making Maryland cybersecurity capital with defense contractors
- Biotechnology: Major biotech corridor, NIH in Bethesda, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies
- Healthcare: Johns Hopkins Hospital & University, medical research, healthcare services
- Port of Baltimore: Major seaport, auto imports, containerized cargo, cruise terminal
- Tourism: Annapolis, Ocean City beaches, Chesapeake Bay, historic sites
- Aerospace: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Historical Significance
Maryland played crucial roles in American history:
War of 1812
Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor successfully defended against British attack in 1814. Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment and wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner," which became the national anthem. The flag that inspired the anthem had 15 stars and 15 stripes and still exists at Smithsonian.
Civil War Border State
- Remained in Union despite being slave state
- Battle of Antietam (1862) - bloodiest single day in American history
- Lincoln suspended habeas corpus to prevent Maryland secession
- Slavery abolished in Maryland (1864)
Interesting Facts
- US Naval Academy in Annapolis trains Navy and Marine Corps officers since 1845
- National anthem "Star-Spangled Banner" written about Fort McHenry battle
- Camp David presidential retreat located in Catoctin Mountains
- Johns Hopkins Hospital consistently ranked #1 hospital in America
- Harriet Tubman born enslaved in Maryland, led Underground Railroad
- Maryland state flag is only state flag based on English heraldry
- Baltimore National Aquarium is one of largest in world
- Thurgood Marshall (first African American Supreme Court Justice) from Baltimore
- Edgar Allan Poe lived, died, and buried in Baltimore
- Ocean City has 10-mile boardwalk and beach resort
- Maryland lacrosse is extremely popular - official state team sport
- Jousting is official state sport (colonial tradition)
- Preakness Stakes (Triple Crown race) at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore
- Montgomery County has highest median household income of large US counties
Neighboring States
Also surrounds: Washington, D.C. (three sides) | Atlantic Ocean (East)
Compare Maryland
See how Maryland compares to other states in population, economy, and more.
Compare Maryland