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Massachusetts Almanac: State Facts and Figures
Browse the state's symbols; state animal, state bird, state flower, state flag, state fossil, state insect, state motto, state seal, state tree, color, dance, fish, mammal, music, nut, reptile seal, and miscellaneous designations, emblems, and mascot of each state with pictures. Find origin of the state name. View the state almanacs, state timelines and peruse state facts and stats such as the capitol, location, and date admitted to the union.
Massachusetts Almanac
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| Official Name |
Massachusetts |
| Capital |
Boston |
| Nick Name |
Bay State, Old Colony State |
| Motto |
Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.) |
| Location & Region |
42.33602 N, 071.01789 W |
Northeast |
| Constitution Ratified |
1780 |
| Statehood |
February 06, 1788 |
6th state |
| Population |
6,349,097 |
601.5 sq mi. |
13th |
Largest City
(by population) |
Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Cambridge |
| Bordering States |
Connecticut - New Hampshire - New York - Rhode Island - Vermont Coastline: 192 mi. |
| Number of Counties |
14 Counties and 7 Geographical Census Areas |
Largest County
(by population) |
Middlesex County
No Form of County Government |
1,465,396 |
824 sq mi. |
| Time Zone |
Eastern Standard Time |
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Massacusetts Climate and Weather |
| Weather in Massachusetts is diverse and changeable. It can go from sunny to rainy (or, in winter, snowy) several times a week. Coastal areas usually have more moderate temperatures in summer and winter than the Berkshires in the west. Summer in Massachusetts is generally comfortable, though temperatures will climb above 90 F/32 C at least once each summer in all parts of the state. Cape Cod is kept cool by ocean breezes, though the mid 80s F/27-29 C are not unusual. In July, temperatures in central Massachusetts range 60-81 F/16-27 C, with some days above 90 F/32 C. Fall high temperatures can range from 60 to the low 70s F/15-22 C. Winter temperatures are moderately cold (11 to 29 F/-13 to -2 C, on average), with heavier snows in the west and central portions (60-80 in/152-203 cm) and less on the Cape. |
| Highest Temperature |
107 degrees
August 7, 1975 - Chester and New Bedford |
| Lowest Temperature |
-35 degrees
January 12, 1981 - Chester |
| Avg Temp: High - Low |
81.8 degrees |
15.6 degrees |
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Massachusetts Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet) |
| Mean Elevation |
500 |
| Highest Point |
Mt. Greylock |
3,487 |
| Lowest Point |
Atlantic Ocean |
Sea level |
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Massachusetts Land Area (Square Miles) |
| Geographic Center |
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| Total Area |
10,554.57 |
44th |
| Land Area1 |
7,840.02 |
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| Water Area2 |
2,714.55 |
25.71% |
| Forested Land Area3 |
65.1% |
Dimensions
(Length - Width) |
190 miles |
50 miles |
Source: (U.S. Census, April 1, 2000)
1. Dry land and land temporarily or partially covered by water, such as marshland, swamps, etc.; streams and canals under one-eighth statute mile wide; and lakes, reservoirs, and ponds under 40 acres.
2. Permanent inland water surface, such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds having an area of 40 acres or more; streams, sloughs, estuaries, and canals one-eighth statute mile or more in width; deeply indented embayments and sounds, and other coastal waters behind or sheltered by headlands or islands separated by less than 1 nautical mile of water, and islands under 40 acres in area. Excludes areas of oceans, bays, sounds, etc. lying within U.S. jurisdiction but not defined as inland water.
3. 1997 |
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Almanac Provided by SHG Resources |
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