Maryland Almanac: State Facts and Figures

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Maryland Almanac

Official Name

Maryland

Capital

Annapolis

Nick Name

Old Line State

Motto

Fatti Maschii Parole Femine (Strong Deeds, Gentle Words

Location & Region

38.97165 N, 076.50303 W

Middle Atlantic

Constitution Ratified

1867

Statehood

April 28, 1788

7th state

Population

5,296,486

541.84 sq mi.

19th

Largest City
(by population)

Baltimore, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Rockville, Hagerstown, Annapolis

Bordering States

Delaware - Pennsylvania - Virginia - West Virginia - Coastline: 31 mi.

Number of Counties

24 Counties in Maryland

Largest County
(by population)

Montgomery County

873,341

495 sq mi.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time

Maryland Climate and Weather

Maryland has four distinct seasons and its landscape varies from sea-level plain to low mountains, the weather is generally not that extreme. The state is prettiest in the spring, when the dogwoods and fruit trees are blooming, and in October, when the landscape glows with myriad shades of gold. At those times, weather is changeable, with warm temperatures (50-77 F/10-25 C). Summers can be quite warm, with average temperatures in the mid 80s F/29 C. Fairly high humidity (near 70 %) July-August can make for some uncomfortable touring, but sea breezes help keep coastal areas more comfortable, and cooler night temperatures give a break from the heat. The mountains in the western part of Maryland are generally cooler and wetter than elsewhere. Maryland does get snow most winters, with accumulations of 1-70 in/2.5-178 cm (the mountains get the most). A few attractions close during the winter months, but nearly all are open during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

Highest Temperature

109 degrees
July 10, 1936 - Cumberland and Frederick

Lowest Temperature

-40 degrees
January 13th, 1912 - Oakland

Avg Temp: High - Low

87.1 degrees

24.3 degrees

Maryland Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet)

Mean Elevation

350

Highest Point

Backbone Mountain

Lowest Point

Atlantic Ocean

Sea level

Maryland Land Area (Square Miles)

Geographic Center

Total Area

12,406.68

42nd

Land Area¹

9,773.82

Water Area²

2,632.86

21.21%

Forested Land Area³

42.9%

Dimensions
(Length - Width)

250 miles

90 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

Almanac Provided by SHG Resources