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Rhode Island, officially the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area and the seventh least populous, but it is also the second most densely populated. Rhode Island is bordered by Connecticut to the west, Massachusetts to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south via Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound. It shares a small maritime border with New York.

Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams in 1636, who had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his advocacy of religious tolerance and the separation of church and state. Rhode Island played an important role in the American Revolution and was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce its allegiance to the British Crown. It was also the last of the newly independent states to ratify the United States Constitution on May 29, 1790, becoming the 13th state to join the union.

Providence, the state's capital and most populous city, was founded in 1636 by Williams. Other important cities include Warwick and Newport. With its miles of coastline, Rhode Island's economy is tied to the sea. Fishing and seafood industries have been important throughout the state's history, and today tourism is also vitally important with notable destinations including Block Island, Newport, and Narragansett Bay.

History

Native Americans inhabited Rhode Island for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. Major tribes included the Narragansett and Wampanoag peoples. European colonization began in 1636 when Roger Williams established Providence Plantations after being exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams promoted religious freedom and tolerance, separating church and state in the colony. In 1663, the colony was granted a Royal Charter by King Charles II of England and was unified with the settlements of Newport and Portsmouth to form the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. It was an early advocate for independence from Great Britain, and was a leader in declaring independence during the American Revolution.

Rhode Island's tradition of independence and dissent gave it a prominent role during the American Revolution. Anti-Federalist supporters led by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson against ratification of the United States Constitution carried the day in Rhode Island elections, and the state resisted ratifying the Constitution until the efforts of Rhode Island Federalists, led by John Brown of Providence and Benjamin Bourne of Bristol, persuaded voters to ratify the Constitution by the narrow margin of two votes on May 29, 1790. Rhode Island was heavily involved in the slave trade during the post-Revolution era, and Providence was considered the "capital of the slave-trade" at the time. Rhode Island was also embroiled in the Dorr Rebellion, one of the last armed attempts to exert states' rights in response to the ratification of the US Constitution.

For more on the history of Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island page on Wikipedia.

Geography and Climate

Rhode Island covers an area of 1,214 square miles making it the smallest U.S. state. Despite its small size, Rhode Island has a diverse topography ranging from the forests of the Western upland to the salt marshes of the coast to the islands of Narragansett Bay. The highest natural point in the state is Jerimoth Hill at 812 feet. Rhode Island is nicknamed the "Ocean State" due to its bays, inlets, and harbors along about 400 miles of coastline. Major bodies of water include Narragansett Bay, Providence River, and the Block Island Sound. Rhode Island has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.

Demographics

Rhode Island has a population of 1,097,379 as of 2022 estimates. The state's most populous city is the capital, Providence, with an estimated 179,325 residents. Other major cities include Warwick (82,672), Cranston (84,050), and Pawtucket (72,958). The largest county by population is Providence County with around 636,000 residents.

82.6% of Rhode Island's population identified as White, 6.9% Black or African American, 15.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.4% Asian. 7.9% of Rhode Islanders were foreign-born as of 2019. The top countries of origin for immigrants were the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Portugal, Colombia, and Brazil.

Government

Rhode Island's state government is composed of an executive, legislative, and judicial branch. The Governor serves as the state's chief executive. The Rhode Island General Assembly consists of the 75-member House of Representatives and 38-member Senate. The Rhode Island judiciary is headed by the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

The state is divided into 5 counties. Rhode Island's two U.S. Senators are Jack Reed (D) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D). The state has two U.S. House congressional districts and its representatives are David Cicilline (D-1st District) and James Langevin (D-2nd District).

For more on the government of Rhode Island, visit the official state government website.

Economy

Rhode Island has a diverse economy with major industries in manufacturing, finance, transportation, biotechnology and media. As of 2022, the state's GDP was over $65 billion. Per capita income was $47,653 and median household income was $70,305. The sales tax rate in Rhode Island is 7%.

Major private employers include CVS Health, General Dynamics, Citizens Financial Group and Amgen. The US federal government, Rhode Island's top employer, has major presences at the Naval War College and US Naval Station Newport. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2022.

For more on the Rhode Island economy and business environment, visit the website of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.

Education

Rhode Island is home to several institutions of higher education including Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, Bryant University, Johnson & Wales University, the University of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island College.

The Rhode Island public school system includes elementary, middle, and high schools organized at district and municipal levels. There are 19 K-12 school districts in the state. The largest is Providence Public School District followed by Warwick Public Schools. Other major districts include Cranston Public Schools, Pawtucket School Department, Woonsocket Education Department, and East Providence School District.

For more on public education in Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Department of Education website.

Tourism

Tourism is a major sector of Rhode Island's economy, taking advantage of its coastal location and famous landmarks. Popular tourist activities include sailing, kayaking, fishing, dining, and exploring the state's historic cities. Major destinations include:

• Newport - Known for its Gilded Age mansions, yachting scene, cliff walk, and events like the Newport Folk Festival.
• Block Island - An island 12 miles off Rhode Island famous for its lighthouses, bluffs, and beaches.
• Providence - The state capital known for its restaurants, museums, and architectural landmarks.
• Narragansett and Misquamicut - Popular beach towns.
• Watch Hill - Historic New England village with a lighthouse and beaches.

For more on visiting Rhode Island, check out the official tourism website.

Culture

Rhode Island has a long history and distinct culture defined by its colonial past, industrialization, immigration, and seafaring traditions. Culturally distinct regions include the Narragansett Bay, Blackstone River Valley, and South County. Rhode Island cuisine is diverse and includes clam cakes, pizza strips, coffee milk, doughboys, seafood, and Italian dishes.

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra is the state's premier orchestra. Prominent museums include the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, the Newport Art Museum, and the Museum of Work and Culture. Major events include the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals and the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Sports

There are no major professional sports teams in Rhode Island, but the state is home to several minor league teams. The Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, play at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. The Providence Bruins are the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins and play at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The Rhode Island Reds were a pro hockey team that played in the AHL until 1977. The Providence Grays won baseball's first World Series in 1884.

The University of Rhode Island and Providence College field NCAA Division I athletic teams. Horse racing events and venues include Narragansett Park and Newport Jai Alai and Casino.

For more on sports in Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Sports Commission website.

Major Landmarks

Some of the most famous landmarks in Rhode Island include:

• The Breakers - A Vanderbilt mansion in Newport at 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840. Phone: (401) 847-1000
• Cliff Walk - A 3.5 mile scenic trail along Newport cliffs overlooking the shoreline. Extends from Memorial Boulevard near Easton's Beach to Bailey's Beach.
• Providence Athenaeum - A library and cultural center at 251 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: (401) 421-6970

Here is an embedded Google Map showing the location of some major Rhode Island landmarks:

Counties

Rhode Island contains 5 counties:

• Bristol County
• Kent County
• Newport County
• Providence County
• Washington County

Rhode Island is not divided into separate townships. The entirety of the state is divided into counties and municipalities. Providence County, in the northeastern section of the state, is the most populous county with around 636,000 residents. The county seat is Providence.

For more information on Providence County, visit the Providence County Court website at 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: (401) 222-3250.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources and institutions in Rhode Island:

• Rhode Island Public Libraries - The Office of Library and Information Services oversees Rhode Island's libraries.
• Rhode Island Housing - State housing agency that provides loans and housing assistance.
• Rhode Island Department of Health - Public health programs and health regulations.
• Gateway Healthcare - Network of community health centers.
• Department of Labor and Training - State agency for workforce development and unemployment insurance.

Top 10 Most Populous Cities in Rhode Island

1. Providence

2. Warwick

3. Cranston

4. Pawtucket

5. East Providence

6. Woonsocket

7. Coventry

8. Cumberland

9. North Providence

10. South Kingstown