For being such a small state, the ninth smallest, Maryland has a diverse landscape. The land ranges from swampy flatlands in the east to forested mountains and steep valleys in the west. The Chesapeake Bay dominates the state. The Chesapeake is an estuary, a place where freshwater meets saltwater. Many birds of all kinds make their home along the bay and in the swamps. Three main regions cover Maryland. The Atlantic Coastal Plain, which includes the eastern and southern parts of the state, has sandy soils along the coast and swamps inland. Farther west and north lies the Piedmont. This area has rolling hills and fertile soils, where most of the farming is done. The westernmost area is the Appalachian region. The highest mountains in the state can be found there, as well as most of the forests.
Most Marylanders used to be involved in farming. Today, farms provide only a small part of the state's income. Chicken and corn are the main farm products. Many Marylanders are employed in service jobs, such as working for the government. Many who work in Washington, D.C., live in Maryland, and several federal agencies are centered in the state. Manufacturing food products and chemicals is another source of income. Drinks, baked goods, and sweets are some of the goods made in Maryland. Stone, sand, and gravel are used to make cement and concrete for buildings and roads. Coal is also mined and used to generate electricity. Marylanders take advantage of the miles of coastline for gathering crabs, oysters, and other seafood.
5,618,344
Capital:
State Abbreviation: MD
Governor: Martin O'Malley (Democrat)
U.S. Senators: 2
Barbara Mikulski (Democrat)
Ben Cardin (Democrat)
U.S. Representatives: 8
Republicans: 6
Democrats 2
State Senators: 47
State Representatives: 141
Counties: 23