Submitted by Naomi M on Mon, 10/01/2007 - 05:58.
Maine State Overview
Capital: Augusta
Estimated 2004 population: 1,317,253
Change from 2000: +42,330
2004 housing units: 676,667
Housing units change from 2000-2004: +23,381
Top Maine Cities
Augusta | Auburn | Bangor | Bar Harbor | Biddeford | Brunswick | Calais | Dover-Foxcroft | East Millinocket | Kittery | Houlton | Lewiston | Madison | Madawaska | Portland | Rumford | Sanford | Waterville
Maine Economy
In the 1980s, however, Maine successfully transformed a major portion of its economy into trade, service, and finance industries, the greatest growth occurring in and around Portland. Picturesque coastal and island resorts and the promise of tranquil outdoor life hold a strong appeal for tourists, recreational and seasonal visitors, and, increasingly, retirees.
Many of Maine's traditional economic activities have experienced difficult times in recent years. Fishing, the state's earliest industry, has declined considerably, although lobsters are still caught in abundance. Lumbering—the first sawmill in America was built in 1623 on the Piscataqua River—dominated industry and the export trade from the days when the white pines provided masts for the British navy, but with the big trees largely exhausted, Maine loggers now produce chiefly pulp for papermaking.
Manufacturing is still the largest sector in the state's economy. Maine is a leading producer of paper and wood products, which are the most valuable of all manufactures in the state. Food products and transportation equipment are also important, but production of leather goods (especially shoes) has declined. The mineral wealth of the state is considerable. Many varieties of granite, including some superior ornamental types, have been used for construction throughout the nation. Sand and gravel, zinc, and peat are found in addition to stone. However, much of Maine's abundant natural and industrial resources remain undeveloped.
Top Maine Attractions
Monhegan Island, Monhegan
Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor
Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel
Moosehead Lake, Greenville
Maine Lighthouse Museum, Rockland
L.L. Bean Factory Store, Freeport
Sugarloaf Mountain, Kingfield
Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor
Old Port, Portland
Portland Museum of Art, Portland
Estimated 2004 population: 1,317,253
Change from 2000: +42,330
2004 housing units: 676,667
Housing units change from 2000-2004: +23,381
Top Maine Cities
Augusta | Auburn | Bangor | Bar Harbor | Biddeford | Brunswick | Calais | Dover-Foxcroft | East Millinocket | Kittery | Houlton | Lewiston | Madison | Madawaska | Portland | Rumford | Sanford | Waterville
Maine Economy
In the 1980s, however, Maine successfully transformed a major portion of its economy into trade, service, and finance industries, the greatest growth occurring in and around Portland. Picturesque coastal and island resorts and the promise of tranquil outdoor life hold a strong appeal for tourists, recreational and seasonal visitors, and, increasingly, retirees.
Many of Maine's traditional economic activities have experienced difficult times in recent years. Fishing, the state's earliest industry, has declined considerably, although lobsters are still caught in abundance. Lumbering—the first sawmill in America was built in 1623 on the Piscataqua River—dominated industry and the export trade from the days when the white pines provided masts for the British navy, but with the big trees largely exhausted, Maine loggers now produce chiefly pulp for papermaking.
Manufacturing is still the largest sector in the state's economy. Maine is a leading producer of paper and wood products, which are the most valuable of all manufactures in the state. Food products and transportation equipment are also important, but production of leather goods (especially shoes) has declined. The mineral wealth of the state is considerable. Many varieties of granite, including some superior ornamental types, have been used for construction throughout the nation. Sand and gravel, zinc, and peat are found in addition to stone. However, much of Maine's abundant natural and industrial resources remain undeveloped.
Top Maine Attractions
Monhegan Island, Monhegan
Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor
Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel
Moosehead Lake, Greenville
Maine Lighthouse Museum, Rockland
L.L. Bean Factory Store, Freeport
Sugarloaf Mountain, Kingfield
Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor
Old Port, Portland
Portland Museum of Art, Portland
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