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Rhode Island [ro u da in ʹlənd], abbreviated RI, state
of the United States; 4,000 km2 (of which land area 2 700 km2),
1.1 million inhabitants (2018).Rhode Island, located on the Atlantic coast, is
one of the six New England states and the United States smallest state. In the
southern part of the state lies the island of Rhode Island; 117 km2. The
capital of the state is Providence.
Rhode Island. State Map.
Nature
Rhode Island is mostly flat or hilly and the highest point, Jerimoth Hill in
the northwest, reaches 247 meters above sea level. The eastern part of Rhode
Island is flatter. The coast to the south has marsh areas, beach tracks and
lagoons, while the east coast is lined with numerous islands. The entire state
has been covered by inland ice, and moraine and glacial deposits are common.
The state has a humid climate type with an annual rainfall of about 1,000
mm. In Providence in the Northeast, the average temperature in January is -1 °C
and July 22 ° C.
Population
After New Jersey, Rhode Island is the most densely populated state in the
United States. About 90 percent of the residents live in Providence's
metropolitan area. The population is predominantly white and of mixed European
origin.
Business
The service sector and manufacturing industry dominate Rhode Island's
business sector. Agriculture, which focuses on products for the neighboring
towns, plays an important role, as does fishing. The state, which was of great
importance to industrial development in the United States, has an extensive and
increasingly versatile manufacturing industry with production of, for example,
metal products, machinery and electronic products. The textile and clothing
industry is still important, but Rhode Island is best known for its production
of jewelery and silverware. Health and medical care as well as tourism are
important cornerstones in today's business world. Trade and shipping have always
played a role; There are many good ports around the Narragansett Bay, such as
Providence and the Newport Sailing Center.
Tourism and gastronomy
Tourism is one of Rhode Island's biggest sources of income. The main
destination is Newport, especially for sailing and boating enthusiasts. The city
also has a culturally historically interesting settlement with both houses from
the 18th century and many manor-like summer houses built around 1900 for famous
New York millionaires. There is also the oldest synagogue in the United States
from 1763. For religious historical interest, the country's oldest Baptist
church is also in the capital Providence, which is also a popular destination.
Rhode Island. The Slater Mill factory in Pawtucket
from the 1790s is of great industrial historical interest and can be counted as
the origin of the industrial revolution throughout the United States.
The tradition of the original primitive conditions during the early colonial
period lives on. The long cook, who cared for herself so that the women could
participate in the rest of the work, is still in the boiled dinners that
are still served; the remains turn into flannel hash. Seafood has
always been important, and the recipes for clam chowder (milky mussel
soup) are countless. Also steamed clams (cooked mussels) are a common
dish, as is haddock sauté (browned breaded haddock baked in oven with
vinegar). The inspiration from the Native American diet is evident in dishes
like baked squash(small squash or pumpkin plants baked in glow and
served with butter) or the cornmeal-prepared ginger and molasses or syrup
dripping dessert indian pubbing.
History
The Massachusetts Bay-driven Roger Williams founded 1636 Providence as a
residence for religious freedom and separation between church and state; similar
non-Puritan principles were founded in 1638 Portsmouth, 1639 Newport and 1643
Warwick. These four colonies formed a covenant, which in 1663 had its colonial
constitution approved by England. Rhode Island was the driving force in the
wrestling with England in 1776 but in 1790 ratified the new constitution with
great doubt.
The economy was dominated by agriculture and trade, but a textile industry
developed early. During the 20th century this has declined and the industry has
diversified. Politically, Republicans dominated 1865-1930, after which the
Democrats were leaders.
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