DEMOGRAPHICS

Climate

In spite of New England’s reputation for a rugged climate, the weather in Connecticut tends to be relatively mild. According to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, the average annual temperature in Connecticut is a temperate 48.5 degrees. Four distinct and picturesque seasons grace the state, bringing a kaleidoscope of change from spring flowers to autumn’s brilliant hues. The average temperature in the summer is a pleasing 70 degrees. Even the variable readings rarely rise above 90 degrees during the warmer summer months.

Economy

With a flourishing economy and a well-educated population, it is not surprising that the Nutmeg State consistently maintains national leadership in the area of per-capita income. The rich resources for training and development have allowed local businesses to take root, diversify, and achieve national recognition. Expanding from traditional agricultural and manufacturing activities, the economic base has grown increasingly stronger and more diverse.

In high-growth centers such as the Gold Coast in Fairfield County, the number of corporate headquarters and Fortune 1000 companies continues to rise. The capital city of Hartford stands as a powerhouse of financial and insurance activity. Cities like New Haven, New London, and Groton are known as bustling maritime and defense centers. Joining the state’s tradition of skilled workers and craftsmen is a highly trained corps of engineers, researchers, and computer analysts who ensure Connecticut’s enviable place at the forefront of industrial development and technology.

In recent years, Connecticut’s successful cluster-based development initiative has nurtured key industries and further fueled the state’s economy. Blending the expertise and market knowledge of local businesses with government and education resources, these clusters can prepare their members to better face the challenges created within the global marketplace. Important industry clusters in Connecticut include bioscience, tourism, aerospace, information technology and software, metal manufacturing, plastics, maritime, insurance and financial services, and agricultural.

More than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies call Connecticut home, while many more leading corporations are headquartered in the state. The total number of businesses has been estimated as high as 200,000. The following list of major employers provides a glimpse of the very largest of the service and industrial companies that maintain Connecticut headquarters.

Connecticut at a Glance

Population                   3,510,297

Total Area                    5,544 square miles

Land Area                    4,845 square miles

Water Area                  698 square miles

Highest Point               Mt. Frissell at 2380 feet

Lowest Point                Long Island Sound at sea level

Topography                 Western upland, the Berkshires, in the Northwest; narrrow                                                            central lowlands; hilly eastern upland.

Border States               Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island

Capital City                  Hartford

Largest Cities               Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury,                                                     Norwalk, Danbury, New Britain, West Hartford,Greenwich

Agriculture                   Nursery stock, eggs, dairy products, cattle.

Industry                        Transportation equipment, machinery, electric equipment,                                                             fabricated metal products, chemical products, scientific instruments.

Area Codes                  203, 860

Statehood                    January 9, 1788

State Bird                    Robin

State Flower                Mountain Laurel

State Song                   Yankee Doodle

State Tree                    White Oak

State Motto                  Qui transtulit sustinet (He who transplanted still sustains)