Where Are the New England States? The Six-State Region

New England is the northeasternmost U.S. region, comprising six states:

1. Maine (ME) – northernmost, largest (35,385 sq mi), coastline 3,478 mi.
2. Vermont (VT) – only landlocked, Green Mountains, maple syrup.
3. New Hampshire (NH) – White Mountains, "Live Free or Die," first primary.
4. Massachusetts (MA) – most populous (7M), Boston, Cape Cod, Revolution birthplace.
5. Rhode Island (RI) – smallest (1,214 sq mi), longest official name ("State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" until 2020).
6. Connecticut (CT) – southernmost, NYC commuter corridor, insurance capital (Hartford).

Boundaries

• North: Quebec, New Brunswick (Canada).
• East: Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Maine).
• South: Long Island Sound (separates CT/RI from NY).
• West: New York State.

Regional Identity

• Town meeting governance (strong in VT, NH, ME).
• Maritime heritage (whaling, fishing, shipbuilding).
• Education density (Harvard, Yale, MIT, Dartmouth, Brown, 100+ colleges).
• Distinct seasons—brilliant autumn foliage drives major tourism.

Six states, one corner of the map, outsized historical weight.