New Hampshire at a Glance: Facts, Symbols & Superlatives
Tucked into New England's heart, New Hampshire packs outsized character into a small footprint. Here's a curated profile of the Granite State.
Vital Statistics
- Rank by Size: 5th smallest U.S. state (9,349 sq mi)
- Borders: Maine (E), Massachusetts (S), Vermont (W), Quebec/Canada (N)
- Capital: Concord
- Largest City: Manchester
- Motto: "Live Free or Die" (adopted 1945, from General John Stark's 1809 toast)
State Symbols
| Category | Symbol |
|---|
| Flower | Purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) |
| Tree | White Birch (Betula papyrifera) |
| Bird | Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) |
| Animal | White-tailed Deer |
| Insect | Ladybug (Ladybird Beetle) |
| Mineral | Beryl |
| Song | "Old New Hampshire" |
| Sport | Skiing |
What Makes NH Unique
- First-in-the-Nation Primary: Since 1920, NH's presidential primary kicks off the election cycle.
- No Sales or Income Tax: One of few states with neither—revenue comes from property, business, and "sin" taxes.
- White Mountains & Mt. Washington: Highest peak in Northeast (6,288 ft), home to "world's worst weather."
- Lakes Region: 273+ lakes, including Lake Winnipesaukee (72 sq mi).
- Covered Bridges: 60+ historic bridges, many still in use.
- First American in Space: Derry native Alan Shepard (1961).
From its fiercely independent motto to its ski slopes and autumn foliage, New Hampshire blends rural charm with outsized political influence.
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