Facts about Rhode Island

Economy

Rhode Island's economy is built upon three powerful industries: Health services, tourism and manufacturing. Health services is the state's largest industry. Growing industries include electronics, plastics, metal products, instruments, chemicals, and boat building.

Tourism is Rhode Island's second largest industry, supporting 39,000 jobs and producing tourism-related sales which topped $3.26 billion in 2000. Manufacturing is the state's third largest industry. Rhode Island is a recognized producer of jewelry and boats, and is strong in electronics and ocean technologies. Information technology and financial services are growing industries in Rhode Island.

Geography

Area: 1,214 square miles
Greatest Distances : North to South - 48 miles; East to West - 37 miles
Elevation : Highest - Jerimoth Hill, Foster 812 feet; Lowest - Sea level along Atlantic coast.
Population : 1,048,319 (April 1, 2000)
Coastline : Over 400 miles
Climate : Avg. Jan. Temperature - 30°F; Avg. July Temperature - 72° F
Yearly Precipitation : 44 inches (avg.)

Government

The Rhode Island legislature, called the General Assembly, is bicameral, with a Senate and a House of Representatives whose members are apportioned on the basis of population. The Senate has 38 members with the Lt. Governor as the ex-officio presiding officer. The House of Representatives has 75 members and is presided over by the Speaker who is elected from the membership. Election to both houses is for a term of two years. The term of the Governor and general officers is four years.

Rhode Island has no county government. It is divided into 39 municipalities, each having its own form of local government.

Rhode Island's official name: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations