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Maine became the 23^rd state on March 15^th, 1820. Maine is often referred to as the Pine Tree state in a tribute to the many pine forests in the state.

Origin of state's name: The word Maine comes from the word main, as in main land. It is thought to be a reference to the state being a mainland to the many islands adjacent to the state in the North Atlantic.

Population

The population of the sate is in excess of 1.2 million people based on the census of 2000.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Maine Department of the Secretary of state's website under the Bureau of Motor Vehicles section.

http://www.state.me.us/sos/bmv/

Capital city: The capital city of Maine is Augusta and the state is adjacent to only one other state, New Hampshire. The state has approximately 240 miles of coast line on the North Atlantic.

Economy: Maine is famous for its seafood especially Lobster and fishing contributes a large part to the economy as does blueberry production, cattle, dairy poultry and eggs. Lumbar and wood production is also a big driver of the economy as is paper production and food processing.

State Bird: The state bird is the Chickadee or Black Cap Titmouse and this is also the sate bird of Massachusetts. This bird is robust, restless and very industrious.

State Flower: The state flower is the White Pine Cone and Tassel or "Pinus Strobus Linnaeus". This flower has a characteristic fragrant gummy resin.

State Song: The state song is "State Of Maine Song" by R. Vinton Snow which sings of the pine cones and the sea water of the Atlantic.

State Motto: The sate motto is "I lead"

Maine – Interesting Facts

• Maine is well known for having some of the most beautiful and most abundant national parks as he state has an abundance of forests.
• Maine is famous for its lighthouses which are dotted along the coat and used to guide in weary sailors ships.
• The state is the most east of all other states and it is thought that the first ray of light to hit the US in the mornings shines in Maine.
• The state insect is the honeybee
• Former President George Bush has a summer home in Kennebunkport which was the place of many high powered meetings during his term of office.

Maine – Famous People

Maine has many famous inhabitants and is the where may famous people were born. This includes actors, athletes, artists, authors, politicians and entertainers. John Ford the film director and Stephen King the author of many a fine horror story are two such famous people as is Margaret C Smith the politician.