Massachusetts, a populous state with a land mass that crosses the breadth of the region, offers all the bodily delights and interesting features that are typical of New England. In terms of the outdoors, the state extends from the heavily forested Berkshire Mountains in the west to the delicate beaches and massive bluffs of Cape Cod to the east. Outdoor activities encompass everything from hiking and skiing to white water rafting in the Berkshires to strolling the downtown streets and ethnic enclaves of historic Boston. With all of these exciting features, it's no wonder so many people are moving to Massachusetts.

Origin of State's: Massachusetts comes from the language of the Algonquian Indians of the Massachusetts Bay area, and is translated roughly as "at or about the great hill."

Capital City: Boston prides itself on being one of the "most livable cities" in America. Twenty-one diverse neighborhoods offer more than 600,000 residents the opportunity to taste, touch and experience life to its fullest. Neighbors benefit from outstanding medical facilities, vibrant neighborhood business districts and a solid network of parks, community centers and libraries.

Population: The state population is approximately 6.4 million.

Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Agriculture and Industry: Major agriculture includes seafood, nursery stock, dairy products, cranberries and vegetables; Machinery, electric equipment, scientific instruments, printing and publishing, tourism are the state's leading industries.

State Bird: The black-capped chickadee was designated the state bird of Massachusetts in 1941. A minuscule, cheerfully sociable bird, the energetic black-capped chickadee does not migrate, allowing residents to enjoy them all year long.

Tree: Massachusetts designated the American elm as the official state tree in 1941, commemorating the fact that General George Washington took command of the Continental Army beneath an American elm on Cambridge Common in 1775.

State Flower: The fragrant, delicate mayflower has been on the endangered list since 1925; Massachusetts adopted the mayflower as the official flower of the Commonwealth in 1918.

State Song: Written by Arthur J. Marsh, "All Hail to Massachusetts" is the official state song.