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Bordered by Canada to the north, New Hampshire to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Maine is the largest and most northern New England state. Unique geography, from mountain ranges to islands to plateaus, and a northern location define Maine’s distinct seasons and varied climate.
Maine’s extreme geographic location dictates a vast range in temperatures, with very cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Average temperatures in January range from 0 to 20 degrees F (-18 to -7 c) in the north to 10 to 30 degrees F (-12 to -1 c) in the south, while average July temperatures vary from 54 to 78 degrees F (12 to 26 c) statewide. Average annual precipitation ranges from 40 to 45 inches (102 to 114 cm) statewide. Average snowfall, however, varies drastically from as little as 50 to 70 inches (127 to 178 cm) near the coast to 90 to 110 inches (229 to 279 cm) inland, falling mostly between November and March.
Maine covers 35,387 square miles (91,652 sq km), with over 12% of its area covered by water. The state is heavily forested, with estimates ranging as high as 97%. Three distinct geographic areas dominate Maine: the coastal lowlands, the eastern plateau and the White Mountains. The coastal lowlands are characterized by beaches and hundreds of islands. The eastern plateau forms the interior of Maine where rivers, lakes and fertile farmland are found. The White Mountains are a dramatic range of snowy peaks located in the northwest area of the state.
These geographic differences lead to great variation in elevation. Mt. Katahdin, situated in the White Mountain range, is Maine’s highest point at 5,276 feet (1,608 m). Maine’s lowest point is sea level. The average elevation is 600 feet (183 m).
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Maine has a population of 1,274,923, the smallest east of the Mississippi and one of the sparsest in the nation. Its largest cities are: Portland, with over 60,000 residents; Lewiston, with over 36,000 residents; and Bangor, with a population of almost 33,000.
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