Maine: Fast Facts

Capital: Augusta

Largest city: Portland

Nickname(s): The Pine Tree State

Origin of state's name: Unknown, but possibly named after the French province of Maine or in reference to the mainland

State abbreviation / Postal code: ME

Major airport(s): Portland International Jetport (PWM), Bangor International Airport (BGR)

Location: Northeastern US (New England), bordered to the north by the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, to the east and south by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west by New Hampshire

Highest point: Mount Katahdin (5268 ft.), also the start of the Appalachian Trail

Lowest point: Sea level along the Atlantic Ocean

Climate: Humid continental with mild summers and cold, snowy winters

Time zone: EST (GMT -5)

Area code(s): 207

Flag: A blue field centered with the state coat of arms / seal consisting of a shield with a moose resting under a pine tree, depicting a farmer and a seaman on either side, and a star above representing the North Star and the motto "Dirigo" ("I direct")

Admitted to the Union: March 15, 1820 (23rd)

Geographical note: Easternmost state; the city of Eastport is the easternmost city in the US