Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state located in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Maine to the east, Connecticut and Rhode Island to the south, New Hampshire and Vermont to the north, and New York to the west. Massachusetts is the seventh-smallest state by land area. The capital and largest city is Boston, which was founded in 1630. The state's nickname is "The Bay State," a reference to the numerous bays that shape its coastline.
Known for its rich history, Massachusetts was one of the original thirteen colonies and played a significant role in the American Revolution. Key attractions include historical landmarks like Fenway Park, Boston Common, and the Freedom Trail. The state is also a center for education, boasting prestigious universities such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Recent developments include efforts to address a housing shortage by exploring single-stair apartment buildings and other zoning reforms. In 2024, the tourism industry generated $24.2 billion in direct spending, supporting over 155,000 jobs. However, recent data indicates that Massachusetts' economy is lagging behind competitor states, with more residents moving out of the Commonwealth due to the high cost of living.
