The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the home of more than 6 million people within 50 cities and 301 towns, making it the country's third most densely populated state. Although the state has been one of the nation's leading manufacturing centers for more than 200 years, The Massachusetts of today is internationally famous for its prestigious higher education, health care, and high technology industries.

"The Baystate," is located in the center of New England, neighbored by New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Geographically, this state boasts a large coastline, a significant portion of the Connecticut River as well as mountains and valleys.

Fast Facts

• Population- 2006 estimate was 6,437,193 (the third most densely populated U.S. state) 
• Median age- 36.5 years
• Capitol- Boston
• Counties- 14
• Municipalities- 351
• Major Cities- (populations over 100,000) Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Brockton, and Cambridge
• Colleges and Universities- 122 accredited
• High School Graduates- 85.1 percent
• BA/BS degree or higher- 32.7 percent
• Government- Governor Deval Patrick; 40-member Senate; 160-member House of Representatives

 More Information

• State agency partners and state-wide resources
• Tax Incentives
• Official Commonwealth of Massachusetts website
• State demographics and data