Massachusetts, like Virginia, is actually known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its proper name is reflective of its deep colonial roots-Massachusetts was chartered as a colony in 1620, with the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, and became a state in 1788 along with the thirteen other original colonies-and its storied place in U.S. history and politics is well-known to all Americans. From the Boston Tea Party to the Abolitionist Movement to the Kennedies to legalized same-sex marriage, Massachusetts has long been a home to a diverse and civic-minded populace and a progressive influence on America.

Massachusetts has more than strong civic spirit and rich history going for it. With almost 6.5 million people, it is the most populous state in New England, and it has the largest economy in the region. With a per capita personal income of just over $42,000, Massachusetts is the second wealthiest state in the nation, behind only its New England neighbor, Connecticut. The Massachusetts economy thrives on industries such as higher education, healthcare, financial services, publishing, printing, high technology and tourism. As well, it has a full agricultural sector, producing sea food, cranberries, tobacco, vegetables and dairy products. Massachusetts, like other New England states, has an unemployment rate that is below the national average.

Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, serves as a population and culture center for New England, and it is an educational Mecca for the entire world. The city of Boston, alone, is home to the following nationally and internationally renowned institutions: Berkelee College of Music; the Boston Conservatory; Boston University; Emerson College; Harvard University (Business and Medical Schools); and Tufts. In the suburbs and bedroom communities around Boston students can choose from Bentley College, Boston College, Brandeis University; Harvard University (Main Campus); Radcliffe College; Tufts University; and Wellesley College. Other elite institutions within the state include Amherst College; Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College; and Newbury College. In addition, Massachusetts has an extensive and well-respected state higher education system and many two-year colleges.

As with its political history, Massachusetts’ athletic history is long and storied. In hockey, Massachusetts fields the Boston Bruins, which have won five Stanley Cup trophies. People may have become accustomed to thinking of the Boston Red Sox as a losing baseball team, but the franchise has actually won six World Series. The Boston Celtics have won 16 NBA Championships and the New England Patriots have won three Superbowls. For those who prefer to participate in sports, Massachusetts offers the famously grueling Boston Marathon, sailing, yachting, sport fishing and hiking along the Appalachian Trail.