U.S. state
MassachusettsOfficially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.It borders the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Maine to its east
Connecticut and Rhode Island to its south
New Hampshire and Vermont to its north
And New York to its west.Massachusetts is the sixth-smallest state by land area; with over seven million residents
It is the most populous state in New England
The 16th-most-populous in the country
And the third-most densely populated
After New Jersey and Rhode Island.The state's capital and most populous city
As well as its cultural and financial center
Is Boston.Other major cities are Worcester
Springfield and Cambridge.Massachusetts is also home to the urban core of Greater Boston
The largest metropolitan area in New England and a region profoundly influential upon American history
Academia
And the research economy.Originally dependent on agriculture
- Fishing
- And trade
Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution.During the 20th century
The state's economy shifted from manufacturing to services
And in the 21st century it is a global leader in biotechnology