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New Hampshire,
General Information
Nickname: Granite State
State bird: Purple Finch
State flower: Purple Lilac
Capital: Concord
Date of admission to the Union: June 21 1788 (original 13 States; date of ratification of the Constitution)
Population: 1,299,500 (official estimate 2004)
Population density: 53.7 per sq km
2003 total overseas arrivals/US ranking: 90,000/28
Time: Eastern (GMT - 5). Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The State: New Hampshire is noted for its scenic beauty, from Mount Washington in the northern White Mountains to the ocean beaches near Hampton. The Cog Railway ride to the top of Mount Washington affords panoramic views of Canada and the neighbouring States. The Mount Washington Observatory has played an important part in recording and researching weather for more than 50 years, and at the new Weather Discovery Center in North Conway, visitors can use hands-on, interactive exhibits to learn about the weather and its effects. More adventurous visitors can climb to the top along Tuckerman Ravine Trail. At the summit, there is a museum, information centre and a snack bar where visitors can sit down and rest their weary feet. Franconia Notch State Park, a dramatic 13km (8 mile) gorge nearby, is one of New England’s most acclaimed beauty spots. It was formed by glacial movements that began during an ice age 400 million years ago. Franconia is best known for the ‘Old Man of the Mountain’, a huge human profile formed by five ledges of stone. The Basin Waterfall is another of the park’s most popular attractions. Major ski resorts in Franconia include Cannon Mountain, Loon Mountain and Waterville Valley. New Hampshire also attracts visitors for its tax-free outlet shopping. In North Conway, most major clothing labels can be snapped up for a fraction of the normal price at one of the many factory outlet shops. The town of Laconia, between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, is another popular tourist destination.
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