What Is the Capital of Massachusetts?

What Is the Capital of Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, which borders the Atlantic Ocean and the states of Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Rhode Island. It was named after the Massachusett people, who inhabited the area in the past. It is the most populous state in the New England area, with a population of about 6.8 million people. The capital and the most populous city in Massachusetts and the larger New England region is Boston. The majority of the population (80%) lives in the Greater Boston Metropolitan area. Boston, together with the other cities in Massachusetts, has played a major commercial and cultural role in the history of the US.

Boston

Boston is the seat of Suffolk County and the capital of Massachusetts. The area covered by Boston is about 48 square miles, and it has a population of about 673,000, the highest in the New England region, and one of the most populous cities in the US. The Greater Boston area has a population of about 4.8 million residents, making it the 10th largest metropolitan area in the US. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US, founded in 1630 by the Puritans. It was a strategic city for several key events of the American Revolution, such as the Siege of Boston and the Boston Massacre. Boston is not only an economic and cultural base, but also an international center for education. Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the US, characterized by its high cost of living.

Geography and Climate

Boston covers an area of approximately 89 square miles, including land (48 square miles) and water (41 square miles). The city sits 19 feet above sea level, with its highest point being Bellevue Hill at 330 feet, and the lowest point being sea level. Boston is situated onshore of the Atlantic Ocean, making it the only state capital in the contiguous US with oceanic shoreline. The city experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm to hot summers and cold or rainy winters. July is Boston’s hottest month, with temperatures rising to 23 degrees Celsius, while January is the coldest month, with temperatures as low as -1.70 degrees Celsius.

Economy

Boston is a global city, ranking among the most economically powerful cities not only in the US, but in the world. The Greater Boston Area is among the top ten largest economies in the US and top 15 in the world, encompassing over $360 billion. The region’s economy is boosted by the colleges and universities in Boston. The city attracts over 350,000 students from around the world who contribute about $5 billion to the economy of Boston annually. These institutions are also major employers and centers for innovation. Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Boston, with over 20 million domestic and international visitors spending billions of the US dollars each year. Boston is also a financial center, with financial services such as mutual funds and insurance playing an important role in the city.

Government and Politics

Boston has a council government system headed by a mayor elected every four years. The mayor has executive powers. The Boston City Council, elected every two years, is made up of 9 district seats and 4 citywide seats. Several commissions and state authorities function alongside the city government. Boston also has several federal facilities, including federal buildings, post office, banks, and courts. As the capital of Massachusetts, Boston plays a significant role in the politics of the state.