The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (pop: 6,398,743) in New England is a small but densely populated state. With a population approaching 6.5 million in a relatively small area, it is largely urban and suburban in its eastern half, and still primarily rural in the west.

Massachusetts' legendary colleges and universities, as well as being home to many technology companies, is driving continued growth. The state is also considered a haven for progressive, liberal thought and commonly sends political candidates to the national scene.

Massachusetts is known as the Bay State because of the several large bays that give its coastline its distinctive shape. Boston is the largest city and state capital and is located on Massachusetts Bay at the mouth of the Charles River. Most of the population of the Boston metropolitan area (approximately 5,800,000) does not live in the city but lives in the outlying suburbs.

Massachusetts' agriculture consists of seafood, nursery stock, dairy products, cranberries, and vegetables. Industries include machinery, electric equipment, scientific instruments, printing, and publishing.

• Boston
• Worcester
• Springfield
• Lowell
• Cambridge
• Brockton
• New Bedford
• Fall River