New Hampshire is situated in the northeastern part of the U.S and is better known as the granite state. New Hampshire was discovered in 1600 and the date of the earliest settlement goes as far back as 1623. Capt. John Mason gave the state its name in 1630.

Some of the important cities in the state are Manchester, Concord, Derry, Rochester, Salem and Hudson. Portsmouth is the only port and it serves as an important commercial center.

The state has an abundance of natural wealth, with 142 parks and forests. These include the famous White Mountains National Forest with an area of 724,000 acres. Rich in natural beauty, it provides a serene atmosphere and has been a popular tourist destination. Demographically, New Hampshire is a mixed state, with people of different races residing in the state. 95 % of the population is white and the total population of the state is 1,309,940.

The economy of the state rests mainly on its fiscal policy of no sales tax or personal income tax. The absence of these taxes has lured the small businesses from the neighboring Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine, to this state. However, the absence of the tax system has ended up with the people paying exceptionally high property tax.

Tourism has emerged as one of the leading industries in the state. People flock to the state to enjoy the sun and sandy beaches, mountains and the lakes. About 274 islands in the Lake Winnipesaukee and beaches in the Atlantic are the major tourist attractions, giving a boost to the economy.

The state of New Hampshire is famous for its recreational activities and is visited by tourists for the skiing competitions and the winter sports. The New Hampshire International Speedway is considered to be the longest motorcycle race in the U.S.

Kevin Stith
http://www.newhampshire-web.com/
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Picture: New Hampshire Beach