Quick
Facts
Capital: Montpelier
Population: 623,908
Total Area: 9,620 square miles
Top Industry: Agriculture
The
state of Vermont is located in New
England, the northeastern portion of the United States. It has a
rich history that dates back to the colonial days and was the first
state to join the original thirteen states of the U.S. after the
Revolutionary War. Over the past 200 years, Vermont has developed a
strong economy, one that today relies primarily on professional truck
drivers.
Agriculture
Agriculture is one of Vermont's
biggest and most significant industries. In fact, it accounts for
12% of the state's economy and brings in roughly $2.6 billion
annually. Dairy farming is the primary source of agricultural income
and although the number of dairy farms in Vermont has decreased in
the last fifty years, milk production has steadily rose since the
milk production per cow has tripled. A significant amount of the
milk and dairy products produced in Vermont are shipped to the Boston
metro area.
Vermont
is also the leading producer of
maple syrup in the United States producing 275,000 gallons a year
(approximately 25% of the total produced in the country).
The
wine industry has become more and
more popular in Vermont as well. To date, there are 14 wineries
located throughout the state.
Manufacturing
With a plant located in Essex Junction,
IBM is the state's largest for-profit employer and provides 25% of
all manufacturing jobs in Vermont.
Another
industry that is prospering in
Vermont is fancy foods and novelty items. A number of specialty
companies are located in Vermont including Burton Snowboards, Cabot
Cheese, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Fine Paints of Europe, King Arthur
Flour, and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.
Tourism
Vermont attracts thousands of visitors
every year looking for some outdoor adventure. In the winter, the
state has several popular ski resorts including Sugarbush,
Killington, and Stowe. In the summer, visitors enjoy beautiful
mountain scenery and a wide range of outdoor activities. Summer
camps are also a large component of Vermont's tourism industry.
