Delaware

Delaware [ˈdɛləwɛɹ] is a state on the east coast of the United States of America. Rivers and forests characterize the landscape, the headquarters of large international companies the economic picture of the second smallest state in the United States. The latter result from the particularly favorable taxation of holding companies and are partly pure mailbox addresses. The state is officially called The First State because in 1787 Delaware was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. There are only three counties in Delaware, more than any other U.S. state.

Geography

The state has a total area of 6,447 km², of which 1,387 km² are water bodies. This makes Delaware the second smallest US state in terms of area after Rhode Island. The majority of Delaware's land area lies on the Atlantic coastal plain. The state borders Pennsylvania to the north. The Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean form the eastern border with New Jersey; the state of Maryland lies to the west and south. The largest city is Wilmington and the capital is Dover. One of the largest American air force bases, Dover Air Force Base, is located near Dover.

Structure

Climate

Delaware has a moderate year-round climate with average temperatures in the range of 0 to 24 °C and a statistical 208 days of sunshine. The seasons are distinct, though the climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and is temperate to humid year-round. In summer, temperatures can reach 32 °C; in winter, snow sometimes falls - temperatures can drop to -5 °C.