Politics & World • US State

Connecticut

Connecticut is a state in the northeastern United States and one of the six New England states.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Connecticut is a state in the northeastern United States and one of the six New England states. It was one of the original 13 states and became the fifth U.S. state on January 9, 1788. Its capital is Hartford, and it is known as the Constitution State.

Geography

Connecticut is located in the northeastern corner of the United States and is part of New England. It is a relatively small state by area, with Long Island Sound forming its southern border and the Connecticut River flowing through its centre. The state is bordered by Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Long Island Sound. The name Connecticut comes from a Native American term meaning roughly 'beside the long tidal river.' Despite its small land area, Connecticut is among the most densely populated states in the United States.

History

European settlement began in the early 1630s, following Dutch trading activity in the region. Connecticut was one of the original thirteen colonies and became the fifth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788.

Government and identity

Hartford has been the capital of Connecticut since 1875. The state is widely identified with the nickname 'The Constitution State,' which reflects its early colonial self-government tradition, including the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut of 1639.

Demographics and settlement

Connecticut is one of the most densely populated U.S. states and includes major urban areas as well as smaller towns and suburban communities. Bridgeport is the largest city by population.

Key facts

Connecticut is one of the original 13 states and the fifth to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
It is known as the Constitution State, a reference to its early constitutional tradition.
Hartford is the state capital, and Bridgeport is the largest city.
The state is among the most densely populated in the United States despite its small area.
The name Connecticut derives from a Native American term meaning 'beside the long tidal river.'

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Canadian context

Connecticut is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as part of the northeastern U.S. regional corridor near New England and the New York metropolitan area, a frequent travel, trade, and cultural reference point for Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Connecticut?

Connecticut is a U.S. state in New England in the northeastern United States.

What is the capital of Connecticut?

Hartford is the capital of Connecticut.

When did Connecticut become a state?

Connecticut became the fifth U.S. state on January 9, 1788.

Why is Connecticut called the Constitution State?

The nickname refers to Connecticut’s early constitutional tradition, especially the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut adopted in 1639.

What is Connecticut's largest city?

Bridgeport is Connecticut’s largest city by population.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Connecticut
Supports: State location, original 13 states, borders, area rank, capital
State of Connecticut — https://portal.ct.gov/about/general-description-and-facts
Supports: Statehood date, capital, nickname, name origin, governor, general facts
National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/connecticut
Supports: Name origin, early settlement history, statehood, nickname, borders
Connecticut Humanities — https://connecticuthistory.org/quick-facts-about-connecticut/
Supports: Capital, statehood, nickname, name origin, largest city, area, population, state symbols
CountryReports — https://www.countryreports.org/country/united-states/states/connecticut
Supports: Area, population, borders, statehood, original thirteen colonies