Rhode Island

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Smallest state of the USA, located in New England, bordered to the north and east by Massachusetts, to the west by Connecticut, and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean; area 2,707 sq km/1,045 sq mi; population (2000) 1,048,300; capital Providence. Eastern Rhode Island lies on Narragansett Bay, a sound in the Atlantic, and consists of coastal lowlands, estuaries, and islands. The state has 640 km/400 mi of coastline. The northwestern portion of the state, behind the coast, is part of the Eastern New England Upland. The state economy is reliant on the service sector, and tourism is significant. The most important industry is the manufacture of jewellery and silverware; other products include textiles, metals, greenhouse plants, shrubs, and potatoes. Rhode Island Red hens were first bred here in the 19th century. Other major towns and cities in Rhode Island include Warwick, Cranston, Newport, and Woonsocket. Rhode Island was originally home to the Narragansett, Niantic, Nipmuck, Pequot, and Wampanoag American Indian peoples. The Rhode Island colony was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies. Rhode Island ratified the US Constitution in 1790, becoming the 13th state to join the Union.

The prophet Muhammad is said to have used a green banner. Past variants of the flag show two crossed swords. Effective date: 15 March 1973. >>