The state of Rhode Island, the smallest state in the USA – only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, is in the center of the New England region. “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” is actually the state’s legal name and was voted to be permanent in 2010. The capital of Rhode Island is Providence. The state’s geography earned its nickname, “the Ocean State,” because of its several large bays and inlets amounting to about 30% of its total area of 1214 square miles. Per the 2009 U.S. Census estimate, slightly over one million people live in Rhode Island. While Rhode Island was the first of the original thirteen colonies to declare independence from British rule on May 4, 1776, it was the last to ratify the United States Constitution on May 29, 1790, only after its leaders received assurances that a Bill of Rights would become part of the Constitution.
Rhode Island has two distinctive natural regions. Eastern Rhode Island contains the islands and lowlands of the Narragansett Bay. Western Rhode Island forms part of the New England Upland, which is where the highest elevation in the state is found at Jerimoth Hill, 812 feet above sea level. Narragansett Bay is the major feature of the state’s topography, with over 30 islands. The largest is Aquidneck Island; the official name is Rhode Island, but the common use of the name “Aquidneck Island” helps distinguish the island from the state. Second in size is Conanicut Island followed by Prudence Island.
Rhode Island’s state rock is a rare type called Cumberlandite, found only in Rhode Island and specifically in the town of Cumberland. There were initially two known deposits of the mineral, but as it is iron ore, one of the deposits has been extensively mined for its ferrous content.
One of Rhode Island’s more popular claims to fame is the Newport Jazz Festival. Held every August in Newport, this festival attracts some of the biggest names in jazz. Founded in 1954, it was the first outdoor music festival devoted to jazz and has become internationally known and highly recommended for any music lover.
Much of Rhode Island’s economy is based in services, especially health care and education services, and manufacturing. Health services are Rhode Island’s largest industry; the third-largest industry is manufacturing. Between these is tourism, a most valued industry, with related sales at $3.26 billion in the recent year. Within tiny Rhode Island’s borders is one of the largest concentrations of historic tourist landmarks in the nation. Rhode Island has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, miles of pristine coastline, and some of the most acclaimed dining establishments in the country. Fresh seafood is the staple crop, with an abundance of traditional New England dishes complimented by unique, local specialties. RI’s broad ethnic influence is easily spotted in its diverse menu of Italian, French, Portuguese, and Near Eastern and Asian foods.
The state run Rhode Island Health Center Association provides comprehensive preventive and primary care services, including dental services, to over 120,000 Rhode Islanders at 27 locations across the state. Community health centers are the leaders in primary care in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Hospital is the largest of Rhode Island’s general acute care hospitals and provides comprehensive health services, including pediatrics at its Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Rhode Island Hospital also serves as the region’s only Level 1 trauma center.
While there are few high risk or dangerous industries in the state, resident workers still need protection from employment related accidents. Rhode Island State Department of Labor and Training handles all aspects of workers compensation. In Rhode Island, workers’ compensation is insurance to provide medical expenses and lost wages to employees who are injured while working. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover these benefits. Several other agencies are also involved with workers’ compensation. The Workers’ Compensation Court handles legal disputes. The Medical Advisory Board provides oversight and guidance for medical treatment of workers’ compensation injuries. The Department of Business Regulations regulates the rates and licenses of insurers who write workers’ compensation insurance.
