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Connecticut (CT) is located in the northeastern United States and is known for the prestigious Yale University. Key economic sectors in the state include finance, insurance, and advanced technology. The capital city of Connecticut is Hartford, although the largest city is Bridgeport. On January 9, 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state of the USA to ratify the United States Constitution.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name Connecticut Abbreviation CT Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport (Population: 148 028) Current time 12:08 Time zone EST (UTC-5), the state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 3,605,912 (#29 most populous US state) Area 5,543 sqmi (#48 largest US state) Admitted to the Union January 9, 1788 (#5 state to join) ⭐ Capital City of Connecticut
The capital of Connecticut is Hartford, which was settled in 1635, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was named after Hertford in England. Hartford became the sole capital in 1875 after previously sharing the role with New Haven.
🏙️ Largest City in Connecticut
The largest city in Connecticut is Bridgeport, which had a population of 148,028 in 2023. Stamford ranks second with 136,226 residents, closely followed by New Haven with a population of 135,319.
🕒 Time in Connecticut
The current time in Connecticut is 12:08. The entire state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5), switching to Daylight Saving Time (EDT, UTC-4) from March to November.
🧑🤝🧑 Connecticut Population
As of 2023, Connecticut had a population of 3,605,912, ranking it 29th among the most populous U.S. states.
📍 Area of Connecticut
The total area of Connecticut is only 5,543 sqmi, with 4,849 sqmi being land and the remaining 698 sqmi consisting of water bodies. Connecticut ranks as the 48th largest state in the U.S.
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Fun Facts About Connecticut
🧩 States Bordering Connecticut
Connecticut borders three U.S. states: New York to the west, Massachusetts to the north, and Rhode Island to the east. To the south, it has a coastline along Long Island Sound.
📅 Connecticut’s Admission to the Union
Connecticut was admitted to the Union on January 9, 1788, as the fifth state. It was founded on the basis of the original colony.
📛 Connecticut State Nicknames
Connecticut has several nicknames. The official one since 1959 is “The Constitution State”, referring to the colonial constitution of 1638–1639.
The second nickname, “The Nutmeg State”, refers to the nutmeg spice, though its exact origin is unclear. Nutmeg is not grown in the state, but the nickname likely comes from sailors who brought it back from voyages. Another legend suggests it stems from clever traders who sold fake nutmeg.
The third nickname, “The Provision State”, was given by George Washington in recognition of the state’s material support during the American Revolutionary War.
⛰️ Highest Point in Connecticut
The highest point in Connecticut is the southern slope of Mount Frissell at an elevation of 2,386 ft. Its summit, however, lies in Massachusetts at an elevation of 2,454 ft.
🏞️ Rivers in Connecticut
The longest river in Connecticut is the Connecticut River, with a total length of 407 mi. Other major rivers include the Housatonic River (139 mi), Quinebaug River (69 mi), Farmington River (47 mi), and Quinnipiac River (46 mi).
🎓 Universities in Connecticut
The largest university in the state is the University of Connecticut, with approximately 36,000 students. It was founded in 1881 in the town of Storrs. The second largest is Post University with nearly 22,000 students, and the third is the renowned Yale University, attended by about 15,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Connecticut
Connecticut has designated ZIP code ranges 060xx–06389 and 06391–069xx. You can read more in the article ZIP Codes in the USA, and look up specific codes on the USPS ZIP Code Lookup website.
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Weather in Connecticut
The best time to visit Connecticut is September and early October, when temperatures are still pleasant and the landscape turns into vibrant fall colors. Tourist attractions and parks remain open to visitors.
Spring in Connecticut brings a gradual increase in temperatures. While in March, the largest city, Bridgeport, typically sees temperatures between 30 °F and 46 °F, in May they usually range from 52 °F to 68 °F. The natural landscape begins to turn green, thanks to regular rainfall. Snow cover is still common in March, but it melts fairly quickly.
Summer in Connecticut is warm and humid. From June to August, temperatures usually range from 66 °F to 82 °F, with cooler conditions along the coast due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. There are fewer rainy days than in spring, and most days are still sunny. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms may occur occasionally, but summer remains a great time for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the state.
Fall in Connecticut is an ideal season to enjoy nature, thanks to the leaves quickly changing into shades of orange and red. Temperatures drop from September highs of 57 °F to 73 °F to November averages of 37 °F to 54 °F. Rainfall is moderate, but passing weather fronts can bring thunderstorms and strong winds.
Winter in Connecticut is cold. From December through February, expect typical temperatures between 23 °F and 41 °F. Winters are milder along the Atlantic coast, while inland areas experience more frequent freezing temperatures. Snowfall is common, especially in January and February, and occasional freezing rain can cause travel disruptions.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Connecticut
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What to See in Connecticut
1️⃣ Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the U.S., located in the town of Mystic in the southeastern part of the state. Its exhibits focus on historic ships and include interactive displays and educational programs. The most famous exhibit is the wooden whaling ship Charles W. Morgan, built in 1841.
2️⃣ Yale University Art Gallery
The Yale University Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of art ranging from antiquity to the present day. Featured in one of the oldest university museums in the U.S. are works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, Spanish artist and sculptor Pablo Picasso, and American painter Mark Rothko. The exhibits are rotated regularly, and admission to the gallery is free.
3️⃣ Gillette Castle State Park
The main attraction of Gillette Castle State Park is the namesake castle, built between 1914 and 1919. It was designed and constructed by actor William Gillette, best known for his stage role as Sherlock Holmes. During peak season, the castle’s interiors are open to visitors, who can also enjoy the surrounding hiking trails.
4️⃣ The Submarine Force Museum
This museum, dedicated to the history of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force, is located in the town of Groton in the southeastern part of the state. Its main attraction is the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Other exhibits include submarine models, naval artifacts, and interactive displays.
5️⃣ Steam Train Ride and Riverboat Cruise in Essex
An engaging experience for families and history enthusiasts, this attraction features a ride on a historic train pulled by a steam locomotive. The train cars have been restored to resemble their original 19th-century design. The train departs from the town of Essex and travels through picturesque landscapes along the Connecticut River. The experience also includes a riverboat cruise on the Connecticut River.
6️⃣ Lake Compounce Amusement Park
Lake Compounce opened in 1846, making it the oldest amusement park in the United States. The park’s most famous attraction is Boulder Dash, which has repeatedly won awards for the best wooden roller coaster in the world. Lake Compounce also features a water park, offering a refreshing break—especially during the summer months.
7️⃣ Mystic Aquarium
Located in the town of Mystic, this aquarium is among the best on the entire East Coast of the USA. It is thematically focused on ocean conservation and marine life. Visitors can observe countless sea creatures, including seals, dolphins, and penguins. The main attraction is the beluga whales, which are the focus of the aquarium’s research and conservation efforts.
8️⃣ New England Air Museum
The New England Air Museum is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast and is located in Windsor Locks near Bradley International Airport. Visitors can admire more than 80 exhibits, including historic aircraft from World War II and modern jet planes.
9️⃣ Mark Twain House and Museum
Located in Hartford, the Mark Twain House is where the author wrote his most famous books, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. This Victorian-style house is a significant cultural landmark. It also houses a museum where visitors can learn more about the life and work of the American writer.
🔟 The Glass House
Simply named “The Glass House”, this iconic structure is one of the most important examples of modernist architecture in the United States. Built between 1947 and 1949 in the town of New Canaan, it was designed by American architect Philip Johnson as his personal residence. The interior of the house can be visited with a prior reservation, and tours are conducted by a guide.
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Largest Cities in Connecticut
The table shows the ten largest cities in the state of Connecticut in 2025, based on data from the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose main task is to conduct the national census.
City County Population 1 Bridgeport Fairfield 148,028 Map of Bridgeport 2 Stamford Fairfield 136,226 Map of Stamford 3 New Haven New Haven 135,319 Map of New Haven 4 Hartford Hartford 119,669 Map of Hartford 5 Waterbury New Haven 114,990 Map of Waterbury 6 Norwalk Fairfield 92,458 Map of Norwalk 7 Danbury Fairfield 86,124 Map of Danbury 8 New Britain Hartford 74,080 Map of New Britain 9 Bristol Hartford 61,601 Map of Bristol 10 Meriden New Haven 60,111 Map of Meriden -
Sports Teams in Connecticut
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
Connecticut does not have a team in the National Hockey League (NHL).
🏈 American Football (NFL)
There is no NFL team based in Connecticut.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
Connecticut does not have a team in the NBA.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
There is no team from Connecticut that plays in Major League Baseball (MLB).
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
No Connecticut team competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).
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Connecticut State Symbols
Since its founding, the state of Connecticut has adopted a number of official symbols. Below are some of the most notable.
Connecticut State Flag
The current state flag was adopted in 1897. On a blue field, a white shield features a trio of grapevines, beneath which is a banner with the state motto “Qui Transtulit Sustinet”.
Connecticut State Seal
The Great Seal of the State dates back to May 1784. It features three grapevines and a ribbon displaying the state’s Latin motto. The seal’s border contains its official name, also in Latin.
State Flower
In 1907, the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) was declared the official state flower of Connecticut. It is native to the eastern United States.
State Bird
Since 1943, the American robin (Turdus migratorius) has been the state bird of Connecticut. It is commonly found throughout North America.
State Hero
Nathan Hale was an American patriot, soldier, and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Captured and executed by the British in New York, he was designated the official state hero of Connecticut in 1985.
State Fish
The official state fish of Connecticut, designated in 2003, is the American shad (Alosa sapidissima), known for migrating upstream through the state’s major rivers.
State Heroine
Connecticut’s official state heroine since 1995 is Prudence Crandall, a teacher and activist who, in the early 19th century, ran the first school in the United States for African American girls.
State Dinosaur
In 2017, the Dilophosaurus was named a state symbol of Connecticut after fossilized tracks were discovered in the state. This dinosaur lived approximately 193 million years ago.
State Ship
Among Connecticut’s official state symbols is the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. It first submerged in January 1954 and made its maiden voyage the following year. Today, it is part of a museum in the city of Groton.
State Composer
Connecticut also honors composer Charles Edward Ives, a native of Danbury, as one of its official state symbols.
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