DEDelaware
First State · Capital: Dover · Northeast (Mid Atlantic)
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Capital
Dover
Largest city
Wilmington
Population
1–5 million
Area rank
#49 of 50
Admitted
1787
Time zone
Eastern Time
Region
Northeast
Letters
8
Bordering states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey.
4 fun facts about Delaware
- Was the first state to ratify the US Constitution, on December 7, 1787.
- It's the second smallest state by area but home to more than half of all Fortune 500 companies (legally — they incorporate here for tax reasons).
- The state has only three counties — the fewest of any state.
- President Joe Biden was born in Scranton, PA, but represented Delaware in the US Senate for 36 years.
Learn more
→ How to learn the 50 states (full guide)