II.

Land and Resources

Maine has an area of 87,389 sq km (33,741 sq mi). The state’s extreme dimensions are 500 km (311 mi) from north to south and 325 km (202 mi) from east to west. Maine’s coastline extends 367 km (228 mi); its tidal shoreline is 5,597 km (3,478 mi), which includes the coasts of the many offshore islands.

A.

Physical Geography

Maine can be divided into three major geographical regions: the Seaboard Lowland, the New England Upland, and the White Mountains. Along the coast is the Seaboard Lowland, composed of a rolling landscape cut by numerous bays and estuaries. One of the most spectacular rocky headlands is the granite mass of Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island, the state’s largest island. Most of Maine consists of a part of the New England Upland. The highest elevations in Maine are found in the White Mountains region, which extends into New Hampshire and Vermont.

Maine has more than 5,100 rivers and streams, most of which are swift flowing. Drainage is towards the Atlantic Ocean, chiefly via the Saint John, St Croix, Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers. There are also more than 2,200 lakes and ponds.

B.

Climate

Maine has three principal climatological areas: the coastal, northern interior, and southern interior divisions. The coastal division has a maritime climate. The northern interior division has a continental climate. The southern interior division is the warmest part of Maine. North Bridgton here in 1911 recorded the state’s highest temperature, 40.6° C (105° F).

C.

Plants and Animals

Almost 80 per cent of Maine is covered with forest, about two thirds of which is made up of softwoods such as white pine, pitch pine, Norway pine, and spruce. Cranberries are widely distributed in the marshlands. White-tailed deer are numerous, and other large mammals include moose and black bear. Seals live along the coast. Among the many birds of Maine are chickadees, sparrows, and cormorants.

D.

Resources, Products, and Industries

As in the other New England states, metallic minerals have never been important in Maine. Non-metallic minerals found in the state include asbestos, sand and gravel, and gemstones. Principal farm and agricultural products include potatoes, dairy products, chicken eggs, and blueberries.

A considerable amount of pulp for paper-making and timber is produced from Maine’s many forests. The state is famous for its seafood and has an important fishing industry, with lobster the most valuable product. Leading manufactured goods are paper and wood products, footwear and other leather goods, and textiles. Shipbuilding is an important industry.