Capital: Providence State abbreviation/Postal code: R.I./RI Governor: Don Carcieri, R (to Jan. 2011) Lieut. Governor: Elizabeth H. Roberts, D (to Jan. 2011) Senators: Jack Reed, D (to Jan. 2009); Sheldon Whitehouse, D (to Jan. 2013) U.S. Representatives: 2 Historical biographies of Congressional members Secy. of State: A. Ralph Mollis, D (to Jan. 2011) Atty. General: Patrick Lynch, D (to Jan. 2011) General Treasurer: Frank T. Caprio, D (to Jan. 2011) Entered Union (rank): May 29, 1790 (13) Present constitution adopted: 1843 Motto: Hope State symbols: | flower | violet (unofficial) (1968) | | tree | red maple (official) (1964) | | bird | Rhode Island red hen (official) (1954) | | shell | quahog (official) | | mineral | bowenite (1966) | | stone | cumberlandite (1966) | | colors | blue, white, and gold (in state flag) | | song | “Rhode Island, It's for Me” (1996) |
Official name: The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Nickname: The Ocean State Origin of name: From the Greek Island of Rhodes Largest cities (2005 est.): Providence, 176,862; Warwick, 87,233; Cranston, 81,614; Pawtucket, 73,742; East Providence, 49,515; Woonsocket, 44,328; Newport, 25,340; Central Falls, 19,159 Land area: 1,045 sq mi. (2,706 sq km) Geographic center: In Kent Co., 1 mi. SSW of Crompton Number of counties: 5 Largest county by population and area: Providence, 639,653 (2005); Providence, 413 sq mi. State parks: 14 Residents: Rhode Islander 2005 resident population est.: 1,076,189 2000 resident census population (rank): 1,048,319 (43). Male: 503,635 (48.0%); Female: 544,684 (52.0%). White: 891,191 (85.0%); Black: 46,908 (4.5%); American Indian: 5,121 (0.5%); Asian: 23,665 (2.3%); Other race: 52,616 (5.0%); Two or more races: 28,251 (2.7%); Hispanic/Latino: 90,820 (8.7%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 76.4; 65 and over: 14.5; median age: 36.7. See additional census data Area codes Tourism office | 
