Maryland

About Maryland

Maryland is located in the mid Atlantic region of the United States. It borders Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Maryland is known to be one of the main centers for development and research in the area of life sciences. It has more than 350 biotechnology companies that are headquartered here. Maryland covers an area of more than 12406 square miles. The state has many informal nicknames like the 'Old Line State', the 'Free State', the 'Chesapeake Bay State and 'America in Miniature' 9due to its varied topography). The flora and fauna found in the state is mesmerizing. The Middle Atlantic Coastal Forests, Atlantic Coastal Plains, the Delmarva Peninsula and the Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests can be found here.

State Nickname

There are various nicknames that the state has been bestowed with over time. General George Washington gave the state the name 'Old Line State' associating the state with its regular line troops. 'Free State' was given by Hamilton Owens, editor of the Baltimore Sun.

Climate Summary

Due to the varied topography of the state, it experiences various kinds of climates. The climate differs based on the elevation, proximity to water and down slope winds. The Atlantic Coastal plains experience hot humid summers and mild winters. Beyond the Piedmont winters are cooler.

State Tax Situation

Maryland has 5 income tax brackets that range from 2 percent to 6.25 percent of the personal income. There is also a piggyback local income tax that ranges between 1.25 percent and 3.2 percent of the taxable income. The top bracket of income tax of 9.45% is the fifth highest.

Government Summary

The state constitution governs Maryland and the state government has the power to take decisions on matters that lie within the state completely. The state government has three branches