About Delaware
Delaware, often called "The First State," holds a significant place in U.S. history as the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.

Geography and Demographics
Located in the Mid-Atlantic region, Delaware is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, New Jersey to the northeast, Maryland to the south and west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It is the second-smallest state in the U.S., covering approximately 1,948 square miles. Despite its small size, Delaware is one of the most densely populated states, with a population of about 1,051,917 as of 2020.

Delaware

History
Pre-Colonial and Native American History
Before European contact, the area now known as Delaware was home to several Native American groups, notably the Lenape (or Delaware) people in the north and the Nanticoke in the south.

European Exploration and Colonisation
i) 1609 – English explorer Henry Hudson, sailing for the Dutch, passed along the Delaware River.
ii) 1631 – The Dutch established the first European settlement in Delaware near present-day Lewes, called Zwaanendael. It was destroyed shortly after due to conflicts with Native Americans.
iii) 1638 – The Swedes founded New Sweden, establishing the colony at Fort Christina (now Wilmington). This was the first permanent European settlement in Delaware.
iv) 1655 – The Dutch took control of New Sweden.
v) 1664 – The English seized the area from the Dutch and added it to their colonies.

Colonial Delaware
i) Initially, Delaware was part of Pennsylvania, granted to William Penn by the English Crown.
ii) By 1704, Delaware gained its own separate legislature, although it continued to share a governor with Pennsylvania until the American Revolution.

American Revolution and Statehood
December 7, 1787 – Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning it the nickname: "The First State."

19th Century
i) Delaware was a border state during the Civil War. It was a slave state but did not secede from the Union.
ii) Industrialization took hold in the 1800s, particularly around Wilmington, including the founding of DuPont in 1802, a major chemical company that shaped the state’s economy.

20th Century to Present
i) Delaware's economy diversified beyond industry to include banking, insurance, and chemicals.
ii) It became well-known for its business-friendly laws, particularly through the Delaware General Corporation Law, which has made it the legal home of more than half of U.S. publicly traded companies.

Fun Facts
i) Caesar Rodney, a Delaware delegate, made an overnight ride to Philadelphia to cast a key vote for independence in 1776.
ii) The state is known for its low taxes, no sales tax, and corporate law structure, attracting many companies.

Economy
Delaware's economy is relatively small compared to other U.S. States, but it plays an outsized role in certain sectors due to favorable laws and its strategic location. Here’s a quick overview of the key aspects of Delaware’s economy.

1. Financial Services
i) Delaware is a national hub for banking and finance.
ii) Many large banks and credit card companies (like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Barclays) have major operations in Wilmington.
iii) Its business-friendly corporate laws (like the Court of Chancery and no corporate income tax for businesses that operate out of state) make it a top location for company incorporations — over 1 million businesses, including more than 60% of the Fortune 500, are incorporated there.

2. Manufacturing
i) Chemicals and pharmaceuticals (DuPont, now part of DowDuPont, has deep roots in the state)
ii) Plastics and rubber products
iii) Food processing
iv) These industries are often connected to the state's chemical research history and its location near major markets on the East Coast.

3. Agriculture
i) While small in scale, agriculture is still important in Delaware.
ii) Major Products Include:
a) Poultry (especially broiler chickens);
b) Corn, soybeans and wheat;
c) Nursery and greenhouse products.

4. Science & Technology
i) Delaware is investing in biotech and clean energy.
ii) The state benefits from a skilled workforce and proximity to major research hubs like Philadelphia and Baltimore.

5. Trade & Transportation
i) Its location between New York City and Washington, D.C. makes Delaware a key transit state.
ii) The Port of Wilmington is a leading entry point for fresh fruit, particularly bananas.

6. Employment & Income
i) Unemployment Rate: Generally close to the national average.
ii) Major Employers: ChristianaCare (healthcare), JPMorgan Chase, University of Delaware, and state government.

Quick Facts
i) GDP (2023 est.):
~US$87 Billion.
ii) Top industry by GDP:
Finance and insurance.
iii) No state sales tax, which can make it attractive for shoppers and businesses.