Maine is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Its history goes back thousands of years when Native Americans primarily populated the area before the first European settlement led by Pierre Dugua, Sieur du Mons was established on Saint Croix Island. It was admitted into statehood in March 15, 1820. Maine has a population of 1,318,301 (2009 est.)* and ranks as the third safest place to live in the United States as of 2009.**
The gross state product of Maine as of 2008 was estimated to be at $49.7 billion.*** Maine is known for its lobsters and clams. Additionally, the state’s agricultural products include dairy products, blueberries, eggs and poultry, maple sugar and maple syrup, apples, and potatoes. Manufacturing has relied heavily on the rich forest in the area making paper, wood and lumber products its chief industrial outputs. However, food products, apparel, electronic equipment, leather products all significantly contribute to the economy in Maine. The naval shipbuilding and construction has also grown throughout the years, making it an important industry. Tourism plays a key role in the economy. Attracting thousands of people each year are various outdoor activities like camping, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, boating, sport hunting, and sport fishing. Maine is also home to numerous surviving forts, museums, and National Historic Landmarks.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported an estimated 8% unemployment rate as of August 2010 for Maine.****
| Unemployment Agency | Website | Phone Number | State |
| Dept. of Labor | Maine Website | 207-623-7900 | Maine Unemployment Benefits |
Below is a list of the 50 largest employers in Maine:*****
| Employer | City |
| UNIVERSITY OF MAINE | Orono |
| ARMY NATIONAL GUARD | Houlton |
| CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK | Portland |
| MAINE MEDICAL CTR | Portland |
| MAINE GENERAL HOSPITAL-SETON | Waterville |
| UNUM | Portland |
| EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CTR | Bangor |
| MAINE GENERAL HEALTH | Augusta |
| EASTERN MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTS | Brewer |
| UNIVERSITY OF MAINE | Orono |
| CIANBRO CORP | Pittsfield |
| SISTERS OF CHARITY HEALTH SYST | Lewiston |
| ST. MARY’S AIDS/HIV SVC | Lewiston |
| IDEXX LABORATORIES INC | Westbrook |
| MERCY HEALTH SYSTEM OF MAINE | Portland |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND | Biddeford |
| IDEXX VETERINARY SVC INC | Westbrook |
| MAINE GENERAL MEDICAL CTR | Waterville |
| PEACE ACTION MAINE | Portland |
| PRATT & WHITNEY | North Berwick |
| JACKSON LABORATORY | Bar Harbor |
| US POST OFFICE | Portland |
| AROOSTOOK MEDICAL CTR | Presque Isle |
| GOODWILL | Portland |
| HONEYWELL | Standish |
| MAINE GENERAL MEDICAL CTR | Augusta |
| SOUTHERN MAINE MEDICAL CTR | Biddeford |
| ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL | Lewiston |
| TRANSPORTATION-PROJECT DEV BUR | Augusta |
| VERSO PAPER | Jay |
| ARROSTOOK MEDICAL CTR | Presque Isle |
| CENTRAL MAINE MEDICAL CTR | Lewiston |
| NEW PAGE CORP | Rumford |
| VERSO PAPER | Bucksport |
| IDEXX DISTRIBUTION INC | Westbrook |
| AIR NATIONAL GUARD | Bangor |
| ANTHEM BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD | South Portland |
| ANTHEM HEALTH PLANS OF ME INC | South Portland |
| HANNAFORD BROS CO PHARMACY | Scarborough |
| LL BEAN INC | Freeport |
| SAPPI FINE PAPER | Skowhegan |
| TD BANKNORTH INC | Portland |
| FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR INTL INC | South Portland |
| FAMILY MEDICINE INSTITUTE | Augusta |
| V.A. MEDICAL CTR-TORGUS | Augusta |
| MID COAST HOSPITAL | Brunswick |
| MAINE COAST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL | Elisworth |
| COMMUNITY HEALTH & COUNSELING | Bangor |
| BOWDOIN COLLEGE | Brunswick |
| SPURWINK SERVICES | Portland |
Sources:
* http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/23000.html
** http://os.cqpress.com/rankings/CrimeStateRankings_2009.pdf
*** http://www.bea.gov/regional/gsp/action.cfm
**** http://data.bls.gov:8080/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet;jsessionid=62302a42069717386356
***** http://www.acinet.org/acinet/oview6.asp?soccode=&stfips=23&from=State&id=11&nodeid=12