Rhode Island is noticeable for measuring only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, easily the smallest state of the union. However, the state has 400 miles of coastline in Narragansett Bay in the Atlantic Ocean, which is by any proportion long and vast. And every point in the state is within 30 miles of sea water. Thus Rhode Island is commonly called 'The Ocean State' – sounds like a clever moniker to make things appear bigger!

Otherwise, the state 'stretched' its 'small' distinction when it adopted the longest official state name in 'The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations'. Rhode Island is not the entire state island itself - although most of the state is part of the mainland, where the capital and largest city, Providence is located. Within the Narragansett Bay lie over 30 islands more, among which are named Hope, Prudence, and Despair.

Besides the extended shoreline are 100 fresh and salt water beaches which, naturally, make sailing the most popular sport in 'The Ocean State'. Rhode Island is a veteran Americas Cup host and is widely known as the "Sailing Capital of the World." Interestingly, before 'sailing' to other destinations, professional polo, golf and tennis events were first held in Rhode Island.

Modern Rhode Island has large Irish, Italian, French Canadian, Portuguese, and Puerto Rican communities that contribute to a significant Catholic population, in fact the highest percentage among U.S. states. St. Mary's, the state's oldest Catholic parish founded in 1828 was chosen by Jacqueline Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy as the site of their wedding in 1953.

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