The Landscape
Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, covers 1,214 square miles, with 1,034 square miles of land and 180 square miles of water, making it about 15% water. Located in the New England region, it is bordered by Connecticut to the west, Massachusetts to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, with Narragansett Bay cutting deeply into the state, creating a rugged coastline with over 400 miles of shoreline. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling hills, with Jerimoth Hill (812 feet) as the highest point. Rhode Island’s geography is defined by coastal lowlands, salt marshes, and islands, including Aquidneck Island, Block Island, and Conanicut Island, which contribute to its maritime economy and culture.
