Vermont is a small U.S. state located in New England. The state ranks 45th in land area (24,923km²), and its population (608,827) ranks as the second smallest of the fifty states.

As the only New England state not to have a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Vermont is noted mainly for the Green Mountains in the west and Lake Champlain in the northwest. It borders Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, New York to the west, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north.

Originally inhabited by Native American tribes (Iroquois, Algonquian and Abenaki), Vermont was originally claimed by France but became a British colony after France's defeat in the French and Indian War. For many years, it was controlled by the surrounding colonies, who met fierce resistance from the "Green Mountain Boys." After American independence following the Revolutionary War, Vermont became the 14th state to join the union.

Famous for its scenery, dairy products and maple syrup, Vermont has long been known for its progressive politics and staunchly independent political thinking. The state capital is Montpelier, while the largest city is Burlington.