Maryland, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is divided into 23 counties and Baltimore City, which operates independently of any county. The state contains more than 150 incorporated cities and towns, with Baltimore being the largest city and a key economic hub, while Annapolis serves as the state capital. Other notable cities include Frederick, Rockville, and Gaithersburg. Maryland has a population of approximately 6.2 million people, making it the 18th most populous state in the U.S. Despite its relatively small size, covering about 12,407 square miles, Maryland ranks 42nd in land area, but it is densely populated, particularly in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and the Baltimore corridor. The state’s geography is diverse, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline in the east, contributing to its vibrant economy, which includes industries such as biotechnology, defense, and maritime trade. Major airports in Maryland include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), which is the state’s largest airport, serving millions of passengers annually with both domestic and international flights. Additionally, Maryland residents have access to nearby airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Maryland is home to several prestigious institutions of higher education, including Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, one of the world’s leading research universities, the University of Maryland system with its flagship campus in College Park, and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. The state’s healthcare system is anchored by renowned hospitals such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, consistently ranked among the best in the world for its specialized care and research. Other major hospitals include the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, which offers comprehensive care and is known for its trauma center, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, located nearby in Washington, D.C. Children’s National Hospital, located close to Maryland in D.C., also serves many Maryland residents, particularly for pediatric care. Maryland’s healthcare infrastructure ensures access to a wide range of medical services, from cutting-edge research hospitals to community health centers, serving both its urban and rural populations effectively.