UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: EAST COAST

NEW ENGLANDMaine: “Pine Tree State” Maine is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, and by New Hampshire on the west. Summers are generally moderate and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. Maine is known for its scenic, rocky coastline, rolling mountains, densely forested interior and beautiful waterways. The state of Maine is also known for its seafood cuisine, especially lobsters and clams. Some of the state's most popular attractions include Acadia National Park, coastal fishing villages and lighthouses, Baxter State Park, whale watching trips and much more. To travel around the state, you will need to book a bus or train ticket.

New Hampshire: “Granite State” New Hampshire is in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, and Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. In general, the spring months are a bit chilly and often rainy, summers are mild and very pleasant, fall days are beautiful while winters are cold and snowy. Some of the most popular sites within the state include Lake Winnipesaukee, the historic cities of Concord and Portsmouth, White Mountain National Forest and its numerous ski areas.

Massachusetts: “Bay State” Massachusetts is located in the New England region of the United States. Spring months are pleasant, summers are warm, late fall is cool and winters are cold, with considerable snowfall. Major points of interest include the historic capital city of Boston where you can walk the Freedom Trail and visit the Old North Church. The state of Massachusetts is famous for its universities (Harvard and Cambridge). Cape Cod is a well-known, beautiful tourist destination during the summer, and Gloucester is home to America’s oldest seaport. You can get a delicious lobster dinner anywhere along the coast. You could also visit Salem, with its fascinating witch trial history and the House of the Seven Gables. To travel around the state, you will need to book a bus or train ticket.

Rhode Island: “Ocean State” Rhode Island is the smallest state of the United States, tucked between Massachusetts and Connecticut in the New England region. Statewide, winter is chilly and wet, with some snow. July and August are the warmest months. Like all New England states, Rhode Island offers incredible natural beauty, colonial history and an amazing cultural heritage. Favored attractions include the Newport "Gilded Age" mansion tours, all of Narragansett Bay and its boating and fishing activities, Block Island, coastal lighthouses and the stylish capital city of Providence. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car or book a bus or train ticket. If you're only in Providence, you won’t need a car and can walk almost everywhere. Use common sense when walking alone or at night, as you should in any city.

Vermont: “Green Mountain State” The second largest state in New England, Vermont is located on the northeastern coast of the United States. Its largest city is Burlington. The spring months are a bit chilly and often rainy, summers are mild, while winters are cold and snowy. Vermont is a popular destination for hiking and skiing (its mountains include Jay Peak, Killington, Stowe, and Mount Snow). The state has many rural sites, with farms throughout its valleys. It is also a popular destination for seeing the changing colors of its fall foliage.  Among its many popular food items, Vermont is known for its delicious maple syrup and cheese products. Some of the most popular spots include the Lake Champlain district, the Vermont State House, maple sugar farms, the Rock of Ages granite quarry in

Barre, Revolutionary War historic sites, among many others. To travel around the state, it is most convenient to rent a car, or purchase a bus or train ticket.

Connecticut: “Constitution State” Connecticut is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is Rhode Island's southern neighbor. Spring is short, while summers are generally hot and humid, and winters can be cold and snowy. Connecticut is home to Yale University, Mystic Seaport (Museum of America and the Sea), the restaurant and nightlife scene of downtown New Haven, the Maritime Aquarium and two major casinos. Other popular attractions include the historic ship USS Nautilus and the Submarine Museum in Groton, Thimble Islands (small islands on the Long Island Sound), the Connecticut and Housatonic River Valleys (a National Heritage Area), and the numerous resorts and communities of the Berkshires in the northwest. To travel around the state, you should book a bus or train ticket.

MID ATLANTICNew York: “Empire State” New York is located in the Northeast of the United States. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest and two of the Great Lakes – Ontario to the north and Erie to the west. Spring months are generally cool and wet, the summer is warm, fall has moderate temperatures and winters statewide are generally cold and snowy. From Niagara Falls to New York City, New York bursts with natural and man-made attractions. The majestic Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and the great NY State Fair in Syracuse (an annual event in the summer) are just two examples.New York City is known for its Broadway shows, famous restaurants and 24-hour subway system. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car, book a bus or train ticket.

New Jersey: “Garden State” New Jersey is in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.  Most of New Jersey has a moderate climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers. The state is known for the Jersey Shore, Cape May and the exciting boardwalk and casinos of Atlantic City.  Historical sites (Battleship New Jersey, the Revolutionary war battlefield), gardens and mountains make it a desirable and fun destination for all.  To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car, book a bus or train ticket.

Pennsylvania: “Keystone State” Located in the Northeastern United States, Pennsylvania has played a significant role in U.S. history. Philadelphia was once our nation’s capital so there is no shortage of historical sites in the city, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Cultural learning participants will get a true understanding of American history with a visit to Philadelphia. Outside major cities like "Philly" and Pittsburgh on the western side of the state, Pennsylvania also has a beautiful countryside, ski resorts in the Poconos and the Alleghenies, peaceful Lancaster County, and the Delaware River, all providing many opportunities to get outside and enjoy outdoor activities, sports and recreation. Cultural activities can also be found throughout the state, including a thriving theater scene in Philadelphia and the many art museums of Pittsburgh. 

SOUTH ATLANTICDelaware: “First State” Delaware is located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States bordered by Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Spring and fall are the nicest seasons, but remember to carry an umbrellas, as the weather can be unpredictable. Delaware has beautiful beaches that have become popular getaway locations for Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern residents. The most popular beaches are

Rehoboth Beach, Lewes (known for its historic district), Dewey Beach (popular with college students) and Bethany Beach (popular with families). The state of Delaware is also well known for having no sales tax and for being the first state to adopt the U.S. Constitution. Points of interests include Delaware Canal historic areas, Delaware Bay and seashore, Fort Delaware, and Dover and Wilmington cultural attractions to name a few. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car or book a bus or train ticket.

Washington D.C. (District of Columbia): “Nation’s Capital” The District of Columbia is the capital of the United States and borders Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Washington, D.C. was named after the first U.S. president, George Washington, and founded in 1791. Today, D.C. is the political center of the country and the headquarters of many non-profits, NGO’s, trade unions and political organizations. The culture of this city is a unique mixture of both Northern and Southern U.S. sentiments. The District has a high population of university students, and many museums and nationally recognized landmarks.

Maryland: “Old Line State” Maryland is the 5th most densely populated state in the United States with a population of nearly 6 million people. The capital of Maryland is Annapolis, while the most populated city is Baltimore. Both cities offer many tourist attractions and historical sites. Bordering both the northern and southern regions of the U.S., Maryland features a mix of cultures, cuisines and ethnicities, along with many art and cultural sites for visitors to enjoy during their time in the state.

Virginia: “Old Dominion State” The Commonwealth of Virginia is located on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. The statewide average high temperature in July is in the low 80's, while in January, high temperatures in the upper 30's are the norm.  Virginia is home to America's Colonial and Civil War history. Historic cities and sites like Shenandoah National Park, Arlington, Jamestown, Richmond, Williamsburg and Yorktown attract thousands of visitors. Monticello (a National Historic Landmark just outside Charlottesville) is home of the former U.S. president Thomas Jefferson. In addition, Virginia's rivers, nearby Atlantic Ocean beaches and mountain scenery are a must see. The Chesapeake Bay region produces some of the best seafood, especially crab and oysters. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car, book a bus or train ticket.

West Virginia: “Mountain State” West Virginia is located in the upper Southern region of the United States. Spring, summer and fall are the best times of the year to visit and appreciate the beautiful, rural landscape the state offers. Colder, snowy conditions are common in the mountains during winter, but, the winter months also bring excellent skiing conditions. Charleston is the state capital and cultural center of the state. Some of the state's most popular attractions include Blackwater Falls State park, Monongahela National Forest, Organ Cave (a natural landmark) and the ski resorts in the Allegheny Mountains. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car or book a bus or train ticket.

North Carolina: “Tar Heel State” North Carolina is located in the southeastern United States. It is hot and humid in summer while temperatures are mild in winter. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit. Georgia's northern neighbor is home to the Appalachian music and culture of the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains (the most visited National Park in the entire country). From tobacco farms and cotton plantations to vineyards and large cities including Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Fayetteville, North Carolina is one of the nation's most charming vacation spots. The Outer Banks (achain of islands), with its

beaches and sand dunes, is known for its famous lighthouses and wild horses. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car, book a bus or train ticket.

South Carolina: “Palmetto State” South Carolina is part of the American South. The weather is hot and humid in summer, with short and mild winters. The state is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones. It is renowned for its antebellum homes (the period before the American Civil War), historical sites and southern style, especially in the city of Charleston. Along its Eastern Atlantic Coast are several popular destinations. The Grand Strand (the name refers to a large stretch of beaches) runs from the North and South Carolina border along the towns of Little River, Atlantic Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Garden City. Little River is great for fishing and water sports, while Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are known for their beautiful beaches, but also for Golf (the "Golf Capital of the World").

Georgia: “Peach State” Georgia is located in the southeastern United States and was named after Great Britain's King George II. Georgia enjoys a typically mild southern climate, with statewide highs averaging in the mid-80s. Atlanta is Georgia’s largest city and home of the Coca Cola Company Headquarters and factory, which you can visit on a guided tour. The state of Georgia is rich in southern history. Some of the most popular attractions include the Stone Mountain granite dome, Savannah historical district (Georgia’s oldest city, beautifully preserved), Civil War battlefields, museums and several different national parks. The CNN Center, Georgia Aquarium, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (childhood home of the famous civil rights leader) are some of the must-sees. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car, book a bus or train ticket.

Florida: “Sunshine State” Florida is a place where you are never too far from one of the many beaches that line the coast of the state. Other popular attractions and sights in Florida include world-famous amusement parks like Disney, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, historical St. Augustine, the Everglades and the Florida Keys. The nickname, “the Sunshine State,” is slightly misleading, as Florida is also home to extreme weather events. Hurricanes have caused some serious damage to Florida, so visitors should listen to warnings and take precautions during hurricane season in August through to October.The cultural heritage of Florida varies as you move around the state. In Miami, thriving Latin communities and continuing immigration influence the cuisine, art, music and lifestyle of this vibrant city. Northern Florida and parts of central Florida fit in with the Deep South, while the Florida Keys take a more laid-back approach to life. No matter what the location is, international visitors will find places to explore, friendly people to meet and—hopefully—sunshine to enjoy it all in.

The Northeast is densely populated. Its extensive corridors of urbanization have been called the national "megalopolis." Once a leader in technology and industry, the Northeast has been overtaken in those areas by California's Silicon Valley.

Read more: http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/United-States-of-America.html#ixzz3kfduYHsF

Differences between East Coast and West Coast culture featuring New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California-NYC is extremely urban, while the city of LA is spread out and not as gathered

-East Coast climate is continental meaning there are four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter while West Coast climate is more mediterranean, where there are no distinct seasons-NYC is a place for commuters while in LA a majority of people own cars as public transportation is not well developed-NYC lifestyle is 24/7 everything open while in LA everything closes early-NYC is the “city that never sleeps”, “Business atmosphere”; while LA is “chill and relax” almost like you’re always on vacation-NYC food is all fast food and food trucks while LA is known for the heavy Mexican influencehttp://frenchyincali.com/les-6-differences-entre-cote-est-et-cote-ouest-des-usa/?lang=en

The Northeast region of the United States is a highly populated area along the East Coast, home to bustling cities, quiet rural areas, idyllic beach communities and suburban neighborhoods. While early U.S. history has a strong presence in the Northeast, the many cultural and ethnic groups that continually migrate to this area of the country also have a strong influence on the region. This mix of old and new populations, diverse landscapes and wide-ranging lifestyles present many cultural learning experiences for international visitors.https://www.interexchange.org/american-culture/northeast

NEW ENGLAND: In general, the people living in Northeastern United States receive adequate nutrition and have a large amount of natural resources. Because of its coastline, Connecticut has a wide variety of fish and seafood including clams, oysters, scallops, and flounder. These foods, caught from the Atlantic Ocean, are considered low in fat and rich in iron. Maine is also a top fishing state and is famous for its lobster. Rhode Island fishermen pull in large amounts of tuna and striped bass.Not only is fish and seafood plentiful along the coastal Northeastern states, but fruits and vegetables are grown as well. In north Maine, more potatoes are grown in Aroostock County than any other county in the United States. Maine is also among the top producers of blueberries, and Massachusetts grows more cranberries than any other state. Such fruits provide a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamin C.For those who cannot afford it, the United States government provides money and programs to assist needy families. New Englanders, however, earn about $5,000 more in annual income than the national average.

Read more: http://www.foodbycountry.com/Spain-to-Zimbabwe-Cumulative-Index/United-States-Northeast-Region.html#ixzz3kflHKG7D

https://www.interexchange.org/american-culture/us-culture-regionstate

The East Coast of the United States is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and as such is also referred to as the ‘Atlantic Coast’ or the ‘Atlantic Seaboard’. East Coast experiences three climate regions from north to south. The region from Maine south to about Philadelphia has a temperate climate, while the region from Washington, DC south to central Florida has a subtropical climate. The southern part of Florida is tropical. The East Coast comprises cities and other destinations which are well known all over the world. Some of these include cities such as Boston and New York. The world famous Niagara Falls is also located here.

Religion and Beliefs

While some regions of the United States, such as the South, are predominantly Protestant,

half of the states in the Northeast are predominantly Roman Catholic, with Rhode Island

having the highest percentage of Catholics in the Continental United States. This is largely

due to substantial levels of immigration the region received in the nineteenth and early

twentieth centuries from Ireland, Italy,Quebec, and other Catholic regions. The Northeast

is also home to many other religious groups. It has the largest concentration and

percentage of Jews in the United States.

The region also has the highest number of Hindus and Sikhs in the nation. This is due to

the fact that the Northeast has more people ofIndian descent than any other part of the

country, and in the world outside India.

The region is also home to one of the largest populations of Muslims, Buddhists, and many

other religions, including the highest amount of Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox

Christians, due to the many Eastern Europeans who have immigrated to the region.

Tradition and Culture

Today, the coastal Northeast is said to resemble a megalopolis, or megacity, an

interdependent network of cities and suburbs that blend into each other. Economically, the

region provides many of the financial and government services the rest of the country and

much of the world depends on, from New York's Wall Street to Boston's academia. It is

linked largely by the I-95 Interstate, which runs from Florida through Philadelphia, New

York, and Boston and into Maine. By rail, the cities are linked by Amtrak's Northeast

Corridor. Suburbs of Boston as far north as New Hampshire and even Maine, as well as

Washington, D.C.'s suburbs in Virginia are arguably all part of this megacity.

Despite the heavy urban/suburban characteristics of the region, many rural characteristics

survive. Much of Upstate New York has decidedly rural characteristics. The Pine Barrens

in southern New Jersey as well as the northwestern part of the state are known as retreats

from the urban areas of the Northeast. New York is a heavily agricultural state, and even

New York City's boroughs of Queens and Staten Island had some sort of farm production

well into the late twentieth century. Small towns and cities dot western Massachusetts'

Berkshire region, as well as Vermont, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. While formerly

important rural industries like farming and mining have decreased in importance in recent

decades, they persist.

References:http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/east-coast-usa.htmlhttp://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Northeastern_United_States#Religion