Maine & “Mainers”

November, 2021

Gritty, fiercely independent, hardy and astonishingly resilient, so-called “Mainers” are an amazing lot.  Faced with rocky land largely unsuitable for agriculture (except blueberries, apples and maple syrup), bitter winters and a land mass populated by mostly small towns, Mainers hang tough.  They have transitioned from an economy based mostly on timber and the sea, to one that relies more on tourism.

Maine is the most rural state in the union.  The greater Portland population represents roughly 40% of the state’s population.  (Source is Wikipedia)

Maine’s economy once relied principally on timber and commercial fishing.  While the later continues to be a vibrant industry focusing on lobster and oysters, timber production has dropped and companies have consolidated.

Today, tourism and outdoor recreation play a major and increasingly important role in Maine’s economy.  The state is a popular destination for sport hunting (particularly deer, moose and bear), sport fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, boating, camping and hiking. Maine has also developed a growing creative economy, most centered primarily in Portland. (again, source is Wikipedia).