Explore this Delaware map to know everything you want to know about the first state of the US. Learn about Delaware’s location in the United States of America. Look at its geography, time zones, history, major cities, name of the capital/most significant city, area/zip codes, flag/seal, national parks, trails, frequently asked questions (FAQs), etc.

About Delaware

Delaware is the first state in the United States. On December 7, 1787, it became the first of the 13 original states that ratified the US Constitution. Dover is Delaware’s capital city. Wilmington is the largest city and metro-urban area. English is not the official language in this state, yet most people speak English. Delaware has a growing Spanish-speaking population. In the US, Delaware is the 45th state by population rank.

Delaware has the following nicknames:

•         The First State (official)
•         Blue Hen State
•         The Diamond State
•         The Small Wonder

“Liberty and Independence” is the state motto of Delaware.  Check Key Facts of Delaware to learn more about this US state.

Delaware Flag

The union adopted the Delaware flag on July 24, 1913. The flag’s background color is colonial blue. It encircles a buff-colored diamond, which has a coat of arms on it. Beneath the diamond is written “December 7, 1787”. This is the day on which Delaware became the first state to ratify the country’s constitution.

Delaware State Symbols

The Delaware state seal, adopted on January 17, 1777, has the coat of arms. Around it, the words “Great Seal of the State of Delaware” is written. The dates 1793, 1847, and 1907 are also mentioned.

In the middle of the coat of arms is a horizontal orange shield with blue and white stripes. The stripes symbolize a sheaf of wheat and corn cob. On the white stripe stands an ox. On top of the shield is a sailing ship. To the left of the shield is a farmer and to the right is a rifleman. Below the shield is the state motto.

The ear of corn symbolizes the agricultural foundation of the state’s economy. The blue stripe on top of the ox stands for the Delaware River, the backbone of the state’s commerce.

Delaware Location

The Delaware location map shows the exact location of the US state of Delaware on the United States map. This map shows the US state’s boundaries, neighboring countries, and oceans. 

The State of Delaware is a tiny Mid-Atlantic US State. It rests on a peninsula and has beaches full of dunes. The beaches are on the borders of the Atlantic Ocean. 

• Pennsylvania (in the north)
• New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean (in the east)
• Maryland (in the south and west)

Delaware’s coordinates are 38° 27′ N to 39° 50′ N Latitude and 75° 3′ W to 75° 47′ W Longitude. Check the Delaware Longitude and Latitude Map to learn more about the location.

Delaware Time Zones

The time zone in Delaware is UTC−05:00 (EST). Its summer (DST) is UTC−04:00 (EDT). 

Delaware Geography

Delaware is spread across a total area of 1,980 sq mi (5,130 sq km). It is the

second smallest state in the United States in terms of area. Delaware is majorly an unelevated, horizontal coastal plain with prosperous soil. The Delmarva Peninsula has overlapping regions with Maryland and Virginia. The state’s northernmost region is a section of the Piedmont Plateau.

Delaware has two major land sectors: Piedmont and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Piedmont is an area of smooth, undulating hills in the state’s northwest corner. It is 10 miles wide at its broadest point. The highest point in Delaware is found in Piedmont. It is only 450 feet above sea level. Check this Delaware Topographic Map to learn more.

Learn about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states from this Physical Map of Delaware. 

Delaware Climate

Delaware’s climate is continental. The conventional four seasons make their presence felt one after the other. Summers are hot and humid, mainly inland in the Brandywine Valley and other rural regions.

• Fall: The best time of the year in Delaware is between September and November, which is the Fall season here. The beaches are still comfortable towards the end of September. By October and November, the Brandywine Valley is full of color. The temperature during the day is in the low 70s °F. Azure skies make this a wonderful time for visitors.

• Spring: March to May is the spring season in Delaware. This time of the year is quite rainy, though the highest temperatures during the day fall slightly by mid-March.

• Summer: Summers tend to be a little hot and sticky in Delaware. The average temperature during these months is around 74.3 °F. The coastal regions are around 10°F cooler than the inland regions. This is due to the breeze which blows from the Atlantic.

• Winter: Winter lasts for around three months. December to March are the winter months, with the daily high rarely crossing 50°F. Dover has the coldest month in January in the entire state when temperatures average a low of 28°F and a high of 42°F.

Delaware History

Before European colonists came to Delaware, Eastern Algonquian tribes or the Unami Lenape, or Delaware, occupied this land. They lived mainly along the coast and the Nanticoke, who controlled a large part of the southern Delmarva Peninsula.

The Dutch were the first to settle in modern Delaware among the Europeans. They soon set up a trading post at Zwaanendael. However, in less than a year, all of the first settlers were killed by Native American tribes.

In 1638, New Sweden was established as a trading post in Fort Christina, now known as Wilmington. Peter Minuit, a Swede who headed a group of Swedes, Dutch, and Finns, was instrumental in setting up this post.

In 1664, Sir Robert Carr, an Englishman, led a fleet of ships and won over the Dutch. He was working under the instructions of the Duke of York.

When the Duke handed over ownership to William Penn in 1682, he wanted access to the sea for his Pennsylvania province. Later, he leased the “Lower Counties” on the Delaware River from Duke.

William Penn soon formed a representative government and brought together his two properties under one General Assembly in 1682. But, by 1704, the Province of Pennsylvania had become so big that its representatives wanted to make independent decisions.

Eventually, the two groups began meeting separately at Philadelphia and New Castle. Penn and his descendants were proprietors of both. They appointed the same person as Governor for Pennsylvania and Lower Counties.

The Lower Counties had no intention to break with Britain initially. Their relationships with the government were good, so they had more independence than the other colonies. The Wilmington merchants had trading links with the British.

After the American Revolution, Delaware’s statesmen were one of the leading proponents of a strong central United States. They wanted equal representation for each state.

Delaware Counties

Delaware has only three counties, the fewest among any US state. Sussex County is the largest county, having a total area of 1196.9 sq mi (3,100 sq km). New Castle County is the smallest county, having a total area of 494.2 sq mi (1,280 sq km). Check the Delaware County Map to learn more about the counties.

Delaware Area Codes

The US State of Delaware has only one area code currently:

• 302: Original area code and covers the entire state of Delaware

The Delaware Area Codes Map helps you locate a particular area code. You can also use it to learn more about the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital.

Delaware Zip Codes

There are 67 active zip codes in Delaware. Some of the best zip codes to live in include 19806, 19803, 19707, and many more. You can locate a particular zip code’s location, boundary, state boundary, and state capital with the help of the Delaware Zip Codes Map. 

Delaware Major Cities

Learn about the state’s major cities from this Delaware cities map. It also helps you to know the exact location of the state capital, other cities, state boundaries, neighboring states, oceans, and many more. Delaware’s most prominent cities are Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Check out the Delaware Cities Map for more details. 

Delaware Airports

The busiest airport in Delaware is the Wilmington Airport, which is the only commercial airport. There are no direct flights to Delaware. The nearest major airport is the Philadelphia airport, 30 minutes from Wilmington.

Check the location of other small private airports in the state on the Delaware Airports Map. This map also shows Delaware’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans. 

Delaware National Park and Trails

Delaware has only one national park and 17 state parks. Around 4.34 million visitors went to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in 2021. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers an area of 70,000 acres (109.38 sq mi or 283.28 sq km). The presence of mountains, forests, and the Delaware River makes it one of the most visited outdoor destinations in the US. 

You’ll find around 200 trails in the state for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and many more. The most popular trails are Gordons Pond Trail, Alapocas Woods Trail, Swamp Forest Trail, Brandywine Creek River Loop, and many more.

Check out the US National Parks Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.

FAQs On Delaware

FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is Delaware?

Ans: The time zone in Delaware is UTC−05:00 (EST). Its summer (DST) is UTC−04:00 (EDT). 

 FAQ #2: Where is Delaware?

Ans: Delaware is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA.

FAQ #3: Is Delaware A Red State?

Ans: No, Delaware is a Blue state. The Democrats won the state convincingly in 2020 by 47.75% votes.

FAQ #4: What Is Delaware Known For?

Ans: Delaware is known for its chemical manufacturing. 

FAQ #5: What Is The Capital Of Delaware?

Ans: Dover is the capital of Delaware

FAQ #6: What Planting Zone Is Delaware?

Ans: In Delaware, the planting zone is 7. However, northern Delaware is 7a, and coastal Delaware is 7b. 

FAQ #7: Are there Any Beaches In Delaware?

Ans: Yes, Delaware is known for its beaches. Rehoboth, Bethany, and Dewey are a few of the popular beaches.

FAQ #8: What Is The Population Of Delaware?

Ans: The population of Delaware in 2022 is estimated to be 1.03 million.

FAQ #9: Who Is The Governor Of Delaware?

Ans: Democrat John Carney is the current governor of Delaware. He is Delaware’s 74th governor, who assumed office on January 17, 2017.

FAQ #10: Do You Have To Pay State Tax in Delaware?

Ans: Delaware does not have a state or local sales tax.