Vermont is considered the most rural of the United States because a large percentage of its residents live in communities of less than 2,500. Strict environmental guidelines, including a billboard ban and a 1988 law requiring towns to join in regional planning, aim to protect the rustic beauty of this least populous state in the East. The forests of the Green Mountains, Vermont's backbone, turn crimson and gold in the autumn; sugar maples, whose syrup sweetens the economy, highlight the glorious display of color. In winter, when snow blankets hillsides, skiers descend on more than 50 resorts.

Vermont's employment base consists of production of electronic components and equipment, machine tools, specialty products, quarried and finished stone, and printing. Manufacturing is a major employer, producing a range of goods from computer chips to teddy bears.

Agriculture is also a significant industry in Vermont. Dairying is the primary farm industry, producing more than two billion pounds of milk annually. Vermont is America's largest producer of maple syrup and also produces substantial crops of McIntosh apples, potatoes, eggs, honey, vegetables, Christmas trees, lumber and pulp wood, and greenhouse nursery products.

Burlington, Vermont's largest city, is located on the shores of Lake Champlain. It is the economic center of Vermont, with large high-tech businesses like computer-giant IBM and health systems technology developer IDX.

Summer temperatures reach 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Days are typically sunny and comfortable, ideal for outdoor activity, with light clothing for days; sweaters or light jackets for evenings. The autumn and spring months have highs in the around 10 degrees with a variety of casual dress suitable. Below freezing temperatures are the rule during the winter season. Coats, heavy jackets, gloves and warm, dry boots are recommended for November through mid March.