Vermont

    Vermont or the "Green Mountain State," leads the nation in the production of monument granite, marble, and maple syrup.  It is also a leader in the production of talc. Vermont's rugged, rocky terrain discourages extensive agricultural farming, but is best for raising fruit trees and dairy farming.  Principal industrial products include electrical equipment, fabricated metal products, printing and publishing, and paper and allied products.  Tourism is a major industry in Vermont.  Vermont's many famous ski areas are Stowe, Killington, Mt. Snow, Okemo, Jay Peak, and Sugarbush. Hunting and fishing also attract many visitors to Vermont each year.  Some of the points of interest are the Green Mountain National Forest, Bennington Battle Monument, the Calvin Coolidge Homestead at Plymouth, and the Marble Exhibit in Proctor.  In 2005, the estimated population was 623,050.  Vermont has 300,000 acres of state forests and 52 state parks.