Massachusetts, officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States, within an area commonly referred to as New England. It is the 7th smallest state by land area but the 15th most populous and the 3rd most densely populated of the 50 United States. Massachusetts is bordered by Vermont and New Hampshire to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Connecticut and Rhode Island to the south, and New York to the west. The state capital and largest city is Boston, which is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Massachusetts is known for its significant historical, cultural, and commercial impact on the country. It was the site of the first colony in New England, the Plymouth Colony, established by the Pilgrims in 1620, and later, the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The state played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, with events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Education is a major focus in the state, which is home to prestigious universities such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The state's economy is diverse, with key sectors including higher education, biotechnology, information technology, finance, health care, tourism, and manufacturing. Massachusetts is also known for its beautiful fall foliage, coastal towns, and historical landmarks. The state has a varied climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Cultural offerings are rich in Massachusetts, with numerous museums, theaters, and historical sites. Sports are also a significant part of the state's culture, with passionate fan bases for teams like the Boston Red Sox (baseball), New England Patriots (football), Boston Celtics (basketball), and Boston Bruins (hockey).