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Maryland - the "old line state" - is one of the most economically advanced states in the United States, offering tremendous opportunities to Israeli businesses. Its geography, industry strengths, skilled workforce, educational system, standard of living, rich historical heritage, and presence of Israeli companies combine to make Maryland the ideal environment for success. For more information, see www.ChooseMaryland.org.


Geography

  • Size: 25.5 thousand square kilometers (roughly 1.2 times the size of Israel)
  • Maryland lies on the east coast of the United States, between Boston and Atlanta. The state is directly adjacent to Washington, DC, and less than 300 kilometers from New York City.  Maryland is also located half way between London and Los Angeles.   
  • The state's extensive transportation system includes Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (as well as easy access to both Dulles International and Reagan National airports), the Port of Baltimore and rail networks.  
  • Many interstate highways connect Maryland to the rest of the country.  These highways include I-68, I-70, I-81, I-83, I-95, I-97, I-195, I-270, I-370, I-395, I-495, I-695, I-795, and I-895.

Demographics

  • Population 5.6 million people (2005) (roughly 4/5ths the size of Israel)
  • Median household income: $61,592 (2005) This is the second highest in the United States.
  • Per capita GDP: $41,760 (2005) this is the 4th highest in the United States.  
  • Unemployment rate: 4.5% (2003)

Industry Strengths

  • Information Technology. Maryland boasts a high concentration of information technology companies and technically skilled professionals. Pioneering research in the University of Maryland System, and the presence of key federal agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Security Agency, bolster the state's IT profile. Maryland excels in the following sub-sectors: fiber optics, information security, satellite and wireless technology. The state is home to IT leaders such as Acterna, Aether Systems, Ciena, Corvis, Digex and Lockheed Martin.
  • Bioscience. Maryland is recognized as "ground zero" of the bioscience industry. Over 300 bioscience companies are headquartered in the state, including some of the most innovative in the field: Celera, Human Genome Sciences, Digene, Gene Logic and MedImmune. Maryland is also home to federal research agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, the state offers two world-class universities (Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland), major research institutions and the nation's leading hospital (Johns Hopkins University Hospital).

Skilled Workforce

  • Maryland ranks first among the fifty states in the rate of professional and technical workers in the workforce (23.0%, 2000).
  • The state ranks fourth in the number of doctoral scientists and engineers per 100,000 population (426, 1999).

Educational System

  • Maryland ranks first among the fifty states in the rate of high school completions (95.0%, 1997), defined as the percentage of 18-24 year olds who have a high school credential.
  • Maryland is home to 59 accredited 2 and 4 year colleges and universities which enroll over 315,000 students.  Among these schools are Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland.
  • The state ranks third in the rate of the population age 25 and over that has completed a bachelor's degree (37.2%, 2003).

Standard of Living

  • There are 47 acute care hospitals in Maryland including the world renown Johns Hopkins Hospital. 
  • Maryland has more physicians per 100,000 people than any other state in the United States.  Currently, 22,000 doctors are residing in Maryland.
  • Maryland residents live in many different housing types including detached single houses, townhouses, duplexes, and condominiums.
  • Waterfront property is available in many areas in Maryland.

Recreation

The state offers museums, libraries, history, parks, beaches, sailing, mountains, and numerous other amenities.Maryland is home to many professional sports teams including the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Washington Redskins.

  • The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra preserves Maryland's rich tradition for the performing arts. 

  • The Baltimore Museum of Art exhibits Maryland's heritage in the visual arts.

  • Maryland is the location for many seaside resorts such as Ocean City.

  • Many historical events took place in Maryland.  Antietam National Battlefield was the site for a major battle in the American Civil War.

Presence of Israeli Companies

  • Maryland is home to nearly 30 Israeli companies, see Israeli Companies in Maryland.
  • Over 50 Israeli firms reside in the Baltimore-Washington, DC metropolitan area.


Maryland's many advantages offer a growing Israeli company all it needs to prosper and succeed. For more information on the state and how to establish business in Maryland, contact the Maryland/Israel Development Center.