Rhode Island is a state of New England and the first of the original 13 colonies to become independent of Great Britain.

It is the smallest state of the Union, with a total area of 3.114 sq km and, according to the 2000 census, 1.048.319 inhabitants, being the second most populated state of the nation (after New Jersey). Providence is the capital and the largest city of Rhode Island.

The economy of this state is based on transforming factories, agriculture and fishery. Also, 40% of the Rhode Island inhabitants work in the services area.

Brown University, Rhode Island University and Rhode Island Design School are responsible for the high standards of the state’s education. It has also 39 municipal and 30 specialized libraries.

According to the 1999 census, there were 94.650 Portuguese emigrants in Rhode Island.

Portuguese influence in politics is very important. The deputies Paul Moura, Joseph Almeida, Charlene Lima, Joseph Faria, William São Bento, Henry Rose and Joseph Amaral are Portuguese descendants, as well as the state senators Teresa Paiva Weed, Daniel da Ponte and Stephen Alves.

Portuguese presence is of great significance in the following cities and villages: Bristol, Cranston, Cumberland, East Providence, Newport, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Warren and Warwick.