Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, is centrally located between the major Eastern seaboard hubs of New York and Boston. Rhode Island has a temperate climate, allowing for full manifestation of the four seasons. The warmest months of the year are April through October. The state flower is the violet and the state tree is the red maple. Rhode Island s government consists of the general assembly, governor and judiciary. The state has several well-known colleges and universities including Brown University and the University of Rhode Island. Major industries include nursery stock, eggs, machinery, ship and boat building and tourism. Rhode Island has a population of more than 1 million and became the 13th state in 1790. The capital city is Providence.