USA Vermont | North America

Vermont is located in the New England region of the Northeastern United States, bordering Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, New York to the west, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. It is the only landlocked state in New England and is defined by the Green Mountains, which run north-south through its center. The capital city is Montpelier.

History & Culture

Vermont was admitted to the Union in 1791 as the 14th state, the first admitted after the original 13 colonies. It previously existed as an independent republic for 14 years. Cultural identity is rooted in rural self-reliance, environmentalism, and a legacy of progressive political activism. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (30%) and Catholic (22%), with 37% identifying as religiously unaffiliated. Social etiquette emphasizes privacy, civic participation (Town Meeting Day), and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

English is the universal language. Spanish (2%) and French (1.5%) are the most significant secondary languages. The regional dialect is categorized as Eastern New England, often featuring the "glottal stop" (e.g., pronouncing "Vermont" as Ver-mon’).

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 648,500. GDP per capita is approximately $62,000 USD. The economy is driven by specialized manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Vermont is the leading U.S. producer of maple syrup. In 2026, real GDP growth is projected at 1.2%, the lowest in the northern tri-state region, due to labor shortages and a declining working-age population. The "Vermont Economic Action Plan" is currently prioritizing education reform and housing supply to address these demographic headwinds.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries. A full suspension of immigrants and nonimmigrants applies to 19 nations (including Afghanistan, Burma, and Syria). Citizens of most EU nations and the UK require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Burlington International (BTV) and the 15 land border crossings with Canada is strict regarding agricultural products.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal. Cash is common at farmers' markets and rural "general stores." Unlike neighboring New Hampshire, Vermont has a 6% statewide sales tax. ATM availability is high, with networks dense in retail chains like Hannaford and Kinney Drugs.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the I-89 and I-91 corridors. Amtrak provides service via the "Vermonter" (St. Albans to DC) and the "Ethan Allen Express" (Burlington to NYC). Domestic aviation is anchored by Burlington International (BTV). In 2026, the state is addressing infrastructure resilience following significant flooding events, with increased funding for bridge and culvert stabilization.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Burlington-Winooski metro area. In early 2026, the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is utilizing $229 million in BEAD funding to complete its "Benefit of the Bargain" fiber rollout. Shovels are officially in the ground for these projects as of Q1 2026. Signal dead zones remain frequent in deep mountain notches and high-elevation valleys.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is humid continental. For the 2025–2026 winter, a weak La Niña has resulted in above-normal temperatures and below-normal snowfall for the northern tier. Shorter cold snaps and early thaws are expected in January. Summer (July–August) is mild and increasingly humid.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include extreme winter cold, tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease), and flash flooding. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Champlain Valley (Tech/Edu/Commerce): Hub city is Burlington.

Central Vermont (Government/Granite/Tourism): Hub city is Montpelier/Barre.

Southern Green Mountains (Hospitality/Skiing): Hub town is Brattleboro/Bennington.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.20 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $6.50 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Vermont is home to Lake Champlain, where the "Champ" lake monster-a reported 100-foot-long serpentine creature-has been sighted since indigenous times. A prominent local legend is the "Bennington Triangle," a region where several people vanished without trace between 1945 and 1950. Folklore also includes the "Frozen People of Vermont," a 19th-century tale of families who supposedly froze their elderly during winter to save food, thawing them out in the spring. Another oddity is the "Witch Window," a diagonal window found in old farmhouses designed to prevent witches from flying in on broomsticks.