How small is Rhode Island? Every Rhode Islander eventually has one of those unforgettable encounters. You're speaking with an out-of-stater and you suddenly realize they haven't the slightest idea of where Rhode Island is. You find yourself trying to explain that no, Rhode Island and Long Island are not the same place. Little Rhody is a state. It's just not easy to find on the map, but it's there, nestled between Massachusetts and Connecticut and, of course, the sea. You suddenly realize that growing up in the Ocean State has offered you the chance to live a very unique life that few can understand. For those who are familiar, but not from Rhode Island, you might even find yourself desperately trying to explain just how small the state really is! These 15 fun facts about Rhode Island will help put the size of the nation's smallest but most charming state into perspective.

1. Rhode Island is so small it can fit into the state of Texas 221 times.

If there is any doubt about what's the smallest state, let there be no mistake. It's definitely the Ocean State. Rhode Island might just be a tiny speck compared to bigger states like Texas, but it is filled with wonderful things.

2. Rhode Islanders consider any drive lasting more than 15 minutes a road trip.

"Let's pack some snacks. We're visiting your Aunt in Westerly and it's going to be a long drive."

3. It's also so small that Delaware, the second smallest state, is still more than twice the size.

Rhode Island's size is only 1,212 square miles, while Delaware is a whopping 2,491. Though both states might seem small to the rest of the nation, the size difference is almost unimaginable for Rhode Islanders. Just think of all the road trips you would have to take there...

4. Rhode Island is so small that there are at least four cities and towns across the country that are bigger.

Little Rhody really feels like one big small town in its entirety.

5. The whole state only needs one area code.

The smallest state is often called "the 401" for just this reason.

6. As if it couldn't seem any smaller, almost 15 percent of the state's square mileage actually consists of bays and doesn't even include land.

No wonder it's officially nicknamed the Ocean State. That is just part of the blessing we get by calling Rhode Island home. We get to be close to the ocean no matter where in the state we live.

7. Think it's big enough to house major sports teams? Think again.

Local sports fans root for teams out of Massachusetts such as the New England Patriots. Honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way. Go Pats! We did have a good run there for a while, didn't we?

8. Rhode Island is so small that the locals visit Massachusetts for some of their most popular attractions.

La Salette, Fenway, Purgatory Chasm, Gillette; the list goes on and on.

9. If you want to know how small Rhode Island is, just try to find it on the map without any help.

Where is Rhode Island? Oh wait, is that it? Way zoomed in there in, what's it called again, New England? Yeah, I see it now. This picture really speaks for itself.

10. Rhode Island is so small the state only has 39 total cities and towns.

To put that into perspective Delaware, the next smallest state, has 57 cities and towns. So we have them beat by 18 towns.

11. You can easily drive across the entire state in an hour.

You can probably even stop for gas and coffee and still make it. So hooray for us for economically feasible road trips in Rhode Island.

12. Rhode Island is so small you can't go anywhere in the state without seeing someone you know.

It's important to stay neighborly because you never know where you'll run into someone. You wouldn't want it to turn awkward or anything.

13. The average hiker would need three to five days to walk across the entire state.

The North South Trail goes across the state and is a popular trail in nice weather. This is also a great trail if you love waterfalls.

14. While most states rely on county government, Rhode Island uses local municipal governments in each city and town.

There aren't that many cities and towns so why not?

15. It's so small that out-of-staters often confuse it with Long Island or think it's an extension of Massachusetts or Connecticut.

No. It's not Long Island. It's Rhode Island! You know, one of the original colonies.

Though Little Rhody might be small, it is definitely filled with amazing attractions, a gorgeous coastline, and charming locals. We get it the question gets asked often "How small is Rhode Island?". We hope this helps settle things a little bit more for people. The quick answer is that it's pretty small, but it's still a wonderful place to live. If you are proud of the Ocean State too make sure to check out our friends at Wear Your Roots where you can quite literally wear your state pride on your sleeves.

Crave more to learn more about Little Rhody? Check out these 7 unique trivia facts about Rhode Island.

Looking for a relaxing getaway spot in this tiny state? Check out this OnlyInYourState video to learn more about Watch Hill.