Delaware Is Number One At All Of These Things

You might think that Delaware, being the second smallest state, might not have many things that bump it to the top spot on a list of U.S. states. Many people are surprised to find out we're a nationwide leader across the board! We're called the First State for a reason, and Delaware ranks number one in many categories when compared to the rest of the country.

1. Of course, we'll start with the obvious! Delaware ranks first in the nation for being, yep, you guessed it, first in the nation.

We ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787. Every year, you'll find historians around the state celebrating Delaware Day.

2. There's a reason so many people flock to our famous beaches - they're among the cleanest in the country.

The National Resource Defense Council has consistently ranked Delaware beach water quality number one in the nation when it is compared to 30 other beach states. Rehoboth Beach, in particular, is regarded as one of the cleanest beaches in the country year after year.

3. Delaware is one of the most valuable places for farmers and agricultural companies.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Delaware ranks number one in the market value of agricultural products per acre. We're efficient, that's for sure - you have to be when you don't have all that much space.

4. Delaware is home to some of the fastest internet in the country.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) named Delaware the number one state for fastest internet speed in 2015, and we're consistently at the top of the list over the last few years, too. That's one of the perks of having a state that's so invested in technology.

5. 4-H Participation

If you grew up anywhere besides Wilmington, chances are you knew several kids who were involved with 4-H. Per capita, Delaware ranks number one for children instructed with 4-H youth development programs and curriculum--the largest positive youth development program in the U.S.

6. Delaware has a history of fighting for equality, and though our whole country has a long way to go, we're proud to be a state of progress.

For many years now, Delaware has ranked number 1 in the U.S. for legal fairness by the Institute for Legal Reform.

7. Sussex County, Delaware is first in the nation for the production of broiler chickens.

Any time you take a drive through the county on a hot day, you can just smell all the... national success. By the way, there are more than 300 chickens for every person in Delaware.

8. We're at the top of the list for being at the bottom of the chart!

The elevation chart, that is. With our mean low elevation being only 60 feet, Delaware is the flattest state in the nation.

9. We're #1 in corporations... but we're not sure if that's exactly something we should be bragging about.

Delaware's corporate-friendly laws make it number one for home to over 60% of Fortune 500 companies Many companies incorporate in Delaware to take advantage of the loopholes we allow.

10. We were the first place to offer study abroad, which is now part of the college experience for millions of students each year.

The University of Delaware was the first American university to offer a study abroad program, dating back to an idea by a young professor in 1923.

These 10 things are a list that we can be proud of! Did you know that Delaware ranks number one in so many categories? I'm sure some were a surprise - let's talk about it in the comments below.