Baltimore is Maryland's largest city, although it's not the state capital. Perched on the River Patapsco, at the top of the northwestern fork of the Chesapeake Bay, it gives direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the early days of European settlement, Baltimore was the westernmost ocean-going harbour. The Inner Harbor area is representative of the city's forward-looking attitude. Baltimore clippers (fast two-mast schooners) were once built there; now the harbour successfully combines business, shopping, hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions.

The West Side's redevelopment includes the city centre and thriving Lexington Market. Established in 1782, the market still houses over 150 merchants. The once shabby historic districts of Fells-Point, Federal Hill and Harbor East have been revamped as bustling communities housing commuters. Mount Vernon and Little Italy also boast a village atmosphere.
 
Baltimore's vitality is also evident on the campuses of the University of Maryland (near Downtown) and Johns Hopkins University (to the north). Johns Hopkins rose from being a humble greengrocer to a wealthy philanthropist in the 19th century, embodying Baltimore's work ethic and the American dream.

Its history is a microcosm of that of the USA's eastern seaboard. Named after the second Lord Baltimore, George Calvert, the city was founded in 1729. Grist mills prospered on the rivers flowing into the Bay, ensuring that industry and shipping were soon established.

Baltimore is a city with distinct seasons - hot summers, sometimes snowy, cold winters and moderate temperatures in between. It tends to be windy all year round. Residents are not only proud of its heritage but also confident of the future, preferring to shape the inevitable changes rather than be subject to them. Nonetheless, one thing has never changed - it is considered almost a crime for one to leave the city without tasting Baltimore's speciality, Maryland crabs.