The provided text is an extensive excerpt from a Wikipedia article about the U.S. state of Maine, covering a wide array of topics related to its history, geography, people, and governmental structure. The article begins with basic facts, such as Maine's status as the northeasternmost state and its nickname, "The Pine Tree State," and quickly moves into detailed sections on its political and indigenous history, including its admittance to the Union via the Missouri Compromise. Significant attention is paid to Maine's distinct geography, discussing its jagged coastline, large forest cover, and temperate climate, as well as its rich flora and fauna, notably moose and lobster populations. Furthermore, the source examines demographics and culture, highlighting the state's predominantly white and aging population, large French-American ancestry, and important sectors of its economy, such as tourism, agriculture, shipbuilding, and the burgeoning creative arts.