POPULATION: 5,617,727 (2006 estimate)

LABOR FORCE: 3,009,143 (2006 annual average)

RIGHT TO WORK: No

TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES: Manufacturing, agriculture, fishing

EXPANDING INDUSTRIES: Biotechnology and information-technology industries, telecommunications, environmental industries, technology-driven manufacturing, health care, financial services, tourism, warehouse and distribution

COLLEGE GRADUATES: (Age 25 and over) 34.5%

BASIC BUSINESS TAXES:
Corporate Income Tax:
7 percent of the net income allocable to Maryland; no corporate franchise tax; no gross receipts tax on manufacturers; no tax on the Internet, e-commerce, or direct broadcast satellite services

Sales and Use Tax: 5 percent on the sale or use of tangible personal property, unless a specific exemption is provided

Property Tax: Real property taxed by the state, counties, Baltimore City, and incorporated towns; rates vary. Maryland imposes no state personal property tax; counties and municipalities levy local personal property taxes.

BUSINESS INCENTIVES: Seafood and Aquaculture Loans
Energy Financing
Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority Fund Employee Training
Recruitment Assistance