The second smallest state of the United States, Vermont has a Native American and French past. Its rivers, lakes, mountains and cities reveal both of these influences: Winooski river, Lake Bomoseen, Taconic mountains and Montpelier.

Its name recalls the French 'les verd monts', the green mountains: an etymologic consequence of its geographic characteristics. Vermont is an important tourist destination, especially during the winter when the ski resorts attract many people. During the summer it is possible to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the numerous regional lakes and little towns. Rudyard Kipling, whose wife was originally from Vermont, spent a conspicuous part of his life there before going to war.

Several festivals and cultural events are run every year, among those the Vermont Mozart Festival, the Summer Shakespeare Festival and the Green Mountain Film Festival have a special place. Although it is a tiny state, Vermont has a rich cultural life which also includes the Bread and Puppet Theater, born during the sixties as a symbol of American anti-war protests. Julie Taylor’s film, Across the Universe gave an account of its foundation and socio-political value. Vermont was also the setting of the successful film Dead Poets Society, whose young protagonists’ lives were able to draw attention to the eternal relation between nature, poetry and youth.

The young components of the group Phish are all from Vermont, and they are considered the most recent and best known musical talents.