Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state by area and is located in the New England region of the United States. It borders Connecticut to the west, Massachusetts to the north and east, and shares a water boundary with New York's Fishers Island to the southwest. Despite the name, most of Rhode Island is on the mainland United States and it is nicknamed "The Ocean State" due to several large bays and inlets. Rhode Island experiences hot, rainy summers and chilly winters. Providence is the capital and the most populous city.