With one of the world's largest natural harbors, Baltimore has always been a port city.
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Excellent rail, road, and air connections make it attractive for industry, manufacturing, and trade.
Today, however, Baltimore's economy focuses on research and development, especially in the areas of aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies and services. In addition to private laboratories, the city is home to more than 60 federal research laboratories, and to Columbus Center, a large marine biotechnology center that opened in 1994.
The population of Baltimore decreased from 786,775 in 1980 to 736,014 in 1990. According to the 1990 census, blacks represent 59.2 percent of Baltimore's population; whites, 39.1 percent.
Major cities near Baltimore:
| Southwest Washington 35 miles |
East-northeast Philadelphia 93 miles |
Northeast New York 170 miles |