Maryland is considered the 19th most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 6.04 million people. The largest city in the state is Baltimore, which has more than 600,000 residents and also serves as Maryland's largest metropolitan area. Other major cities include Bethesda-Rockville (suburban Washington D.C.), Frederick, Annapolis (the capital), Bowie, College Park and Salisbury along the eastern shore. Maryland has experienced a steady population growth over recent years due to its proximity to Washington D.C., diverse economic opportunities and robust public health system.