New Hampshire tops the 2012 list of states with the highest per capita number of Peace Corps volunteers. Seventy-four (74) currently-serving Peace Corps volunteers call the Granite State home, making it the number four Peace Corps volunteer-producing state in the nation on a per capita basis. This ranking marks an increase for New Hampshire, which ranked number five last year.

In addition, the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont was nationally ranked among U.S. metropolitan areas for its per capita volunteer production, with 15 residents of the Lebanon-Hanover-Hartford area currently serving as volunteers.

“The Northeast has a culture of involvement and community engagement, so we are always well represented in Peace Corps service worldwide,” said Northeast Regional Office Manager Brian Melman. “This year, more than 1,500 residents of the Northeast region are serving overseas, gaining leadership skills and tangible benefits while making a difference for those in need.  Residents interested in working with communities in 76 nations to address changing and complex needs in education, health and HIV/AIDS, business, information technology, agriculture, and the environment should contact the Northeast Regional Office for additional information.”

Historically, New Hampshire has produced 1,628 Peace Corps volunteers who have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. 

To see the full list Peace Corps Top States and Metro Regions, visit the Peace Corps website.

Peace Corps is a life-defining leadership experience for Americans who are prepared for the challenge of public service overseas. Volunteers return home as global citizens with cross-cultural, leadership, language, teaching and community development skills that position them well for advanced education and professional opportunities in today’s global job market.

Peace Corps’ eight regional recruiting offices across the United States work to recruit and provide information to prospective Peace Corps volunteers. The Northeast regional recruiting office serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and Peace Corps recruiters work locally throughout the region. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead and apply for Peace Corps service one year in advance of their target departure date. Locate your local regional recruiting office by visiting the Peace Corps website here.

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 210,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 8,073 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

*Peace Corps data current as of September 30, 2012. The metropolitan area data used to determine Peace Corps’ rankings are derived from the most current U.S. Census Bureau “Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area” data. The U.S. Census population data is based on 2009 estimates. Volunteers self-report their home city and state on their Peace Corps application.