While the state of Maine is home to more forested area than any other in the nation, its also the home of almost 1.4 million people. Over 35,000 square miles of territory are divided into cities, towns, villages, and plantations. Among metropolises like Portland, named for its seaside locale, and places like Millinocket, a name derived from a Native Abenaki word, several Maine towns (almost 50 of them) share a unique traitthey are named for global destinations. In fact, it is quite possible to travel the world over without leaving the state. From cities to countries, how do Maines homages compare to the real thing?1. China: The Song, Not the CountryA popular hymn played a role in China, Maines creation. Source: Pbritti via Wikimedia CommonsLocated in what is considered Central Maine (the true center of the state is largely uninhabited), China offers easy access to many state attractions. It is reasonably close to the state capital of Augusta but also just a short driving distance to the popular tourist attractions of the midcoast area. While China shares its name with the country, thats not what it was named after. When the town was formally organized in 1818, contributing founder Japheth Washburn named the town after a favorite hymn titled China. Considered composer Timothy Swans best work, the song was released around 1790.The China Pond Meeting House, a former Quaker meeting place, is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Source: Magicpiano via Wikimedia CommonsThough officially founded in the early 19th century, settlers began arriving in what would become China in 1774 after surveys began the previous year. At the time, Maine was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. China Lake, one of the two large bodies of water within the town limits, was an important landmark to early settlers, and the 4,000-acre lake continues to attract visitors today. About 4,000 people call China home year-round, a far cry from the 1.4 billion living in the country it shares its name with!2. Unchangeable AthensPhoto of an outbuilding in downtown Athens. Image used with permission from Emily Jayne Barney (photographer)Incorporated in 1804, Athens is another settlement that predates the founding of the state of Maine. Nestled in a valley, the town has a rich sense of history and is well-known for its close-knit community. Though it has historically struggled with poverty and decreasing economic opportunities, the town has consistently supported the education of its young people. Athens operates an independent Pre-K-8th grade school that was ranked #1 in the state in 2023. It is the second teacher-led school in the state and continues to offer opportunities to older students as they move on to high school and college, including scholarships and funds for books.In a different vein, the town also has a longstanding, rambunctious 4th of July Parade known for unabashed political statements and occasional nudity, concluding each year with a stage play in a local gravel pit. As longtime resident Faye Chandler was quoted in 2006, Some people talk about trying to change it, but you might as well just enjoy the whole thing. No one can change Athens.Athens Community School, formerly known as Athens Elementary, houses around 100 students in grades Pre-K-8th grade. Source: Town of AthensThere arent many attractions within the town itself, but it is an excellent place to stop for a spell. Jims Variety, a local convenience store owned by the same family during its 40+ years in operation, has been a pizza destination for decades. Scenic family farms punctuate the rural area, and Ironbound Pond is just one of several locally accessible waterways. Athens is home to several historical buildings, including Somerset Academy, a former high school now on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the town office.3. Paris, Home to GovernorsA 19th-century view of the Paris Hill Neighborhood. Source: New York Public Library via Wikimedia CommonsAlthough referred to by the US Postal Service as South Paris, the town of Paris was incorporated in 1793. South Paris village has been the center of town since its early days due to its easy access to water power and railroads. As most might assume, the town is believed to have been named for Frances famous city of lights. Located in southwestern Maine, Paris is the county seat for Oxford County.Hannibal Hamlin in the 1860s. Source: Library of Congress via Wikimedia CommonsParis is noted as a great location for rockhounds and those searching for semi-precious gems. It is the birthplace of four Maine governors, including Hannibal Hamlin, who served as President Abraham Lincolns first-term vice president. There are several architecturally interesting buildings in the area, including impressive homes in the Paris Hill area.4. Mexico and the MillA sign welcoming visitors to Mexico, Maine. Source: Steve Hamel via Wikimedia CommonsIncorporated in 1818, Mexico, Maine, was previously known as Township Number 1 and later Holmanstown. It was named Mexico to show solidarity with the Mexican people, who, at the time of incorporation, were fighting for their independence from Spain. Also located in Oxford County, Mexico lies approximately 30 miles northwest of Paris.The KKK has a history of activity in Maine. Source: Library of Congress via Wikimedia CommonsEarly Mexico was home to a number of religious denominations, from Seventh-Day Adventists to Christian Scientists. In the 1920s, the Ridlonville section of town was the residence of a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, who built a meeting hall there. The Klan left town within a few years, and the hall became home to community events such as sporting matches and dances.The Rumford paper mill in 2013. Source: AlexisHoratius via Wikimedia CommonsMexicos fate since the late 19th century has been heavily tied to the paper mill in neighboring Rumford. Originally known as the Rumford Falls Paper Company, the mill has long been a place of employment for many Mexico residents, and a mainstay of the regional economy. However, as the 20th century drew to a close, Maines paper industry began to see signs of decline. Though the mill in Rumford is still operational, recent years have seen unprecedented layoffs and the conclusion of certain mill operations.5. Diverse BelfastLike its Irish counterpart, Belfast, Maine features many brick buildings. Source: Bruce C. Cooper via Wikimedia CommonsLegend has it that Belfast earned its name as the result of a coin toss, though the other name option has been lost to history. First settled by Scotch-Irish families in 1770, Belfast was briefly abandoned during the Revolutionary War, but revitalized in 1780. Home to just under 7,000, Belfast is located in the Mid Coast region, meeting the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River and Penobscot Bay in the Atlantic Ocean. The city is known for combining small-town charm with a dynamic cultural scene. Popular with tourists, Belfast features a variety of restaurants, event venues, shops, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.6. Canadian Neighbor CalaisHomes in the historic Hinckley Hill district of Calais. Source: Ken Gallager via Wikimedia CommonsThough it is named for the iconic French town, Maines Calais is usually pronounced Cal-ISS by most Mainers. Originally home to the Passamaquoddy people, the area was explored by Samuel de Champlain in the 17th century, and settled permanently in the late 18th. The town has a rich history with New Brunswick, Canada, as it is home to three Canada-US border crossings to the city of St. Stephen. It was home to the first railroad built in Maine, which was created 18 years before the citys incorporation in 1850.A view of Calais waterfront on the St. Croix River. This photo was taken from St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. Source: P199 via Wikimedia CommonsToday Calais is considered a shopping destination for many citizens of Washington County, Maine, and is home to a hospital, community college, and vibrant downtown. In recent years, Calais has proven a commitment to history by remodeling several historical buildings. It is home to the St. Croix Historical Society, named for a local river.7. Poland and Its SpringA Poland Spring ad from 1916. Source: Poland Spring via Wikimedia CommonsCuriously, the town of Poland in Androscoggin County was also named for a song, not a country. Referenced in a collection of ancient psalms, the name was chosen by Moses Emery, one of the areas first residents. The town was incorporated in 1795.Polands claim to fame is the famous Poland Spring. This local water source was rumored to be curative and became an attraction. The Poland Spring House hotel, with over 350 guest rooms in 1876, welcomed visitors from around the country. In 1907, the Ricker Family, owners of the hotel, began bottling the water in an innovative facility, one of the most modern at the time. Poland Spring Bottled Water has been a famous brand in the bottled water industry ever since. Today, the company is owned by mega-corporation Nestle, but Poland remains home to a bottling plant.