Boston is the U.S. capital and most populated city in the Commonwealth in Massachusetts, and the 21st most populous city in the U.S. The city itself occupies 49 square miles in 2018 with an approximate population of 694,583, making it New England's most populous city. Boston is today a vibrant scientific research centre. The many colleges and universities in the Boston area make it a world leader in higher education, including law, medicine, engineering and industry, and the city is known as a regional pioneer in creativity and entrepreneurship.