Bristol is a town in and the historic county seat of Bristol County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 22,469 at the 2000 census. Bristol, a deep water seaport, is named after Bristol, England. Bristol's diverse heritage is influenced by a strong Portuguese-American presence, mostly Azorean, as well as a significant Italian- American presence. Major industries include boat building (and related marine industries), manufacturing and tourism. The town's school system is united with neighboring Warren, Rhode Island.