The 50 States of America | U.S. State Information

Updated June 26, 2023 | Infoplease Staff

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The United States of America is composed of 50 states, each with its own unique history, culture, and geography. The states are located across different regions, from the East Coast to the West Coast, and from the Midwest to the South. With a population of over 334 million people, according to the United States Census Bureau in 2023, the U.S. is a diverse and dynamic country with something new to discover around every corner.^[1]

The history of the states dates back to colonial times, when the first English settlers arrived at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. Over time, more settlers arrived from Europe and other parts of the world, leading to the formation of the 13 original colonies that would eventually become the first states of the union.

Today, the 50 states of America are a diverse and vibrant part of the country, each with its own economy, government, and way of life. From the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Colorado, from the deserts of Arizona to the forests of Maine, the states offer a wide range of landscapes, climates, and attractions for visitors and residents alike.

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Click a state in the map below to find facts, statistics, historical information, and more.

What State Is the First State?

Delaware is known as the "First State" because it was the first of the original 13 colonies to become a state. It was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, which is commemorated each year as "Delaware Day."

Delaware was also the site of the Battle of the Brandywine during the American Revolutionary War.

Which State in U.S. Is Safest?

According to recent data, New Jersey is considered the safest state in the U.S. It has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community. The state has a relatively low population density and a high level of public safety, with a well-funded police force and a low incidence of violent crime.^[2] Overall, New Jersey is a state that prioritizes safety and well-being for its residents.

What Are the 3 Largest States?

The three largest states in the U.S. by land area are Alaska, Texas, and California. Alaska is the largest state by far, with a land area of over 665,000 square miles. Texas is the second largest state with a land area of over 268,000 square miles, and California is the third largest with a land area of over 163,000 square miles. Each of these states has a unique geography and culture, with diverse populations and economies.

What Is the Smallest U.S. State?

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. with a total area of just 1,214 square miles. Despite its small size, the state has a rich history and a diverse economy, with a strong focus on education and tourism. Rhode Island is home to several well-known universities, including Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, as well as popular tourist destinations such as Newport and Block Island.

Each State Profile includes:		Choose a state:
Capital Population Median age Elected officials History Economy Points of interest Famous natives	Entrance into Union State map & flag State motto, symbols, nicknames Name origins Largest cities & county Land area Counties, forests & parks	Capital Population Median age Elected officials History Economy Points of interest Famous natives Entrance into Union State map & flag State motto, symbols, nicknames Name origins Largest cities & county Land area Counties, forests & parks	Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

More U.S. State Info

The following information provides overviews of the 50 United States, including capitals, population, notable landmarks, history, government, and much more!

Facts By State

Discover some fun facts about each state, including wildlife, movie locations, landmarks, serial killers, true crime, and even ghostly sightings! You'll have more than enough stops for your next cross-country road trip, we promise.

U.S. Capital

The U.S. capital of Washington D.C. is described in the Constitution, and was later built per constitutional law. From then on D.C. has had an interesting life, full of rich history and gorgeous monuments. Learn more about the capital below.

Washington, DC

Government

The United States government, from its very beginnings, was built around representing the fifty states both equally (in the Senate) and proportionally (in the House). This balance of protecting the interests of smaller states while also listening to the majority has had lasting impacts on the U.S. system of government. Find out more about these and other important institutions.

History

The history of human societies within the states' territory stretches back millennia, but the history of the United States itself is quite recent. In the 450 years since the foundation was laid at St. Augustine, the United States has grown and expanded into one of the world's largest and wealthiest nations. Learn more about the tumultuous journey from then to now with our timelines and articles.

Population and Geography

Perhaps more than in countries with stable long-term populations and settlement patterns, the United States has grown in leaps and bounds. From the waves of immigration, colonial border disputes, and the forced relocation of populations, the United States has developed very different populations across its diverse landscape. Meet the people of the U.S. and see the many places they live, including the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Maps and Flags

Maps and flags both have played important historic roles in economic matters and in matters of identity. Every state has their own flag and their own defined territories. Learn more about the fifty states with our collections of maps and flags below.

Regions

The regions of the U.S. are quite distinct and well-established. Despite having little to no legal meaning, these regions mark important cultural boundaries between areas with common culture and history. The Southwest, for example, has much more influence from the Mexican settlers who lived there before the U.S. acquired it. Explore the different regions, as well as U.S. territories.

National Landmarks

The United States is liberally sprinkled with monuments, parks, and all sorts of impressive structures from Yellowstone, the first national park in the West, to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Let Infoplease be your guide to some of America's greatest landmarks.

Economic and Social Comparisons

As a result of the history and populations of different parts of the country, the economy and cultural values have developed differently between the states. See which parts of the country are the most and least wealthy, which have extended the most rights to transgender people, and more.

U.S. Cities

The United States has seen a steady rise in its cities across all fifty states. The urban population today is larger than it's ever been, in total and in proportion. Discover the many cities that help define the U.S., and find information on weather, population, facts, history, and landmarks of major U.S. cities.

State Superlatives

All of the fifty states have their own charms and selling points. However, by some metrics, some states are the "most" and some are the "least." Some states have fewer car accidents than the rest, others have younger populations, and others might report higher happiness. See how the states stack up with our lists below.

State Trivia

Did you know California's name was taken from a popular Spanish adventure story? Did you know that the state fruit of New Hampshire is the pumpkin (or that the pumpkin is a fruit)? Whether you want to impress your friends at trivia night or just want to learn something new, follow the links below for more fun facts about the states.

Americana

The United States is a lot more than just serious statistics and boring textbook history. America exists in the day to day through ball games, hamburgers and apple pie, and all that jazz. Learn more about some of the eccentricities and quirky locales that dot the country.

Travel and Climate

Travel in the United States is a nearly trillion-dollar industry. The U.S. sees over a billion trips each year, and the travel industry directly contributes massive amounts of income and revenue around the country. Learn more about travel distances, the ways people travel, and some information about the places they go.