Explore US state map, the United States is a federal republic consisting of fifty states, a federal district known as Washington, D.C. (the capital city of the United States of America), 5 major self-governing territories, and various possessions. The forty eight contiguous states and Washington, D.C., are in North America between Mexico and Canada, while Alaska is in the far north-western part of North America and Hawaii is an archipelago in the midPacific. Territories of the U.S. are scattered throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Explore 50 states map to locate all US states, this US map with state names is US political map with all the states labeled.
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States of the United States of America
The United States is comprised of 50 states, each with its own unique history, culture, and geography. From the bustling cities of New York and Los Angeles to the wide-open spaces of Montana and Wyoming, there is a wide range of diversity to be found throughout the country.
Some of the most iconic states in the country include California, Texas, Florida, and New York. California is known for its beautiful beaches, tech industry, and entertainment capital of Hollywood. Texas is famous for its cowboys, oil industry, and barbeque. Florida is a popular vacation destination due to its warm weather, beaches, and theme parks, while New York is home to the bustling city of New York, as well as the beautiful upstate region.
Other states offer unique attractions and experiences as well. Hawaii is the only state in the country made up entirely of islands and is a popular destination for surfing and beach activities. Alaska, the largest state in the country, is known for its rugged wilderness and natural beauty. Colorado is famous for its skiing and outdoor activities, while Louisiana is known for its vibrant music and food scene.
Each state also has its own unique history and landmarks. The state of Virginia is home to historic landmarks such as Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The state of Massachusetts is home to the city of Boston, which played a significant role in the American Revolution. The state of Pennsylvania is home to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
In addition to their individual characteristics, each state also has its own state government, which is responsible for making laws and managing affairs within the state. Each state also has its own state symbols, such as state birds, flowers, and trees.
The states of the United States offer a diverse range of experiences and attractions. From the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Colorado, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Powers, Functions and Representation of the States of the United States
The United States is a huge nation which comprises 50 states and a federal district, Washington D.C., which is the capital of the nation. The area of he states is not uniform. While Alaska is the largest state of the country comprising an area of 665,384 square miles, Rhode Island is the smallest and covers an area of just 1,545 square miles. For a better administration, the all the 50 states are divided into counties or county-equivalents. These counties many have some sort of local government for an effective management of affairs; however, they are not sovereign and are subject to the laws of the state. the structure of the counties or county-equivalents differs from one state to the other.
Through their individual constitution, the government of each state of the United States is allocated power by the people. The government of every state in the country comprises three branches and these are the executive, legislature, and the judiciary.
Powers and functions of the US states
The States have a number of powers that are granted to them under the Constitution of the country. One of the most important powers of the states is the ratifying of the constitutional amendments. Some of the functions that come under the control of the state governments are public education and health, local law enforcement, regulating intrastate commerce, and local transportation, to name a few. However, these now receive funding from the federal government and are regulated as well. During, the past few years, the relations between the federal government and the states in the country have undergone some changes. Today, the federal government is playing a much larger role in state affairs as compared to the earlier times. In a nutshell, it can be said that the general tendency in the country is today more towards centralization.
States’ representation in the Congress and bicameral legislature
Every state of the country is well represented in the federal Congress and the bicameral legislature, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. Two Senators represent a particular state in the Senate, while every state is entitled to at least one representative in the House of Representatives. The representatives are elected from the single-member districts. However, unlike the senate, the allotment of seats to the representatives is not uniform across all states. The seats in the House of Representatives are distributed among all states of the country in proportion to the constitutionally mandated decennial census that has been conducted recently. Thus California, which is the most populous state of the country, has 53 representatives, while Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming have just one representative. Another significant role that states play is the selecting of electors. Every state of the nation is entitled to select a number of electors to the to vote in the Electoral College. This is an important body, which elects the President of the United States. The number of electors elected by each state should be equal to the total of representatives and senators from that particular state.
Admitting new states
The Congress has been granted authority by the Constitution of the nation to admit new states into the Union. This authority has frequently been used and a number of new states have been admitted into the Union over the years. During the establishment of the United States in 1776, there were just 13 states in the country. Over the course of the next two years the number has significantly risen and today the United States comprises 50 states. The recent additions to the Union have been the two stats of Hawaii and Alaska. Both these states were admitted to the Union in 1959.
Meanwhile, the Constitution says nothing about the states’ right to secede from the Union. However, the Supreme Court had passed a judgment in this regard shortly after the end of the Civil War. In the Texas v. White case, which was argued before the Supreme Court in 1869, the highest court of the land held that the states couldn’t secede from the Union.
Federal District
Federal District
Abr.
Established
Population (2019 est.)
Total Area (mi²)
Total Area (km²)
Land Area (mi²)
Land Area (km²)
Water Area (mi²)
Water Area (km²)
Number of Reps.
District of Columbia
DC
Jul 16, 1790
705,749
68
176
61
158
7
18
1
The Federal District of the United States is a unique political subdivision that serves as the capital of the country. It is located in the eastern part of the United States, bordered by Maryland to the north, east, and south, and Virginia to the west. The district covers an area of 68.3 square miles (177 square kilometers) and has a population of over 700,000 people.
History
The District of Columbia was established in 1790 as a federal district to serve as the permanent national capital. It was named after Christopher Columbus and was originally made up of land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia. The district was created as a neutral territory to avoid giving any state an advantage in terms of political power.
The city of Washington, D.C., was designed by French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant and named after the first president of the United States, George Washington. Construction began in 1791, and the city was officially named the capital in 1800.
Government
The Federal District of the United States is not a state and therefore does not have representation in the United States Congress. Instead, it is governed by a mayor and a city council, with the mayor serving as the chief executive of the district.
The mayor of Washington, D.C., is currently Muriel Bowser, who has been in office since 2015. The city council is composed of 13 members, with 8 representing individual wards and 5 at-large members.
In addition to the local government, the federal government also has a significant presence in the district, with many federal agencies and departments headquartered there. The White House, the Supreme Court, and the United States Capitol are all located in the district.
Economy
The economy of the Federal District of the United States is diverse and includes a mix of government, professional services, tourism, and education. Many of the world's largest and most influential organizations have headquarters or significant operations in the district, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United States Department of State.
Tourism is also a major industry in the district, with millions of visitors coming each year to see the city's iconic landmarks and monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the National Mall. The district is also home to several prestigious universities, including Georgetown University and American University.
Culture
Washington, D.C., is a cultural hub with a rich history and a vibrant arts scene. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues, including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The district is also known for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide variety of restaurants and food trucks offering cuisine from around the world. Some of the most popular dishes in the district include Ethiopian injera, Maryland crab cakes, and half-smokes, a type of sausage that is native to the city.
The Federal District of the United States is a unique political subdivision with a rich history, a diverse economy, and a vibrant culture. As the capital of the United States, it plays an important role in the country's political, economic, and cultural landscape.
The United States is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various island possessions scattered throughout the Pacific and the Caribbean. The territories of the United States are unique in that they are not fully incorporated parts of the country but are instead treated as separate entities that are subject to varying degrees of federal oversight.
The five major self-governing territories of the United States are Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Each of these territories has its own unique history, culture, and political structure, and they are governed under different legal frameworks that determine their relationship with the federal government.
Puerto Rico is the largest and most populous of the U.S. territories, with a population of over 3 million people. It has been a U.S. territory since 1898, following the Spanish-American War, and its residents have been U.S. citizens since 1917. Despite this, Puerto Rico has limited representation in the federal government, with no voting representation in Congress and only a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.
Guam is a Pacific island territory located in the Western Pacific Ocean, with a population of approximately 165,000 people. It has been a U.S. territory since 1898 and its residents have been U.S. citizens since 1950. Like Puerto Rico, Guam has limited representation in the federal government, with only a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea, with a population of approximately 105,000 people. The islands have been a U.S. territory since 1917, when they were purchased from Denmark, and their residents have been U.S. citizens since that time. Like Puerto Rico and Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands have limited representation in the federal government, with only a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.
American Samoa is a group of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, with a population of approximately 55,000 people. It has been a U.S. territory since 1900 and its residents have been U.S. nationals since that time. Unlike the other U.S. territories, American Samoa does not have U.S. citizenship by birth, and its residents must go through a naturalization process to become U.S. citizens. American Samoa also has a unique political status, with its own governor and legislature.
The Northern Mariana Islands are a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean, with a population of approximately 55,000 people. They have been a U.S. territory since 1986, and their residents have been U.S. citizens since that time. Like American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands have a unique political status, with their own governor and legislature.
In addition to these five major self-governing territories, the United States also has a number of smaller island possessions that are governed under different legal frameworks. These include:
Baker Island
Howland Island
Jarvis Island
Johnston Atoll
Kingman Reef
Midway Atoll
Navassa Island
Palmyra Atoll
Wake Island
These island possessions are not self-governing and are instead administered directly by the federal government.
The territories of the United States are an important part of the country's political and cultural landscape. Despite their unique status, their residents are U.S. citizens or nationals and are entitled to certain rights and protections under federal law. However, the territories also face significant challenges, including limited representation in the federal government and economic and social disparities compared to the mainland United States. As such, there is ongoing debate about the role and status
Uninhabited Territories
Territories of the United States of America with no indigenous population
S.N.
Name
Acquired
Territorial Status
Land Area (mi²)
Land Area (km²)
1
Baker Island
1856
Unincorporated; unorganized
0.9
2.2
2
Howland Island
1858
Unincorporated, unorganized
0.6
1.6
3
Jarvis Island
1856
Unincorporated, unorganized
2.2
5.7
4
Johnston Atoll
1859
Unincorporated, unorganized
1
2.6
5
Kingman Reef
1860
Unincorporated, unorganized
0.005
0.01
6
Midway Atoll
1867
Unincorporated, unorganized
3
7.8
7
Navassa Island
1858
Unincorporated, unorganized
3
7.8
8
Palmyra Atoll
1898
Incorporated, unorganized
1.5
3.9
9
Wake Island
1899
Unincorporated, unorganized
2.5
6.5
The United States is home to several uninhabited territories scattered across the globe. These territories are remote, isolated, and typically have limited infrastructure and resources. The largest uninhabited territory of the United States is located in the Pacific Ocean, and it is known as the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This vast area covers more than 490,000 square miles and includes several atolls, islands, and coral reefs. Although this area is uninhabited, it is an essential habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and seabirds.
Another uninhabited territory of the United States is the Navassa Island, located in the Caribbean Sea. This island is only 2.1 square miles and is covered in dense vegetation. Navassa Island has a long history of human exploitation, including phosphate mining and guano harvesting. However, due to its remote location and lack of resources, the island is now uninhabited and protected as a wildlife refuge.
The United States also maintains several other uninhabited territories, including Howland Island, Baker Island, Jarvis Island, and Johnston Atoll, all located in the Pacific Ocean. These territories are small, ranging from less than a square mile to just over two square miles, and are primarily used for scientific research, military operations, and environmental protection.
In addition to these uninhabited territories, the United States also has several sparsely populated areas, including the American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While these areas have permanent populations, they are still considered territories of the United States and are subject to federal laws and regulations. Overall, the uninhabited territories of the United States play an important role in protecting natural habitats and resources, as well as supporting scientific research and national security efforts.
Disputed Territories
Territories claimed but not administered by the United States of America
2021 Estimate: 331,893,745 ; 2020 Census: 331,449,281 ; Population Density: 87/sq mi (33.6/km2)
Religion (2021)
63% Christianity, 40% Protestantism, 21% Catholicism, 2% Other Christian, 28% No religion, 6% Other, 2% Unanswered
Time Zone
UTC-4 to -12, +10, +11 ; Summer (DST): UTC-4 to -10
Date Format
mm/dd/yyyy
Net Migration Rate (2021 estimate)
3.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population
State governments of the United States
The United States is a federal republic composed of 50 states, each with its own government and constitution. State governments have a significant impact on the lives of their citizens, as they are responsible for a range of services, including education, healthcare, law enforcement, and transportation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the structure and functions of state governments in the United States.
State government structure
Each state government is organized in a similar manner, with three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Executive branch
The executive branch of state government is responsible for enforcing the laws and managing the day-to-day operations of the state government. At the head of the executive branch is the governor, who is elected by the people of the state. The governor is responsible for appointing other executive officials, such as the attorney general, secretary of state, and state treasurer. The governor also has the power to veto laws passed by the legislative branch.
Legislative branch:
The legislative branch of state government is responsible for creating and passing laws. The legislative branch is composed of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The number of members in each chamber varies by state, with larger states having more representatives. The members of the legislative branch are elected by the people of the state.
Judicial branch
The judicial branch of state government is responsible for interpreting the laws and ensuring that they are applied fairly and impartially. The judicial branch is typically headed by the state supreme court, which is responsible for hearing appeals from lower courts. Judges are appointed by the governor or elected by the people of the state.
Functions of state governments
State governments are responsible for a wide range of functions, including:
Education
State governments are responsible for providing education to their citizens, from pre-kindergarten through college. State governments provide funding for public schools and regulate the curriculum taught in these schools.
Healthcare
State governments are responsible for regulating healthcare providers and ensuring that citizens have access to quality healthcare. State governments may also provide healthcare services to their citizens through programs such as Medicaid.
Law enforcement
State governments are responsible for maintaining law and order within their borders. State police agencies and local law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing state laws and investigating crimes.
Transportation
State governments are responsible for building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure within their borders. State governments also regulate the transportation industry, including the licensing of drivers and the safety of vehicles.
Taxation
State governments are responsible for collecting taxes from their citizens and using those funds to provide services to the public. State governments may levy income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes.
Natural resources
State governments are responsible for managing natural resources within their borders, such as forests, parks, and wildlife. State governments may also regulate industries that impact the environment, such as mining and oil drilling.
State governments in the United States play a crucial role in providing services and regulating industries within their borders. The structure and functions of state governments vary somewhat from state to state, but all are organized around the principles of democracy and federalism.