States of the Union (2024)

States of the U.S.

There are fifty (50) states and Washington D.C.The last two states to join the Union were Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th). Both joined in 1959.

Washington D.C. is a federal district under the authority of Congress. Local government is run by a mayor and 13 member city council. Washington DC is represented in Congress by an elected, nonvoting Delegate to the House of Representatives and residents have been able to vote in Presidential elections since 1961.

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth associated with the U.S. Its indigenous inhabitants are U.S. citizens. Puerto Ricans are unable to vote in U.S. Presidential elections but they do elect a nonvoting resident commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dependent areas: American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island.

Note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the U.S. administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, but recently entered into a new political relationship with all four political units: the Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the U.S. (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. (effective 1 October 1994); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986)

State Governors

The National Governors’ Association provides a list of names and contact details for the governors of the states and territories. There are also links to brief biographies of each of the officials.

Other Sources of State Information

The 50 States of the United States: Capital Cities and Information Links
State and Local Government on the Net
Council of State Governments
State and County Quick Facts – U.S. Census Bureau
State Fact Sheets – Department of Agriculture
State Export to Countries and Regions – Department of Commerce

By Weblord | 1 September, 2017 | Categories: Travel & Tourism, U.S. & United Kingdom | Tags: 50 states, state facts

As an avid enthusiast and expert in U.S. geography and political structures, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the information provided in the article about the states and territories of the United States. My extensive knowledge in this area stems from a deep interest in political geography, historical developments, and administrative frameworks within the U.S. Here, I will break down the key concepts covered in the article:

50 States and Washington D.C.: The article rightly highlights that there are 50 states in the United States, and Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) is also included. The last two states to join the Union were Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th), both in 1959.
See Also
What is the biggest state in the US? The states from largest to smallest by land area
Washington D.C.: Washington D.C. is a federal district under the authority of Congress. It has a local government headed by a mayor and a 13-member city council. Although residents can vote in Presidential elections since 1961, the elected Delegate to the House of Representatives from D.C. has a nonvoting status.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is a commonwealth associated with the U.S., and its indigenous inhabitants are U.S. citizens. Despite this, Puerto Ricans cannot vote in U.S. Presidential elections. However, they do elect a nonvoting resident commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Dependent Areas: The article mentions various dependent areas, including American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands: Between July 18, 1947, and October 1, 1994, the U.S. administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Notably, there have been new political relationships with four political units, with the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
CIA Factbook: The CIA Factbook is cited as a detailed source for information about each of the territories.
Links to State Governments: The article provides links to the official websites of each state, allowing readers to access information about the state governments individually.
State Governors: The National Governors’ Association is referenced as a source that provides a list of names and contact details for governors of states and territories, along with links to brief biographies.
Other Sources of State Information: The article concludes with additional sources of information, including resources like "The 50 States of the United States: Capital Cities and Information Links," "State and Local Government on the Net," "Council of State Governments," and various state-related data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Commerce.

In summary, this comprehensive overview of the states and territories of the United States, along with valuable resources for further information, reflects a nuanced understanding of the U.S. political landscape.

States of the Union (2024)

States of the U.S.

Links to State Governments

State Governors

Other Sources of State Information