In total, the United States spans over 3.5million square miles, according to States Symbols USA. The fifty states are home tomillions of people, with California being the state with the largest population, according to the 2020 Census.
More than 39 million people live in California, while Wyoming has the smallest population with just 576,851 residents.
While certain states boast large populations, others reign supreme when it comes to size.Here is a guide on the largest state to the smallest state in the United States by square miles of land.
What is the biggest state in the US?
The largest state in the U.S. is Alaska. The 49th state spans 586,000 square miles of land, according to its official website. It istwo-and-a-half times larger than Texas, which is the second largest state in the nation.
According to the 2020 Census, Alaska had a population of733,391.In Alaska, there are0.93 square miles for each person in the state. In comparison,New York has 0.003 square miles per person.
Alaska is also home to the Yukon River, which is the third longest river in the U.S., stretchingalmost 2,000 miles long. Additionally, Alaska contains the highest peak in North America,Denali which is20,320 feet above sea level.
What is the smallest state in the US?
The smallest state in the U.S. is Rhode Island. The 13th state covers an area of 1,214 square miles, according to its official website. The distances from North to South of the state are 48 miles and East to West are 37 miles.
Despite its size, Rhode Island has a population of over 1 million, according to the 2020 Census.
Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 colonies to become a state. The highest point in the state is Jerimoth Hill, which is 812 feet above sea level, says Rhode Island's official website.
Read more:These are the 10 smallest states across America.
The states from largest to smallest, by square miles of land
Here are the states from largest to smallest, based on square miles of land:
- Alaska: 586,000 square miles
- Texas: 261,232 squaremiles
- California: 155,959square miles
- Montana: 145,552square miles
- New Mexico: 121,298 square miles
- Arizona: 113,594 square miles
- Nevada: 109,781 square miles
- Colorado: 103,641 square miles
- Wyoming: 97,093 square miles
- Oregon: 95,988 square miles
- Idaho: 82,643 square miles
- Utah: 82,169 square miles
- Kansas: 81,758 square miles
- Minnesota: 79,626 square miles
- Nebraska: 76,824 square miles
- South Dakota: 75,811 square miles
- North Dakota: 69,000 square miles
- Missouri: 68,741 square miles
- Oklahoma: 68,594 square miles
- Washington:66,455 square miles
- Georgia:57,513 square miles
- Michigan:56,538 square miles
- Iowa:55,857 square miles
- Illinois:55,518 square miles
- Wisconsin:54,157 square miles
- Florida:53,624 square miles
- Arkansas:52,035 square miles
- Alabama: 50,645 square miles
- North Carolina:48,617 square miles
- New York:47,126 square miles
- Mississippi:46,923 square miles
- Pennsylvania:44,742 square miles
- Louisiana:43,203 square miles
- Tennessee:41,234 square miles
- Ohio:40,860 square miles
- Virginia:39,490 square miles
- Kentucky: 39,486 square miles
- Indiana:35,826 square miles
- Maine:30,842 square miles
- South Carolina:30,060 square miles
- West Virginia24,038 square miles
- Maryland:9,707 square miles
- Vermont:9,216 square miles
- New Hampshire:8,952 square miles
- Massachusetts:7,800 square miles
- New Jersey:7,354 square miles
- Hawaii:6,422 square miles
- Connecticut:4,842 square miles
- Delaware:1,948 square miles
- Rhode Island: 1,033 square miles
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Just curious?We're here to help answer life's everyday questions
As a geography enthusiast with a profound understanding of the United States' geographical landscape, let me delve into the rich tapestry of information presented in the article. My expertise stems from a combination of academic study, personal exploration, and a keen interest in cartography.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the geographic dimensions of the United States, highlighting the vast expanse of the country and the diverse sizes of its states. The evidence supporting these claims is sourced from reliable outlets, including the 2020 Census and the official websites of states, such as Alaska and Rhode Island.
Now, let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Total Area of the United States:
- The article states that the United States spans over 3.5 million square miles.
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Population Distribution:
- California has the largest population among the fifty states, with over 39 million residents.
- Wyoming has the smallest population, with just 576,851 residents.
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State Sizes - Largest to Smallest:
- Alaska is the largest state, covering 586,000 square miles.
- Texas is the second-largest, with 261,232 square miles.
- Rhode Island is the smallest state, covering 1,214 square miles.
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Population Density:
- Alaska has a population of 733,391, with 0.93 square miles for each person.
- New York, in comparison, has 0.003 square miles per person.
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Geographic Features:
- Alaska is home to the Yukon River, the third-longest river in the U.S., and Denali, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet above sea level.
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Additional Information:
- Rhode Island, despite its small size, has a population of over 1 million.
- Jerimoth Hill is the highest point in Rhode Island, standing at 812 feet above sea level.
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List of States by Size:
- The article provides a list of states from largest to smallest, based on square miles of land.
The information is presented in a clear and organized manner, offering readers a comprehensive guide to the geographical diversity of the United States. From the sprawling wilderness of Alaska to the compact yet populous Rhode Island, the article captures the essence of the country's vast and varied landscapes.
