The United States of America is a federal state. Its administrative territorial units have their own Constitutions and their own holidays, differ in customs and traditions. Citizens can freely move from one state to another. Difficulties often arise when deportation is necessary.

Initially, at the time of the country's self-determination, there were 13 separate administrative units united to form an independent state. Currently, to the question, how many states in America, it is safe to say that there are 50 of them. They differ in size, population, basic laws and even pronunciation, but all are subordinate to the Federal Government. Citizens of the country must comply with the laws of not only the state, but also those common to all Americans.

US states on the map

History of U.S. state names

All 50 states are interesting in their own way. They differ in climatic conditions, the presence or absence of mountain ranges and sea ​​coast. U.S. state names have their own unique history and belonging to different languages. Half of the names come from Aboriginal dialects.

Idaho got its name from politician George Willing, who jokingly suggested a Shoshone word for "mountain precious stone". Initially, the proposal was for the Colorado lands, but later it was applied to the eastern territories.

The Dakota language gave the name for Iowa, which was stylized through French pronunciation... According to some versions, the literal translation of the word is "sleepy", but this is only one of the versions.

The name of the state of Alabama came from the language of the North American Indians - Choctaw. The lands were rich medicinal herbs and plants that needed to be cleared for farming. This fact served to ensure that the territories received this big name.

Alaska's original name originated from the language of the Aleutian tribes by means of Russian. This word means "land affected by the sea."

Arizona word has a translation from two languages ​​of the indigenous tribes of America: Baksky and Oodham. It means - a small stream or big oak, which testifies to the rich nature of the region.

In Arkansas once inhabited by the Kuapo tribes, it was from them that this name appeared.

The Mansi tribes gave the name to the state of Wyoming ... This word means that the territory is located in a low river valley.

Primordially English name has Washington state ... It was named after US President George Washington.

Vermont translates as green mountain, and Virginia named to the queen's part never married. Wisconsin is located on red stones, which is why it got its name.

There are two versions of the name for Hawaii. ... According to one - the word means the place where the gods live, and on the other - it bears the name of its discoverer.

Delaware is located on the river of the same name , a Georgia owes its name to King George.

Indiana is the land of the Indians , Illinois - translated from the language of the Aboriginal tribes, as an intelligible speech. California got its historical name that came from mythical times.

Kansas, Colorado and Kentucky stand on the rivers of the same name, the names of which have also moved to the nearby territory. Louisiana received the name of King Louis. Massachusetts is by the big hill, while Minnesota and Mississippi on the rivers of the same name ... The word Missouri means a dugout canoe, and Michigan gets its name from the great waters of the lake. The word Montana is translated as mountain. Maine is in charge, and Maryland bears the name of the crowned person - Mary. Nebraska got its name from the river of the same name, and Nevada from the mountain. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and New Mexico are the states whose names were carried over from the original lands of the early settlers.

Oklahoma is positioned as an Indian territory, and Ohio took the name of the river. Rhode Island is a red island, Oregon was named after the first impression of the discoverers, that is, beautiful. There are a lot of forests in Pennsylvania that belonged to the founder of the colony, Penny.

The etymology of all state names is very varied and interesting. There are territories that differ not only in beautiful and sonorous names, but also in favorable climatic conditions, and rich culture, and interesting events.

State of Georgia

The state of Georgia is named after George II. His name translates as a farmer, which corresponds to the occupation of the population in the early years of colonization.

The state is located in the southeast of the country. The year of foundation is considered to be 1788. The locals call him “ Peach state»For the warm climate and aroma of these juicy fruits.

Its eastern part of the state is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. On its territory is the Blue Ridge, which is part of the Appalachian mountains.

Before the English colonization, Georgia was a Spanish land, but persistent attacks led to the fact that the power in the region passed to the British crown. This militant state did not stand aside during the struggle for independence and Civil war.

Atlanta is recognized as the capital of Georgia. The city is home to about half a million people. About 70 thousand of them are Russian-speaking. Atlanta USA- this city high tech, more than half of the adult population work in this industry. More than thirty higher educational institutions graduate bachelors. Despite all the literacy and education of citizens, rather free morals reign in this metropolis. There are a lot of same-sex couples in the city; according to this criterion, it ranks third in the country.

Numerous international and American corporations are located on the territory of the urban agglomeration. In Atlanta, for the first time at the end of the 19th century, the favorite drink of our time, Coca-Cola, was invented, released and tested.

The city has a lot of attractions worthy of the attention of tourists. These include the Coca-Cola and Martin Luther King Museums, the Aquarium, Water Park and Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Parklands, and the Underground City.

Pennsylvania got its name from the founder of the colony. William Penn contributed greatly to the development of these densely forested areas. The surname of the founder means head or chief. Total value the words Pennsylvania are Penn forests.

One of the oldest cities in the country has become the state capital. Philadelphia USA located on the Atlantic coast. Since the city has existed for many years, it is the cultural center of the country. The population is more than one and a half million people, and in the entire agglomeration there are more than 6 million citizens.

The city has several large ethnic groups that have lived in it in peace and harmony from time immemorial. During the Civil War, fled to Philadelphia big number African Americans. Due to the numerous ethnic groups and the fact that the future metropolis was formed by the Quaker community, it is called the "city of brotherly love."

Tourists can always find something to do in Philadelphia. Numerous attractions and the coastline beckon travelers. Old city it still resembles cozy patriarchal settlements of the heyday of colonization.

State of illinois

Illinois borrowed its name from the Algonquian language. The literal translation sounds like speaking clearly. More than half of the state's territory is occupied by plains prairies, and the rest of the land is hills.

Illinois joined the United States in the early 19th century as 21 administrative entities. It is called "the land of Lincoln", since it was here that the prominent political figure and one of the country's presidents, Abraham Lincoln.

The largest city in the state is Chicago. It is located on the largest lake in the country - Michigan. The population is over 2 and a half million people. The metropolis is often called the “city of winds”.

Chicago USA the second most economically city in the country. It houses a lot of foreign companies, as well as institutions of the banking system.

Tourists have the opportunity to see the most high building in America, the skyscraper quarter, the Old Town and the Gold Coast. The University of Chicago is very well known and is considered the "forge" of Nobel laureates.

State of texas

Texas got its name from the dialect of the Kaddo tribe. The word translates as a friend, which applies to kinship between groups of Aboriginal people. From time immemorial, the state was engaged in agriculture, raised livestock and processed agricultural products. Later, the oil, gas and chemical industries emerged in Texas. It currently ranks second in terms of territory and population, second only in the first Alaska, and in the second California.

One part of the territory is enclosed by the Gulf of Mexico, which affects the climatic conditions. State capital Texas USA is the city of Austin. There are several national reserves, which preserve the natural conditions familiar to the animals and vegetation of the region.

Besides the well-guarded natural areas, in the state you can find very beautiful cities. Some have retained their modesty and provinciality, while others have evolved into modern metropolitan areas such as Dallas.

Florida its beautiful name received from the Spaniards, who discovered the peninsula during the Easter celebrations. The name of the state literally translates as flower Easter. On the one hand, the peninsula is washed by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the other, Atlantic Ocean... It is fortunate geographical position makes Florida very popular for tourism especially during the winter.

Miami is considered one of the largest cities in the state. It is home to 2.5 million people. Walking around this city, you can meet any celebrity of our time, as many tend to settle here. At the end of the 19th century in Miami USA only 300 people lived. Nowadays it is a place where international banks, foreign corporations and entertainment centers are concentrated.

The entire city is located along the coast, as well as on the barrier islands, which brings a share of exoticism to its appearance. Tourists come here not for the sights, but for the luxury beach holiday, although there is something to see in Miami.

Everything big cities USA has its own history and cultural background, which consisted of elements introduced by the colonists and the traditions of the aborigines, which is often traced in the names of the states. Currently, there are a lot of megalopolises on the territory of the country with a population of more than 2 million people. They all have their own inimitable appearance and individual "face".

But there are states that are in many ways larger than all the others. For example: Russia, Canada, China, USA. We will talk about the last country. Or rather, about its regions or states, of which there are exactly 50. It is logical that they differ from each other in their size. In this article, you will find out which are the largest US states in terms of area.

Area: 253,348 sq. km

If you look at the map, you will see that this state, which opens the top of the largest regions of the United States by area, is in the shape of a regular rectangle. The fact is that its borders are designated by certain latitudes and meridians. Wyoming is a mountainous region of the USA. The highest point in the state is Gunnet Peak (4202 meters). The rest of the mountains rise no more than 2000 meters. The Mississippi, Colorado and Columbia rivers originate in this state. The most important attraction in Wyoming is national park Yellowstone, which is visited by a million tourists from all over the world every year. The state is rich in gas, coal, oil and uranium.

Area: 255,026 sq. km.

The state, one of the largest regions in the United States by area, is located on the coast The Pacific... Located in a mountainous area. The highest point in Oregon is Hood Volcano (3427 meters). The most deep lake USA - Crater - is located in this state. The cities of Portland and Salem are the most suitable for tourists. After all, there are many parks, gardens and various museums in them. Nature lovers can admire the deepest canyon in the country - Hell, Jefferson Mountains and Three Sisters Peaks.

Area: 269 837 sq. km.

Another mountainous region on our list of the largest US states by area. Archaeologists have determined that people already lived here more than 10,000 years ago. Even their rocky dwellings have been preserved. The name of the state was given by the river of the same name, so named because of the red-brown silt at its bottom. If at the beginning of the 19th century the lands of Colorado were practically not inhabited, then with the finding of gold here, everything changed in an instant. At the beginning of the 30s of the 20th century, the population of the state was equal to 1,000,000 people. There is something to see in this region: numerous parks, museums and war memorials will be of interest to tourists.

Area: 286 367 sq. km.

Nevada is the driest region in the United States. Most of the state's territory is occupied by the Cordillera mountain system, the height of which exceeds 3.5 km, and the rest is semi-desert. The highest point in the region is Mount Boundary Peak (4005 meters). In the south of Nevada, considered one of the largest US states in terms of area, the Mojave Desert is located.

Due to the small amount of precipitation in the region, rivers and lakes often dry up here.

The territory bears the unofficial nickname "Silver State", since in 1859, silver deposits were found here. It was then that numerous gold diggers, robbers and adventurers came here.
Tourists should visit Las Vegas - one of the most famous cities in the world. It is famous for its casinos and other gambling establishments. Here is a replica of the Eiffel Tower.

For the comfort of the traveler, he will be offered a choice of many luxury hotels and hotels. Nature lovers will opt for excursions to the parks and mountains. And extreme sportsmen - rock climbing and skiing.

Area: 295,254 sq. km.

The relief of Arizona is varied. It is an alternation of mountains and deserts, which smoothly turn into a plateau. The state has a unique forest of yellow pine trees. And the Sonoran Desert is considered one of the most "alive" on the planet: there is a lot of flora and fauna. In the northwest of the state, there is a desert with rare vegetation - the Mojave.

Many tourists are attracted to Arizona by the presence of the Grand Canyon here, which is considered one of the main natural wonders of the world. Also on the territory of the region, you can personally see the trail from the meteorite: a crater in the form of a huge funnel is located in the center of the Colorado Plateau.

Art lovers will delight the Museum of Painting (Phoenix), which contains 18,000 exhibits from all over the world. Learn more about Indian art at the Head Museum, also located in the capital of the state, which ranks 6th in the list of the largest regions in the United States by area.

Area: 315 194 sq. km.

One of the most beautiful states in the USA. It has even been called the "Land of Fascination". The region will provide an opportunity to admire dense forests, river canyons and mountains. In New Mexico, which is in the middle of the top of the largest US states by area, you can visit the Taos Pueblo village, which is part of the reservation. The Indians living there preserved their customs and erected dwellings that were no different from the buildings of their ancestors who lived 100-200 years ago. The state attracts astronomy enthusiasts, due to the presence of 10 remote observatories.

Area: 351,156 sq. km.

It is in this state that the source of the Missouri River is located and one of the highest Rocky Mountains - the Grand Peak, with a height of 3904 meters. In the bowels of the region there are such minerals as coal, oil, gas, gold, silver, lead, silver. That is why the unofficial name of Montana is "treasure state".
Tourists will be interested in picturesque forests and waterfalls, majestic mountains and glaciers located in the state. Here is part of Yellowstone Park and is a bison sanctuary. In the cities of the state, which ranks 4th in the list of the largest regions of the United States by area, mansions and churches of the 19th century have been preserved.

Area: 423,970 sq. km.

California is the most populous state in the United States by land area. Such famous cities as San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles are located in this region. The weather is very unpredictable here. The population is variegated in composition. California is the leader among other US regions in terms of GDP. The state has developed information Technology, agriculture and oil production. The region, which took the bronze in the ranking of the largest US states by area, is known for the presence of Silicon Valley here - the seat of the largest American companies engaged in computer technology.

Area: 696,241 sq. km.

The state of Texas, ranked second in the ranking of the largest regions in the United States by area, is the leader in Agriculture, oil production. The main financial center of the country. The region is famous for its abundance of rivers. They all enter the pool Gulf of Mexico... The Rio Grande and Brazos are the deepest rivers in Texas.
Tourists should visit the city of Dallas, because there is a famous arts district, which contains museums, parks, galleries and gardens. There are many universities in the city of Houston, and in San Antonio travelers will find many cultural and entertainment facilities.

Area: 1,717,854 sq. km.

The northernmost state of the United States becomes the leader in the ranking of the largest regions of the country by area. Separated from the rest of the mainland by Canada. Occupies the territory of the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. It is also the smallest US state in terms of population. It is washed by the waters of two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic.
Tourists are drawn here by the delightful nature, the abundance of lakes and rivers. There are several large mountain ranges here. And McKinley is the highest mountain in America! Its height is 6,194 meters. Alaska is a region with volcanic activity rich in gold, oil, coal and gas.

US states on the map

USA map online

What is a "state" and how many are there in the US?

The United States of America is a 50-state federation ( US states).

The state is the primary state territorial unit of the United States. Since 1959, there are 50 of them. Each of them has its own flag and motto.
Word "State"(state) appeared in the colonial period (about 1648). This word was sometimes used to refer to individual colonies. It was widely used after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The state has its own constitution, legislative, executive and judicial branches.

Each US state is divided into counties - administrative divisions of the second level. They are smaller than the state, but larger than or equal to the city. An exception is the five boroughs (boroughs) of New York City. According to the Census Bureau, there are 3,140 counties in the country.

The third level of administrative division is the city municipalities and townships, which govern local life. settlements... According to the National League of Cities, in 2002 there were 19,429 urban municipalities and 16,504 townships in the United States.

50 US states borrowed their names from many languages. Half of them come from North American Indian languages. The rest of the states received names from European languages: Latin, English and French.

In addition to the states, the country includes and is administered by administrative-territorial units with the status of a federal district or federal territory - the District of Columbia and a number of islands.

Federal district Colombia(The District of Columbia, D.C.) is not part of any of the states. This is where the capital of the country, Washington, is located.

The insular territories of the United States include: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa.

51st state

There is such a term as "51st state". This term refers to territories that claim to receive US state status in addition to the already existing fifty states. Potential candidates for the 51st state rank include the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Puerto Rico. The question of granting state status to New York City has also been repeatedly raised.

There is one curious fact in history. In 2012, Republican US presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, in support of the American colonization of Earth's satellite, declared: "When we have 13,000 Americans living on the moon, they can apply to become a state." However, in accordance with Article II of the Outer Space Treaty space, The moon and other celestial bodies are not subject to national appropriation either through the proclamation of sovereignty on them, or through use or occupation, or in any other way.

How are members of the United States

In order for any territory to become part of the United States, a lengthy procedure is required. The territory must adopt its own constitution. The constitution must satisfy the US Congress, which decides on the admission of the territory to the United States.

States cannot secede from the United States unilaterally.

The state is the main administrative unit of this state. Further, the states are subdivided into counties, and in countryside- to the townships. There are 50 states in total. The last of them (Hawaii) was annexed to the United States in 1959. Some confusion arising in the question of how many states there are in the United States arises because there are currently discussions about the possibility of joining the state of the 51st state, but so far That did not happen.

The 51st state is claimed by the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and some other territories. The term "51st state" is used in relation to territories under strong American influence (Australia, Mexico, Iraq, and others).

Not all administrative units are formally states. Distinguish between commonwealths (eg, Kentucky, Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia. Colombia is the capital of the United States - Washington. The principles of government are similar for states and commonwealths. Colombia, due to the fact that it is not a state, cannot elect its representatives to the Senate. Associated with this is her struggle for the right to become the 51st state of America.

The American flag features 50 stars by number of states. If another administrative unit joins the country, the number of stars will increase.

Regions of the USA

The US map makes it clear that onfns are grouped by region - depending on their location. Distinguish between the Northeast of the United States, which includes New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, the Midwest, the South of the United States, and the West of the United States.

The Northeast includes Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states. This region is considered the most developed and richest in the country.

The Midwest region includes 12 states - Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and others. It has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, industry and agriculture are well developed.

The South of the United States is also called the Black Belt. There is traditionally a large percentage of black Americans here - they were once brought to the South as slaves. The region includes 12 states and one federal district, Columbia. This region has the greatest ethnic and linguistic diversity.

The West of the United States is the largest region; it occupies more than half of the country's territory. It includes 13 states (Nevada, Hawaii, California and others). Lives here the largest number national minorities of the United States.

Local government

The United States of America is federal republic... First of all, this is expressed in high level local government.

Each of the 50 states has:

• The Constitution;
• the governor;
• Supreme Court;
• The Legislative Assembly;
• the capital.

Any resident of America has, as it were, dual citizenship - the country of the United States and the state in which he lives. In addition, each state has its own flag, its own animal, product, and even an insect! All states also have mottos and nicknames, both official and unofficial.

For example, the official name of Indiana is "The State of Poor", Missouri is the State of "Show Me", Nebraska is "The State of the Corn Hushers", and New York, as you know, is "The Big Apple". There are also interesting unofficial nicknames (so-called nicknames) - "Gopher State" for North Dakota, "Pan State" for West Virginia, "Land of the Midnight Sun" for Alaska and others.

State mottos are widely used in the official symbols of the country: they are minted on coins, carved on seals. They sound on different languages: Florida - We Trust in God (English), Oklahoma - Labor Conquers All (Latin), Minnesota - North Star(French) and so on.

In the state of Washington, in the city of Seattle, there is a huge wall covered with gum. Oddly enough, this is the wall of the local theater. The phenomenon arose spontaneously, and at first the authorities tried to fight it, but since this did not succeed, they decided to leave it as it is - another attraction appeared.

The state of Kansas invites you to slide down the highest water slide on the planet: its height exceeds the height of Niagara Falls.

In general, each state in the United States is unique and not like another. Despite their differences, they still make up one great country - the United States of America.

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