List Of The 50 States Of The United States
The United States is a diverse country composed of 50 individual states, each with its unique history and cultural heritage. Below is a comprehensive list of all the states in the United States, along with some key information about each state:
-
Alabama: Population – 4,887,871 (As of 2020). Statehood Date – December 14, 1819.
-
Alaska: Population – 731,545 (As of 2020). Statehood Date – January 3, 1959.
-
Arizona: Population – 7,151,502 (As of 2020). Statehood Date – February 14, 1912.
-
Arkansas: Population – 3,011,524 (As of 2020). Statehood Date – June 15, 1836.
-
California: Population – 39,538,223 (As of 2020). Statehood Date – September 9, 1850.
And so on, the list continues with the remaining 45 states.
Population, Statehood Dates, And Total Area
The population of the United States is a staggering figure, with an estimated 331 million people residing within its borders. However, the population is not evenly distributed among the states, with some states boasting larger populations than others.
The most populous state is California, with over 39 million residents, while Wyoming is the least populous state, with only around 600,000 residents.
Statehood dates range from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century, illustrating the rich history of the United States’ expansion. The first state to join the Union was Delaware on December 7, 1787, while Hawaii became the most recent state to join on August 21, 1959.
In terms of total area, the United States is vast and diverse. It spans approximately 3.8 million square miles, making it one of the largest countries in the world by land area.
Each state contributes to this total, with Texas being the largest state in terms of land area, covering about 268,600 square miles. On the other hand, Rhode Island is the smallest state, encompassing only approximately 1,034 square miles.
Land Area, Water Area, And Number Of Representatives
While land area is an important indicator of a state’s size, it is equally crucial to consider the distribution of land and water within each state. Some states, like Florida and Alaska, have significant waterfronts due to their extensive coastlines, while others, such as the landlocked states in the Midwest, lack substantial water areas.
The United States’ water area is vast, accounting for around 269,837 square miles. This includes rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
The state with the largest water area is Alaska, due to its extensive coastline and numerous lakes and rivers.
Additionally, each state has a designated number of representatives in the House of Representatives based on its population. This ensures representation and balance within the federal government.
The number of representatives per state ranges from one, in the case of low-population states, to 53, as seen in California, which has the largest population.
Washington D.C.: Federal District And Capital
While Washington D.C. is not considered a state, it serves as the federal district and capital of the United States.
This unique status gives Washington D.C. a distinct role in the governance of the nation.
The city is home to all three branches of the federal government, including the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court.
Washington D.C. is known for its rich history and iconic landmarks, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall.
It symbolizes the power and influence of the United States on a global scale.
United States’ Sovereignty Over 14 Other Territories
In addition to the 50 states, the United States also holds sovereignty over 14 other territories. These territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, and others. While these territories are not considered states, they still fall under the jurisdiction of the United States’ government.
Each territory has its unique cultural characteristics, and the residents are United States citizens. However, the extent of their political representation and rights may differ from those of the states.
These territories contribute to the multicultural fabric of the United States and play a significant role in its history.
Singular And Plural Form Of “State”
When referring to a singular state, it is essential to use the term “State” with a capital S. For example, “Texas is a large State in the southern United States.” This emphasizes that we are referring to the individual state as a distinct entity within the United States.
On the other hand, the word “States” is singular but represents the plural nature of the United States as a collection of 50 states. For instance, one might say, “The United States is made up of various States with diverse landscapes and cultures.”
Possessive Form: “United States'” And Correct Usage
The correct possessive form of “United States” is “United States’.” This form indicates ownership or association with the United States. For example, “The United States’ commitment to democracy is unwavering.”
When discussing the territories under the jurisdiction of the United States, it is also appropriate to use the possessive form. For instance, “Puerto Rico is a United States’ territory in the Caribbean.”
Grammatical Question: Capitalizing “The” In “The United States Of America”
One common grammatical question is whether to capitalize the word “The” in “The United States of America.” The general rule is to capitalize the first and last word of any title or heading. Therefore, it is correct to capitalize “The” in “The United States of America.”
However, within a sentence, “the” is not capitalized unless it is the first word or part of a proper noun. For example, “I traveled to the United States of America” or “The United States of America is a democratic country.”
Quiz:
1. What is the correct possessive form of the United States?
a. United States’s
b.
United States’
c. United State’s
- How many territories fall under the jurisdiction of the United States?
a. 13
b.
15
c. 14
- Is it grammatically correct to capitalize “The” in “The United States of America”?
a. Yes
b.
No
c. Only in a sentence
Answers:
1. b.
United States’
2. c.
14
3. a.
Yes
