How Many Contiguous States Are There in the United States?
The United States is composed of 50 states, but when most Americans refer to the "contiguous states," they are talking about a specific group of 48 states that share common borders with each other. Understanding what constitutes the contiguous United States is essential for grasping American geography, navigation, and even political discussions that often distinguish between the "lower 48" and the non-contiguous states of Alaska and Hawaii Small thing, real impact..
What Are Contiguous States?
Contiguous states are the states of the United States that are connected to each other without interruption by land. These states share physical borders with at least one other state within this group, creating a continuous landmass across the central and southern portions of the country. The word "contiguous" comes from the Latin word "contiguus," meaning "touching" or "adjacent," which perfectly describes how these states are positioned relative to one another And that's really what it comes down to..
make sure to distinguish between "contiguous" and "consecutive," as these terms are sometimes confused. Contiguous refers to states that touch or share borders, while consecutive would imply a sequential order, which is not the geographic meaning intended here. The 48 contiguous states form one unbroken land area, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and from the Canadian border to the Mexican border.
How Many Contiguous States Are There?
There are exactly 48 contiguous states in the United States. These states span a remarkable distance across North America, covering diverse landscapes that include deserts, mountains, forests, prairies, and coastal regions. From the easternmost point in Maine to the westernmost point in California, the contiguous United States encompasses an area of approximately 3.1 million square miles, making it one of the largest contiguous land areas of any country in the world.
The 48 contiguous states include well-known regions such as New England in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic states, the Southeast, the Midwest, the Great Plains, the Southwest, and the West Coast. Each region possesses distinct cultural, economic, and geographical characteristics, yet all are connected by their shared land borders within this unified territory.
Which States Are Not Contiguous?
Only two states are not part of the contiguous United States: Alaska and Hawaii. These states are referred to as non-contiguous states because they do not share land borders with any of the other 48 states That's the whole idea..
Alaska is located in the northwestern corner of North America, separated from the contiguous states by Canada. Despite being the largest state in the United States by area, Alaska shares its eastern border with Canada and is otherwise surrounded by water, including the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west. Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959, and its unique position has earned it the nickname "The Last Frontier."
Hawaii is an archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,400 miles west of California. As a group of islands, Hawaii has no land borders with any other state. Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959, making it the most recent state to join the Union. The Hawaiian Islands are known for their tropical climate, volcanic landscapes, and strategic military importance in the Pacific It's one of those things that adds up..
Why the Term "Contiguous" Matters
Understanding the distinction between contiguous and non-contiguous states is important for several practical and cultural reasons. In everyday American conversation, people often use phrases like "the mainland" or "the lower 48" when referring to the contiguous states, especially when discussing travel, shipping, or weather patterns that affect only the connected landmass.
As an example, when weather forecasters issue warnings about winter storms or hurricanes, they frequently specify whether the storm will impact the contiguous United States or if Alaska and Hawaii will be affected separately due to their unique geographic positions. Similarly, shipping companies and logistics businesses must account for the additional costs and complexities of transporting goods to and from the non-contiguous states, which require air or sea transport rather than ground transportation Simple as that..
In political contexts, the term "contiguous United States" sometimes arises in discussions about electoral geography, population distribution, and representation. While Alaska and Hawaii are full states with equal representation in the Senate, their geographic isolation means that their residents sometimes face different challenges than those living in the contiguous states Surprisingly effective..
Other Terms: "Lower 48" and "Continental US"
You may also encounter the terms "lower 48" and "continental United States" when discussing American geography. These terms are often used interchangeably with "contiguous states," though they have slightly different technical meanings.
The lower 48 refers simply to the 48 states located south of Canada, excluding Alaska. Because of that, this term is commonly used by Alaskans and in contexts where Alaska's unique position is being emphasized. The phrase "lower" refers to the southern latitude of these states compared to Alaska's northern position.
The continental United States includes the 48 contiguous states plus Alaska, since Alaska is located on the North American continent despite not sharing a land border with the other states. Hawaii is not part of the continental United States because it is an island chain in the Pacific Ocean. This term is more precise for certain technical and legal purposes, such as defining the geographic scope of federal regulations or military operations And it works..
Interesting Facts About US Geography
The geography of the United States offers many fascinating facts that highlight the diversity and complexity of the nation's landscape:
- The contiguous United States spans four time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific.
- The longest distance between any two points in the contiguous United States is approximately 2,800 miles, from the northeast corner of Maine to the northwest corner of Washington state.
- The Mississippi River, which flows through 10 of the contiguous states, is the longest river in North America.
- The contiguous United States includes every major climate zone found in the country, from the humid subtropical climate of the Southeast to the arid deserts of the Southwest and the alpine climates of the Rocky Mountains.
- All 48 contiguous states were part of the original territory of the United States or were admitted as new states before 1959, when Alaska and Hawaii became the final two states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Alaska and Hawaii considered part of the United States?
Yes, absolutely. On top of that, alaska and Hawaii are full states with all the rights and responsibilities of any other state, including representation in Congress and the ability to vote in presidential elections. They are simply not geographically connected to the other states by land.
Can you drive from Alaska to the contiguous United States?
Yes, you can drive from Alaska to the contiguous United States via the Alaska Highway, which runs through Canada. Even so, this route requires crossing international borders and involves significant distance and planning. That's why there is no direct road connection between the continental United States and Alaska through only U. S. territory.
It sounds simple, but the gap is usually here Not complicated — just consistent..
Why are Alaska and Hawaii not considered contiguous states?
Alaska and Hawaii are not considered contiguous states because they do not share land borders with any of the other 48 states. Alaska is separated from the contiguous states by Canada, while Hawaii is an island state located in the Pacific Ocean.
What is the smallest contiguous state?
Rhode Island is the smallest state by area in the United States, but it is still part of the 48 contiguous states. Among the contiguous states, Rhode Island covers only about 1,034 square miles, making it smaller than many counties in larger states like Texas or California Simple as that..
Do all 48 contiguous states share borders with each other?
Not every contiguous state shares a direct border with every other contiguous state. Even so, all 48 states are connected through a network of shared borders, meaning you can travel by land from any one contiguous state to any other without leaving the United States (though you may need to pass through Canada to travel between certain states in practice).
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Conclusion
About the Un —ited States comprises 50 states, but only 48 of these are classified as contiguous states. These 48 states form a continuous landmass stretching across the central and coastal regions of the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Alaska and Hawaii stand apart as the two non-contiguous states, each with its unique geographic challenges and cultural characteristics No workaround needed..
Understanding the distinction between contiguous and non-contiguous states is more than just a geography lesson—it affects how Americans think about travel, weather, politics, and national identity. Whether you call them the "contiguous states," the "lower 48," or the "continental United States," these 48 states represent the heart of American territory and the foundation upon which the nation was built Simple as that..
