US states on the map 
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What is a "state" and how many are there in the US?
The United States of America is a federation of 50 states US states).
The state is the basic state-territorial unit of the United States. Since 1959 there have been 50 of them. Each of them has its own flag and motto.
Word state(state) appeared back in the colonial period (about 1648). This word was sometimes used to refer to individual colonies. It began to be used everywhere after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The state has its own constitution, legislative, executive and judicial powers.
Each US state is divided into districts - administrative-territorial units of the second level. They are smaller than a state, but larger than or equal to a city. The exception is the five counties (boroughs) within New York City. There are 3,140 counties in the country, according to the Census Bureau.
The third level of administrative-territorial division are city municipalities and townships, which manage the local life of settlements. In 2002, there were 19,429 city municipalities and 16,504 townships in the United States, according to the National League of Cities.
50 US states borrowed their names from many languages. The names of half of them came from the languages of the North American Indians. The remaining states received names from European languages: Latin, English and French.
In addition to the states, the country includes and is governed by administrative-territorial units with the status of a federal district or federal territory - the District of Columbia and a number of islands.
District of Columbia(The District of Columbia, D.C.) is not part of any state. Just in it is the capital of the country Washington.
The US island territories 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 the territories that claim to receive the status of a US state in addition to the already existing fifty states. Among the possible candidates for the title of "fifty-first state" are the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, Puerto Rico. The question of granting statehood to the City of New York has also been repeatedly raised.
There is one curious fact in history. In 2012, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, in support of American colonization of the moon, said: "When we have 13,000 Americans living on the moon, they can petition to become a state." However, in accordance with article II of the Outer Space Treaty, outer space, the Moon and other celestial bodies are not subject to national appropriation, either by claiming sovereignty, by use or occupation, or by any other means.
How are they part 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 whether to admit the territory to the US.
States cannot secede from the United States unilaterally.
The United States of America is a federal state. Its administrative-territorial units have their own constitutions and holidays, differ in customs and traditions. Citizens can freely move from one state to another. When deportation is necessary, difficulties often arise.
Initially, at the time of the country's self-determination, there were 13 separate administrative units that united to form an independent state. At present, 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 not only of the state, but also common to all Americans.
US states on the map
History of US state names
All 50 states are interesting in their own way. They differ in climatic conditions, the presence or absence of mountain ranges and the sea coast. US state names have their own unique history and belonging to different languages. Half of the names came from Aboriginal dialects.
The state of Idaho got its name from politician George Willing, who jokingly suggested a Shoshone word for "mountain gem." The proposal originally applied to the lands of Colorado, but was subsequently applied to the eastern territories.
The Dakota language gave the name to the state of Iowa, which was stylized through the French pronunciation. According to some versions, the literal translation of the word is “sleepy”, but this is only one of the versions.
From the language of the North American Indians - Choctaw came the name of the state of Alabama. The lands were rich in medicinal herbs and plants that had to be cleared for farming. This fact served to ensure that the territories received this big name.
Original name of Alaska originated from the language of the Aleutian tribes by means of Russian. This word means "land affected by the sea".
Word Arizona has a translation from two languages of the indigenous tribes of America: Bak and Oodham. It means - a small stream or a large oak tree, which indicates the rich nature of the region.
In the territory of Arkansas the Kuapo tribes once lived, it was from them that this name appeared.
The Munsee tribes gave the name to the state of Wyoming . This word means that the territory is located in a river lowland.
The original English name is the state of Washington . It was named after US President George Washington.
Vermont translates as green mountain, and Virginia named in part of the Queen who has never been married. Wisconsin is located on red stones, and therefore received such a name.
There are two versions of the name Hawaii . According to one - the word means the place where the gods live, and according to 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 intelligible speech. California received a historical name coming from mythical times.
Kansas, Colorado and Kentucky stand on the rivers of the same name, whose names were transferred to the nearby territory. Louisiana was named King Louis. Massachusetts is on a big hill, while Minnesota and Mississippi on the rivers of the same name . The word Missouri means dugout canoe, while Michigan takes its name from the large waters of the lake. The word Montana is translated as mountain. Maine is the chief, 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 transferred from the original lands of the first settlers.
Oklahoma positioned, as an Indian Territory, and Ohio adopted the name of the river. Rhode Island is a red island, Oregon was named after the first impression of the discoverers, that is, beautiful. On the territory of Pennsylvania there are a lot of forests that belonged to the founder of the colony - Penny.
The etymology of all state names is very diverse and interesting. There are territories that are distinguished not only by beautiful and sonorous names, but also by favorable climatic conditions, rich culture, and interesting events.
State of Georgia
The state of Georgia was named after George II. His name is translated 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 it " peach state» for the warm climate and the aroma of these juicy fruits.
The eastern part of the state adjoins 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 power in the region passed to the British crown. This militant state did not stand aside during the period of the struggle for independence and the Civil War.
Atlanta is recognized as the capital of Georgia. About half a million people live in the city. About 70 thousand of them are Russian speakers. Atlanta USA is a city of high technologies, 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, produced 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, an aquarium, a water park and zoo, a botanical garden and park areas, and an underground city.
Pennsylvania got its name from the founder of the colony. William Pennnes made a great contribution to the development of these densely forested areas. The founder's surname means head or chief. The general meaning of the word Pennsylvania is the woods of Penn.
The state capital is one of the oldest cities in the country. Philadelphia USA located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Since the city has many years of existence, it is the cultural center of the country. The population is more than one and a half million people, and in the entire agglomeration of citizens there are more than 6 million.
The city has several large ethnic groups that have been living in it in peace and harmony since time immemorial. During the Civil War, large numbers of African Americans fled to Philadelphia. 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 sights and the coast beckon travelers. The old city still resembles cozy patriarchal settlements of the heyday of colonization.
State of Illinois
Illinois got its name from the Algonquian language. The literal translation sounds like speaking clearly. More than half of the state's territory is occupied by prairies located on the plain, 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 "Lincoln's land", since it was here that a prominent politician and one of the country's presidents, Abraham Lincoln, was formed and strengthened.
Chicago is the largest city in the state. It is located on the largest lake in the country - Michigan. The population is more than 2 and a half million people. Often the metropolis is called the "city of winds."
Chicago USA the second largest city in the country in terms of economy. It houses a lot of foreign companies, as well as institutions of the banking system.
Tourists have the opportunity to see the tallest building in America, the skyscraper district, the Old City and the Gold Coast. The University of Chicago, which is considered the "forge" of Nobel laureates, is very famous.
State of Texas
Texas got its name from the dialect of the Caddo tribe. The word is translated as friend, which is applicable to kinship between groups of aborigines. From time immemorial, the state has been engaged in agriculture, raising livestock and processing agricultural products. Later, oil and gas and chemical industries appeared in Texas. It currently ranks second in terms of territory and population, second only to Alaska first and California second.
One part of the territories is closed by the Gulf of Mexico, which affects the climatic conditions. State capital Texas USA is the city of Austin. On the territory of the state there are several national reserves, which preserve the natural conditions familiar to the animals and vegetation of the region.
In addition to well-protected natural areas, you can find very beautiful cities in the state. Some have retained their modesty and provinciality, while others have evolved into modern metropolitan areas, such as Dallas.
Florida got its beautiful name from the Spaniards, who discovered the peninsula during the Easter celebrations. Literally, the name of the state is translated as flower Easter. On the one hand, the peninsula is washed by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the other, by the Atlantic Ocean. This favorable geographical position makes Florida very popular for tourism, especially in winter.
Miami is one of the largest cities in the state. It is home to 2 and a half million people. While walking around this city, you can meet any celebrity of our time, as many seek to settle here. At the end of the 19th century in Miami USA only 300 people lived. Currently, it is a place of accumulation of international banks, foreign corporations and entertainment centers.
The whole city is located along the coast, as well as on the barrier islands, which brings a share of the exotic to its appearance. Tourists come here not because of the sights, but for the sake of a luxurious beach holiday, although there is something to see in Miami.
All major cities in the United States have their own history and cultural background, which was made up of elements introduced by the colonists and Aboriginal traditions, which is often seen in the names of the states. Currently, there are a lot of megacities with a population of more than 2 million people on the territory of the country. All of them have their own inimitable appearance and individual "face".
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The United States of America united 50 states in its composition, each of which has its own individual form of government and legislative framework. According to the US Constitution, each state is subject to the general laws of the country, but can form its own laws that do not contradict the main state document. Among the states that make up America, there are large and small, densely populated and not so. What is the largest US state?
Alaska is the largest US state
The area of this state is 1523 sq. km, while the population density is one of the lowest in America. Alaska is located in the northwestern part of North America and consists of a peninsula with the same name and the continental part. This state also includes the Aleutian Islands and the island of the Alexander Archipelago. The capital of Alaska is Juneau.
The population of the state is mainly made up of indigenous people - Eskimos, Indians and Aleuts. Alaska became part of the United States only in 1959 and became the 49th state of the American state. Presumably, the first people appeared in Alaska about 20 thousand years ago and they came from Siberia. By the time the first Europeans appeared on the archipelago, several ethnic groups of indigenous people had already formed, whose descendants still live in Alaska.
Discovery of Alaska
The largest US state was discovered by Russian explorers and explorers. There is an undocumented version that the first European to set foot on the coast of Alaska was the Russian traveler Semyon Dezhnev. And, it happened quite by accident. The expedition lost its course and landed on an unknown land, which was Alaska.
But Vitus Bering is considered the officially recognized discoverer of the American state. This happened during the Second Kamchatka Expedition, and the strait between Alaska and Chukotka and the sea, as well as one of the islands of the archipelago, were named after this explorer. It happened in 1741. Returning to Russia, Bering talked about the amazing sea otter beavers, which have beautiful fur. Such fur was very valuable in those days, and this fact was a huge incentive for the development of new lands.
Alaska is US property
Despite the fact that Russian settlers organized their colonies, built houses and schools, hospitals and churches, the influence of the Russian state in this region was very insignificant. Nearby were the British colony and there was a constant threat of attack. To protect the inhabitants of Alaska, it was decided to sell it to the Americans, who could ensure the development of this region and the protection of the indigenous population.
Negotiations on the sale of Alaska were held for a long time, but then the Civil War was going on in America, and only after it ended in 1867 was an agreement signed between the powers and Alaska passed into the possession of the United States.
After Alaska became part of the American state, it had the status of a department and only in 1884 became a district and was able to appoint its own civil administration.
Golden fever
A new round in the development of the largest US state received in 1896, when the first gold was found in the Klondike River. Although this river is located on the territory of Canada, it was convenient to get to those places through the territory of Alaska, and thousands of gold miners from all over the world rushed there.
In 1998, the first gold was found in the city of Nome, which was located in Alaska, and now prospectors were already striving to get into this place in the hope of getting rich. The gold rush that swept across America at the beginning of the 20th century contributed to the development of the economy and demography of Alaska.
The gold found in Alaska also influenced the development of American culture. Books were written about those times, films were made. The famous writer Jack London devoted a whole cycle of his stories to gold diggers, and the film "Gold Rush", shot by Charlie Chaplin in 1925, is included in the world heritage of cinema.
The construction of railways, mining began, fishing began to develop, and in 1912 Alaska received a new status - the territory of the United States.
Mercy Race
In 1925, in the city of Nome, where gold was first found, a terrible epidemic of diphtheria broke out. This city at that time was one of the most densely populated in all of Alaska, and without the appropriate vaccine, thousands of people could die. The problem was that it was possible to deliver the necessary medicine to Alaska only through the Bering Sea, and since the epidemic happened in January, it was impossible to transfer the vaccine by ship, since the sea was frozen.
Dogs came to the aid of the inhabitants of Nome, it was on sleds that it was possible to bring a serum that would save many lives. 150 sled dogs and about 20 drivers carefully passed the medicine from hand to hand, and a total of 1085 kilometers were covered. In a blizzard and snowstorm, off-road and permafrost, these heroes covered the entire distance in 5 days.
The last stage of this journey fell to the driver Gunnar Kaasen and his faithful four-legged friend Balto, who was the leader of the team. Thanks to these courageous people and dogs, help came in time, and the diphtheria epidemic was stopped.
In the United States, this story was called the "Great Mercy Race" and was actively covered by all the media. In memory of those days, in our time, annual dog sled races are held in Alaska, and a monument to the leader of the last stage of that rescue expedition was even erected in a New York park.
After oil was found in Alaska and the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline was built, the largest US state received a new economic development. Even during the Great Depression, immigrants from the Midwest came here, who were left without work and means to live in their states. Today, Alaska is not only one of the main suppliers of oil in the United States, but also a place where natural gas, gold, tin, copper and platinum are mined.
Despite such a huge amount of natural wealth and deposits that are actively developed by the Americans, Alaska is still considered one of the cleanest places on the planet. Glaciers and blue lakes, fjords and waterfalls fascinate tourists with their pristine beauty and originality.
USA(USA), often used the United States, or simply America (eng. United States of America, USA, U.S., America) is a state in North America. It is one of the largest countries in terms of area (9.5 million km², 4th in the world) and in terms of population (325 million people (2016), 3rd in the world).
Device shape - federal.
Administrative division - 50 states and federal district Colombia; they also have a number of island territories under their control.
Capital - city Washington(Located in non-state District of Columbia)
The USA does not have an official state language. Most people in the country speak American English.
State is an administrative-territorial unit in America. From 1959 to the present, they 50 . Each state has its own state symbols - the flag and the motto. Each state has its own Constitution and system of government (legislative, judicial and executive). Each state has its own districts (smaller than the state). The life of the local population in the areas of residence of citizens is managed by city municipalities and townships(one of the administrative-territorial units of the third level in the United States, included in the districts along with city municipalities, is one of the types of small units of civil division).
Most of the state names come from the names of Indian tribes and the names of the kings of England and France.
Over the years, the central cities were the following: Philadelphia. New York. Baltimore. Trenton. Lancaster. York. Princeton. Annapolis.
List of states with their capitals
|
State |
Capital |
| Idaho |
Boise Center |
| Des Moines Main Center | |
| Alabama |
Montgomery |
|
Juneau Center |
|
| Arizona |
Phoenix metropolitan area |
|
Arkansas |
Little rock |
| Wyoming | |
|
Washington |
Olympia |
| Vermont |
Montpelier |
|
Virginia |
richmond |
| Virginia West |
Charleston |
|
Wisconsin |
Madison metropolitan area |
| Hawaii |
Downtown Honolulu |
|
Dakota North |
Bismarck Center |
| Dakota South |
Center Pierre |
| Dover | |
| Georgia |
Center Atlanta |
|
Illinois |
springfield |
| Indiana |
Downtown Indianapolis |
|
California |
Sacramento |
| Kansas | |
|
Carolina North |
Roles |
| Carolina South |
Columbia Center |
|
Kentucky |
Frankfort Center |
| Colorado |
Downtown Denver |
|
Connecticut |
Hartford core area |
| Louisiana |
Downtown Baton Rouge |
|
Massachusetts |
Downtown Boston |
| Minnesota | |
| Jefferson City | |
| Michigan |
Center Lansing |
| Helena | |
| Maine |
Augusta Center |
|
Maryland |
Annapolis metropolitan area |
| Nebraska |
Lincoln Center |
| Carson City | |
| New Hampshire | |
|
New Jersey |
Trenton |
| New York |
downtown Albany |
|
New Mexico |
Santa Fe |
| Ohio |
Columbus |
|
Columbia region |
Washington |
| Oklahoma |
Oklahoma City |
| Salem metropolitan area | |
| Pennsylvania |
Harrisburg |
|
Rhode Island |
Providence |
| Tennessee |
Nashville Center |
| Center Austin | |
| Florida |
Downtown Tallahassee |
|
Capital District Salt Lake City |
Confederate States of America
During the Civil War, the Confederate states were slave territories, while the northern part of America was free from slavery. Confederate states include: Mississippi, Florida area, Georgia area, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina area, Louisiana, Virginia, Arkansas area, Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky area, Arizona.
Republic of Texas
It ranks 2nd in terms of territory in the United States (696,241 km²) after Alaska and 2nd after California in terms of population (26,956,958 people). Texas is one of the centers of American agriculture, cattle breeding, education, oil and gas and chemical industries, and financial institutions. State capital - Austin; administrative division - districts (254).
The state of Texas is a wealthy region with its own deep history. In 1836, the state seceded from Mexican territory and declared its independence. After independence, this territory became known as the Republic of Texas. This status lasted until 1845. Then Texas becomes the 28th state of America and gets a new name - the state of Texas. Thus, Texas was the only territory that entered the Union while remaining sovereign. During the American Civil War, the state of Texas was out of the Union, re-entering the Union in 1970. Today, Texas is one of the wealthiest areas in the country, with its own developed economy and high standard of living.
Kingdom and Republic of Hawaii
Hawaii (English) Hawaii) is a US state. Located on the Hawaiian Islands in the Central Pacific Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere at a distance of 3700 km from the continental United States. Hawaii joined the federation on August 21, 1959, becoming the 50th state in a row. Population - 1,419,561 people (as of 2014). The urban population is about 70%. The official language is English; partially (in everyday life), among various ethnic groups, other languages are also preserved, including Hawaiian. Capital and largest city - Honolulu. Other major cities are Hilo, Kailua-Kono, Kaneohe. Oahu is the most economically developed island. Official nickname - aloha state.
Hawaii, along with four US states, was briefly considered an independent territory. In 1795 - 1810, the territory of Hawaii, previously ruled by several chiefs, was proclaimed a kingdom. July 4, 1894 The Kingdom of Hawaii becomes a republic. On July 7, 1898, the Republic of Hawaii falls under the protectorate of the United States and becomes dependent on America. Between 1939 and 1945 Hawaii is becoming an important strategic target for military operations. Only in 1959 they became part of the US as the 50th state. Hawaii is the US sugar monopoly. Pineapples are grown in Hawaii for export to other countries. The islands are an attractive object for tourists.
Let's highlight the main points:
- America is made up of fifty states.
- The administrative authorities are municipalities and townships.
- Each state has its own basic law - the Constitution.
- The concept of "state" appeared during the period of aggressive wars from England, around the 40s of the 17th century, and it meant the name of individual colonies.
