United States
The United States is a federal republic in North America made up of 50 states, a federal district, and several territories.
The United States is a federal republic in North America made up of 50 states, a federal district, and several territories. It borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with coastlines on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Geography
The United States spans a large portion of North America and includes diverse physical regions, from coastal plains to mountain ranges and major river systems. Standard maps often show the contiguous United States separately from Alaska and Hawaii.
Political divisions
The country is divided into 50 states plus the federal capital district of Washington, D.C. U.S. maps commonly label state boundaries, capitals, and major cities.
Boundaries and neighbouring regions
The United States borders Canada in the north and Mexico in the south. It also has maritime boundaries and island territories in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Key facts
- The United States occupies much of central North America.
- The mainland is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west.
- It shares land borders with Canada and Mexico.
- The country includes Alaska and Hawaii outside the contiguous United States.
- The map of the United States often distinguishes the contiguous 48 states from Alaska, Hawaii, and territories.
Canada is the United States’ northern neighbour, and the two countries share the world’s longest international land border.
Frequently asked questions
What is the United States?
What countries border the United States?
What is the capital of the United States?
How many states are in the United States?
Why do maps of the United States often look different?
References
- Geology.com — Supports: United States location in North America and borders with Canada, Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean
- Nations Online Project — Supports: United States as a federal nation of 50 states in North America, borders, area, and map coverage of the contiguous states
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Supports: Historical changes in U.S. map and expansion to Alaska and Hawaii
- Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection — Supports: Collection of United States maps