When it comes to the United States, it's hard not to think of its vastness. With 50 states spanning over 3.8 million square miles, the US is the third-largest country in the world in terms of land area. Yet, as you might have guessed, the size of each state is far from equal. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the average size of an American state.
The Smallest States
The smallest state in the US is Rhode Island, with a total area of just 1,045 square miles. It's followed closely by Delaware, which measures 1,954 square miles. Both of these states are located on the East Coast and are known for their rich history and unique culture.
The Largest States
On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska is the largest state in the US, with a whopping 663,268 square miles. It's followed by Texas, which measures 268,581 square miles. Alaska is known for its rugged terrain, icy climate, and abundant wildlife, while Texas is famous for its cowboys, oil wells, and big cities.
The Average State Size
So, what is the average size of an American state? Well, if we take the total land area of the United States (excluding water), which is 3,796,742 square miles, and divide it by the number of states (50), we get an average of 75,935 square miles per state. However, it's important to note that this number is heavily skewed by the large size of Alaska. If we exclude Alaska and just look at the lower 48 states, the average size drops down to around 86,000 square miles per state.
Variations in State Size
Of course, as we mentioned earlier, there are significant variations in state size. Some states are tiny, while others are enormous. For example, Montana is the fourth-largest state in the US, measuring 147,040 square miles, while New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state, measuring just 8,722 square miles. These variations can be attributed to a variety of factors, including geography, history, and population density.
The Impact of State Size
The size of a state can have a significant impact on its economy, politics, and culture. For example, larger states like California and New York have more diverse economies and are home to some of the largest cities in the world, while smaller states like Vermont and Wyoming have more rural economies and a stronger sense of community. Additionally, state size can influence political power, as larger states have more representatives in Congress and more electoral votes in presidential elections.
In Conclusion
While the average size of an American state is around 75,935 square miles, there is significant variation in size across the country. From the tiny state of Rhode Island to the massive state of Alaska, each state has its own unique geography, history, and culture that make it special.