On the political map of the world there are many states that vary in size, state structure, and form of government. The countries of the world differ in the administrative-territorial structure. For example, many federal states are made up of states with a certain sovereignty and independence.
In our short review, a classic example of the federal state of the United States of America. Consider a few administrative units of this country, and find out what is the largest state in the United States and much more.
10
Wyoming (253,348 km²)
Of the fifty US states, Wyoming, with an area of 253,348 km², is located in 10th place. It so happened historically that its borders, passing along the parallels and meridians, formed the shape of a regular quadrangle.
It is a mountainous state and its highest mountain, Gannet Peak, rises above its expanses to a height of 4202 meters. Another attraction is Yellowstone Park, visited annually by thousands of tourists from around the world.
The first Europeans appeared in these latitudes in 1743, and in 1890 Wyoming became the 44th state of America.
9
Oregon (255,026 km²)
This state of the Pacific region according to its own motto "Flies on its own wings." But he got the nickname rather funny - “Beaver Staff” or “Beaver Staff”.
It houses the deepest lake in Crater, and the largest cities are Portland and Eugene. This part of the United States is located amidst picturesque mountain scenery.
There are deep canyons, beautiful peaks, many parks, gardens and museums. But he joined the United States in February 1859 and today covers an area of 255,026 km².
8
Colorado (269,837 km²)
During the archaeological research, dwellings were discovered on the territory of another large state, in which people lived about 12 thousand years ago.
It borders on Wyoming, and also, like a neighbor, has the shape of a quadrangle. The name was given to him by the eponymous river flowing through its territory. When gold was found on the shores of Colorado in the 19th century, thousands of gold prospectors rushed here.
It was the location of this valuable metal that caused the rapid settlement of these territories, and now the state with an area of 269,837 km² is inhabited by more than 5 million people.
7
Nevada (286,367 km²)
The most arid, but not the hottest US state covers an area of 286,367 km², and most of it is occupied by mountain ranges and the Mojave Desert. It is here that among the desert landscapes lies the center of entertainment and excitement of the city of Las Vegas. Want TheBiggest.ru to write about the best places in Las Vegas? Write in the comments!
After the discovery of silver deposits here, it became known as the "Silver State". In 1864, Nevada became part of the United States, but it is still called a colony, since most of the land belongs to the federal government.
The state is famous not only for Las Vegas, but also for the fact that it was on its territory that the Americans tested nuclear bombs.
6
Arizona (295,254 km²)
One of the most beautiful regions of the United States boasts a variety of landscapes and natural areas. The mountain ranges here alternate with arid deserts and deepest canyons.
Here in Arizona is located the Grand Canyon, which tourists consider a natural wonder of the world. In addition, there is a magnificent and unique plateau of Colorado, where a crater from a fallen meteorite has been preserved.
Arizona became the 48th state of America, and this happened in 1912. The territory has not changed since then and now its area is 295,254 km². The capital Phoenix is famous for museums, where you can get acquainted not only with history, but also learn about the life and life of the Indian tribes.
5
New Mexico (315,194 km²)
The territory that previously belonged to neighboring Mexico, as a result of the war, was declared by the federal states of the United States, and in 1912 became the state of America.
On an area of 315,194 km², dense forests, canyons formed by fast rivers, majestic mountains are harmoniously located. On the territory of the state, there were still settlements of the Indians who preserved the traditions and customs of their ancestors.
It is noteworthy that in 1803 it was Napoleon who sold part of these territories to the US government. Because of its natural beauty, New Mexico is called the "Land of Charm."
4
Montana (380,832 km²)
Since ancient times, these northern territories of the modern American state were inhabited by multiple Indian tribes, and in 1889 Montana became the state of the USA.
The region received the nickname "Treasure State", as there are deposits of the most valuable minerals, and multiple traces of the Indian tribes. Here you can see majestic waterfalls, pristine forests, and mountain ranges with peaks covered with glaciers simply amaze with their beauty.
In addition, the inhabitants of Montana have preserved many historical monuments of the XIX century, and in the Yellowstone Reserve you can watch graceful and large bison.
3
California (423,970 km²)
Among large areas of the United States, California is also large, with an area of 423,970 km². In addition, it is the most populated state of the United States, and among the richest states it occupies a leading place, both in terms of GDP and the number of richest people.
It is famous for its resorts, and the fact that in Los Angeles there is a "dream factory" Hollywood. Tourists also often visit San Diego, San Francisco and the capital of Sacramento.
Silicon Valley is located on its territory, where the companies working in the field of computer technology are concentrated.
2
Texas (696,241 km²)
Rich in oil and other minerals, the US region with a total area of 696,241 km² is firmly in second place. At one time, the territory was colonized by the Spaniards, and in 1845 it became an integral part of the United States.
There are many rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. But in addition to nature, tourists are attracted by the largest cities, the pride of which are museums, art galleries, monuments of architecture and history.
Interestingly, at the beginning of the 19th century, Texas also managed to be a republic, and during the Civil War it was twice proclaimed the territory of the United States.
1
Alaska (1,717,854 km²)
The northernmost state of the United States is the record holder for many indicators, including with an area of 1,717,854 km² it is the largest state in the United States.
After the sale of Alaska, gold deposits were found on its territory, and she, like many western territories, was attacked by gold miners. But today it is considered one of the most sparsely populated, due to the severity of the climate and the small number of cities. In memory of the gold rush period, the capital of Alaska, the town of Juneau is named after the gold miner Joseph Juneau.
Tourists, despite the fact that this is the coldest state, are attracted by pristine nature, picturesque mountains covered with dense forests, as well as a meeting with rare animals that live only on the Alaskan peninsula. And over all this splendor towers the highest mountain of America McKinley.
Conclusion
The name "state" comes from the German word "staat", and literally means "state", "management". Like countries, they differ in size and management. It is also worth noting that in addition to the United States, several other states are also divided into states, including the continent state of Australia and India.
But the largest state of the planet is located not in the USA, but in Australia. In Western Australia, as the state is called, all countries of Western Europe can fit.
In conclusion, we will introduce interesting facts from the history and modern life of the states:
- Texas has the city of Odessa, St. Petersburg is located in Florida, but in the north-west of Idaho the namesake of the Russian capital, the town of Moscow, has spread its streets and quarters. But that is not all, and in the United States 26 cities bear this name.
- In different states, there are funny laws that were adopted during the Wild West, but have not been repealed to this day. For example, in Alabama you can’t carry ice cream in your back pocket, in Arizona you can pay a considerable fine if you put a donkey to save in the bathroom.
- The smallest state of Rhode Island, covering an area of only 4,002 square kilometers, is famous for the fact that its authorities were the first in the United States to prohibit slavery. It happened back in 1652.
- Comparing the budgets of US federal units, California is the richest state in the USA, but the poorest state is the Mississippi, where more than 27% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- The real Harry Potter lives in Florida. This is the name of the American, who is a complete namesake of a literary hero, but unlike the fantastic one, the present has long been over eighty.
- According to statistics, our site TheBiggest.ru among all visitors from the United States the most users come from Oregon.