The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or simply the U.S., is a country located in North America. It is composed of 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions. The total area of the United States is approximately 3.8 million square miles (about 9.8 million square kilometers), making it the third-largest country in the world by total area, following Russia and Canada.
The land area of the United States encompasses a vast range of geographical features, including mountains, plains, deserts, and coastlines. The country stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. This expansive area is divided into diverse climatic regions, which range from temperate and tropical to arctic, reflecting the country’s varied topography and geography.
The largest state by area is Alaska, which alone covers approximately 663,300 square miles (about 1.7 million square kilometers). Alaska is noted for its rugged terrain, which includes mountain ranges such as the Alaska Range and the Brooks Range, as well as expansive tundra and numerous glaciers. It is also home to the highest peak in North America, Denali, which rises to an elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).
The second-largest state by area is Texas, which encompasses around 268,600 square miles (about 696,000 square kilometers). Texas features a diverse range of landscapes, including deserts, forests, and prairies. Its geographic features include the Hill Country, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Gulf Coast.
The total area of the contiguous United States, often referred to as the “Lower 48,” is approximately 3 million square miles (about 7.8 million square kilometers). This region includes the 48 states that are situated between Canada and Mexico and excludes Alaska and Hawaii. The contiguous states feature a variety of environments, from the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest to the arid deserts of the Southwest.
In addition to the 50 states, the United States has several territories and possessions that contribute to its total area. These territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Puerto Rico, located in the Caribbean Sea, is the largest of the U.S. territories, covering approximately 3,500 square miles (about 9,100 square kilometers). Guam, situated in the western Pacific Ocean, has an area of about 210 square miles (around 540 square kilometers). The U.S. Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean, consist of several islands with a combined area of roughly 133 square miles (about 340 square kilometers).
Each state and territory within the United States contributes to the country’s overall geographical diversity. The various states and territories encompass a wide range of ecosystems and natural resources, including vast forests, fertile agricultural lands, mineral deposits, and extensive coastlines. This geographical diversity has significant implications for the nation’s climate, economy, and cultural practices.
In summary, the total area of the United States, including all states and territories, is approximately 3.8 million square miles (about 9.8 million square kilometers). This vast expanse of land features a remarkable variety of geographical and climatic conditions, reflecting the country’s rich and diverse natural landscape. The interplay of different environments, from the icy expanses of Alaska to the tropical climate of Hawaii, contributes to the United States’ unique position in the global context of geography and natural resources.