Location:
The United States is an immense country that encompasses more than 3.5 million square miles (nine million square kilometers) and is home to more than 281 million people. Forty-eight of the country's 50 states are located in the central portion of North America. Canada forms the northern border of the United States, while Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico lie to the south. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west is the Pacific. The United States also includes the states of Alaska, located in the northwest corner of North America, and Hawaii, which is a series of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States.
Landscape
The country's climate and landscape are as varied as one would expect such a vast region to be. Mountain ranges run through both the eastern and western portions of the United States, with prairies and farmland composing much of the central part of the country. The climate is just as varied. The South has warm temperatures year-round, while tremendous seasonal changes—snowy winter months and hot, humid summer months—characterize the Northeast and Midwest. The coastal areas of the West have a moderate climate, while the mountainous areas see more seasonal variations. The deserts of Arizona and Nevada are extremely hot and dry.
Time Zones
The United States comprises four time zones:
- Eastern
- Central
- Mountain
- Pacific
Thus, the East Coast is three hours “ahead” of the West Coast. In addition, most areas have what is called daylight savings time from April to October, when clocks are set ahead one hour to enjoy the longer days of summer.
The Northeast
Overview
The Northeast covers a relatively small area but is densely populated, with more than 53.5 million people living in the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are the most heavily populated states in the United States but also have plenty of farms, forests, rolling hills, and scenic rivers and lakes. These states played an integral role in the American Revolutionary War, and visitors come to see the area's many historic sites. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are collectively known as New England and are characterized by quaint towns, beautiful autumn colors, and scenic mountains. Recreational opportunities abound in the Northeast, from swimming in the Atlantic Ocean to visiting one of the region's many ski resorts. The Northeast experiences four distinct seasons, with relatively short summers, beautiful springs and falls, and long, cold, snowy winters.
Major Cities of the Northeast
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England. Known for its charming neighborhoods and historic landmarks, Boston's greater metropolitan area is home to more than five million people.
New York, New York
With more than 20 million residents, New York City is the United States' largest city and also serves as its financial and cultural center. The city is home to such famous landmarks as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge, among many others.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1682, Philadelphia boasts a historic past. This is the city that witnessed the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Home to more than five million residents in the metropolitan area, Philadelphia is just two hours from both New York City and Washington, DC.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Long known as an industrial, steel-producing city, Pittsburgh also enjoys a rich cultural heritage and is home to a variety of financial and high-tech businesses. Named after William Pitt, a famous British prime minister, this city of two million residents is located where the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers meet in southwest Pennsylvania.
The Midwest
Overview
With a total population of more than 64 million, the Midwest comprises North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Rolling hills and farmland, as well as large metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee characterize these states.
The region also includes the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and many smaller lakes and rivers that provide a variety of recreational opportunities. The area's population is concentrated in and near the large cities, with the states in the western portion of the region having far fewer people than those in the eastern portion.
The Midwest is also known as America's Heartland and is famous for its friendly, outgoing people, small towns, and variable weather. Winters are quite cold, and snow is common. Temperatures at or even below freezing are not unusual during the winter months of December, January, and February, particularly in the northernmost states. Summer, on the other hand, is hot and humid, with temperatures often above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C).
Major Cities of the Midwest
Chicago, Illinois
With more than eight million residents in the metropolitan area, the “Windy City” is the most populous city in the Midwest. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city boasts ethnic restaurants, famous architecture, distinctive neighborhoods, shopping, beaches, parks, and museums. Chicago's Navy Pier, restored in 1995, is a world-class recreation and exposition center with gardens, a museum, a Ferris wheel, and other attractions.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is located in northeast Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie and has a population of nearly three million. The city's popular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum features exhibits that trace the history of rock and roll music and musicians. Another well-known Cleveland attraction is the Warehouse District, an old industrial area that has been revitalized to include entertainment attractions, many of which overlook the Cuyahoga River.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, in conjunction with its neighboring city, St. Paul, has a population of more than two million. Known as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul serve as the financial and cultural center of Minnesota.
St. Louis, Missouri
Located on the Mississippi River, which separates Missouri from Illinois, St. Louis is known as the Gateway to the West. This heritage is symbolized by the city's famous Gateway Arch, which was built in 1965 and is 630 feet high. With a population of approximately 2.6 million, St. Louis offers a vibrant waterfront area, a zoo, and art and history museums.
The South
Overview
The South comprises Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. This area represents a population of nearly 100 million, and is extremely diverse.
The states of Oklahoma and Texas are in the western portion of the South, and are perhaps best known for the influence the Mexican and Native American cultures have had on the region. Texas is the second-largest state in the nation, second only to Alaska, and has the third-largest population, following California and New York.
Much of the South experiences warm temperatures year-round, with the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas bordering the Gulf of Mexico and Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The region is also home to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The region is rich in history, from pre-Civil War plantations to Civil War sites to museums that commemorate the civil rights movement. The District of Columbia (also referred to as Washington, DC) is the nation's capital and is the political center of the United States.
Major Cities of the South
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the business center of the Southeast, with CNN, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and United Parcel Service all headquartered there. This city of four million also has professional sports, a world-class orchestra, and charming neighborhoods.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas—along with its neighboring city, Fort Worth—is home to five million residents and has a distinctly western flavor. Culture and international business go hand-in-hand here: the city is famous for its live rodeos and country music and is also home to major corporations.
Miami, Florida
This city of two million is located on the southernmost tip of Florida and encompasses more than 80 miles of Atlantic coastline. The city is known for its Cuban flavor, beautiful beaches, and plentiful nightlife.
Washington, DC
The nation's capital is an ethnically diverse city of a half million people and offers world-famous museums and landmarks, including the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol.
The West
Overview
The West—which includes the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico—is a vast region that is home to more than 63 million people, nearly half of whom live in California.
Washington and Oregon are located in the northwest corner of the United States and are known for their expansive forests and moderate, if rainy, climate. California is the most populous state in the country and presents a tremendously varied landscape, from coastal mountain ranges to deserts to giant redwood trees. Alaska, which is located adjacent to Canada's Yukon Territory and is not attached to the rest of the United States, is the largest state in terms of area but has the smallest population. Hawaii, which is actually a series of islands off the western coast of the United States, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and warm, sunny climate.
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado are commonly referred to as the Rocky Mountain States because of the magnificent mountain range that runs through the area. Most of the region is sparsely populated, although it is a popular destination for tourists, who enjoy the spectacular scenery and the wealth of outdoor activities that are available. Arizona and New Mexico are perhaps best known for the strong influence that the Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures have had on the region. The climate of the West varies immensely, from hot, dry deserts to snow-capped mountains.
Major Cities of the West
Las Vegas, Nevada
The “Entertainment Capital of the World” is home to more than 1.5 million people in the metropolitan area. Las Vegas is a culturally and ethnically diverse city with a history steeped in African American, Hispanic, European, Native American, and Asian heritage. Located in southeastern Nevada, Las Vegas has a dry desert climate with an average annual temperature of 67 degrees. Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination that features resorts and outdoor recreational areas.
Los Angeles, California
With a population of more than eight million, the “City of Angels” is the second-largest city in the United States. Located on southern California's Pacific Coast, this diverse city is actually made up of nearly 100 smaller cities, including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Beverly Hills.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and is now the sixth-largest city in the United States, with a population of more than three million. Located in the Sonoran desert, Phoenix residents enjoy a warm, sunny climate all year. Summers are hot, but in the winter many Americans migrate to the Phoenix area to escape the cold weather, snow, and ice in other parts of the country. This may explain why some of the fastest-growing cities in the United States are in Arizona.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is located on Puget Sound approximately 100 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border. The city is home to more than three million people, and is a commercial, cultural, and technological hub of the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by mountains and water, Seattle features picture-perfect views and abundant recreational opportunities year-round.
