The geography of the United States is remarkably diverse, spanning vast plains, towering mountain ranges, arid deserts, lush forests, and extensive coastlines. As the third-largest country in the world by area, the U.S. stretches across multiple time zones and climate zones.
Location and Size
- Total area: Over 3.8 million square miles (9.8 million km²)
- Borders:
* Canada (north) * Mexico (south) * Atlantic Ocean (east) * Pacific Ocean (west)
- The U.S. includes 50 states, the federal District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), and several overseas territories.
Major Geographic Regions
1. The Northeast
- Characterized by rolling hills, Appalachian Mountains, and dense urban centers.
- Includes states like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
2. The Southeast
- Known for warm climate, flatlands, and the Mississippi River Delta.
- Includes states like Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
3. The Midwest
- Dominated by plains, prairies, and the Great Lakes.
- Known as “America’s Heartland” with major agricultural output.
4. The Southwest
- Features deserts, canyons, and dry plateaus.
- Includes Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas and Nevada.
5. The West
- Home to the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and coastal ranges.
- Includes California, Washington, and Colorado — with diverse geography from beaches to snowy peaks.
6. Non-Contiguous States
- Alaska – Vast, rugged, and cold with mountain ranges and tundra.
- Hawaii – A tropical archipelago with volcanic origins in the Pacific Ocean.
Notable Geographic Features
- Rocky Mountains – Stretching from Canada to New Mexico
- Mississippi River – One of the longest rivers in the world
- Great Lakes – Largest freshwater lake system on Earth
- Grand Canyon – A massive geological wonder in Arizona
- Great Plains – Fertile, flat lands ideal for agriculture
Climate Zones
The U.S. spans a wide range of climates:
- Arctic – In northern Alaska
- Tropical – In Hawaii and parts of Florida
- Arid/Desert – In the Southwest
- Humid Continental – In the Northeast and Midwest
- Mediterranean – Along the California coast
Geographic Extremes
- Highest Point – Denali (Mount McKinley), Alaska (20,310 ft)
- Lowest Point – Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California (-282 ft)
- Longest River – Missouri River
- Largest Lake – Lake Superior