Geography of the United States

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