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List of States and Territories of the United States

The United States of America is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district, and several territories. These entities are governed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. government, and each possesses varying degrees of sovereignty.

States

The 50 states are the primary political and administrative divisions of the United States. Each state has its own government, with powers delegated by the U.S. Constitution. The states are represented in the federal government by the Senate and the House of Representatives, forming the Congress of the United States.

Original Thirteen States

The original thirteen states became sovereign in July 1776 upon agreeing to the United States Declaration of Independence. They joined the first Union of states between 1777 and 1781 by ratifying the Articles of Confederation.

Admission to the Union

Subsequent states are listed in the order of their admission to the Union. The establishment date for each state is set by an Act of Congress.

Federal District

The District of Columbia is a federal district, not a state, that serves as the capital of the United States. It is governed by a local government and the U.S. Congress, and it has a unique status compared to states.

Territories

The Territories of the United States are subnational geographical and political areas governed as administrative divisions. They include both inhabited and uninhabited territories.

Major Territories
  1. Puerto Rico
  2. Guam
  3. American Samoa
  4. U.S. Virgin Islands
  5. Northern Mariana Islands

Minor Outlying Islands

The U.S. also holds several minor outlying islands, such as Kingman Reef, which encompasses only about 0.005 square miles.

U.S. Territorial Sovereignty

U.S. territories are under the jurisdiction of the United States but do not have the same representation or rights as states. This is particularly evident in their lack of voting representation in the U.S. Congress.

Population and Area

The U.S. Census Bureau includes both states and territories in its statistics, providing data on population, GDP, and more. States and territories vary widely in population size, density, and land area.

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