Around the United States of America

Quick Facts about The United States of America

The States
The United States of America is located on the continent of North America.
There are 50 states, plus several territories and possessions located in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

48 of the 50 states form the contiguous United States
Contiguous states borders -
North - Canada
South - Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico
East - Atlantic Ocean
West - Pacific Ocean

The other 2 states are Alaska and Hawaii.
Alaska - northwest of Canada
Hawaii - the Pacific Ocean, southwest of California.

Largest State: Alaska
Smallest State: Rhode Island

World's third-largest country by size, after Russia and Canada
World's third-largest country by population, after China and India

Population: 281,421,906 (2000 Census)
Largest Cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia,
San Diego, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio

Highest Point: Mt. McKinley, Alaska - 20,320 ft. (6194m) above sea level
Lowest Point: Death Valley, California - 282 ft (86 m) below sea level

Motto: In God We Trust
National Bird: Bald Eagle
National Flower: Rose
National Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner

Territories and possessions located in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean
American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef,
Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island

Note: 18 July 1947 - 1 October 1994, the US administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,
but recently entered into a new political relationship with all four political units:
Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the US, effective 3 November 1986
Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US, effective 1 October 1994
Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US, effective 3 November 1986
Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US, effective 21 October 1986

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html