How Many States Are in the USA? A Complete List of All 50 States (2026)

There are 50 states in the United States of America. People sometimes type this question a dozen different ways, how many states are in the USA, how many states is in USA, or even how many states there is in USA. However you phrase it, the answer stays the same: 50.

But how did the USA get so many states, and what makes each one unique?

The USA started as 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. Over the years, more territories were added to the USA, either by purchase, treaty, or war. The last state to join the United States was Hawaii in 1959. Each state has its own government, laws, culture, and identity, and some even have their own motto, anthem, and flag.

The main purpose of this blog post is to give you a complete list of all the states in USA, along with facts and figures about each one, so let’s get started.

List of States in the USA: Capitals and Land Area

Here is the full list of states in America, along with their capitals and total land area in square miles.

Lesser-Known Facts About Some States in the USA

Now let’s look at some of the lesser-known facts about a few standout states in America.

1. Alaska

Alaska, known as “The Last Frontier,” boasts North America’s tallest mountain at 20,310 feet, with Denali National Park as a must-visit. This state became the 49th state in the United States in 1959.

Only one U.S. state is actually bigger than Nigeria. Alaska covers roughly 665,000 square miles, while Nigeria covers about 357,000 square miles, nearly twice as much. Every other state, including Texas, is smaller than Nigeria by land area.

Visitors can witness the Northern Lights on Aurora Borealis tours from Fairbanks in winter. For those seeking relaxation, they can explore the Chena Hot Springs for a cozy experience. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to encounter brown bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park in July.

2. Arizona

Arizona joined the Union on February 14, 1912, and is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cities. This southwestern state, known as “The Grand Canyon State,” offers easy access to the iconic Grand Canyon and guided rim tours.

It boasts remarkable features such as slot canyons, rock formations like Coyote Buttes and “The Wave,” and the enchanting city of Sedona with its famous hikes. 

Page, near the Utah border, provides an ideal gateway for exploring Lake Powell, embarking on Colorado River hikes, and gazing upon the majestic Horseshoe Bend Overlook.

3. California

In 1850, California became the 31st state of the United States. California, known as “The Golden State,” is a top US tourist destination, offering a stunning coastline and iconic cities like San Francisco and Hollywood. 

Beyond Los Angeles and Hollywood, California also features colossal trees in Sequoia National Park and Redwood National Park, along with the extreme, surprisingly beautiful landscape of Death Valley National Park.

4. New York

The Adirondack Park, within New York, is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined. “The Empire State,” known for New York City, is a global hub for fashion, finance, and the arts. Beyond the city’s iconic landmarks.

Established in 1892, this vast park offers a stunning natural escape within a state best known for its bustling metropolis.

5. Florida

Florida joined the United States on March 3, 1845, and has since become one of the country’s most visited states.

Florida, known as “The Sunshine State,” is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, the captivating Everglades National Park, and an abundance of theme parks. 

Orlando alone is home to four Disney World parks, three Universal Studios theme parks, Sea World, and more, making it the world’s theme park capital and drawing millions of visitors annually.

6. Texas

Texas became part of the USA in 1845 and boasts magnificent Gulf Coast beaches, San Antonio’s historic Alamo, and Austin’s title as “the live music capital of the world.” “The Lone Star State,” Texas, is renowned for its larger-than-life charm. 

A lesser-known fact: Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony, with up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats roosting beneath it each summer. 

The single largest bat colony on Earth overall actually belongs to Bracken Cave, also in Texas, near San Antonio, home to an estimated 15 to 20 million bats.

7. Hawaii

Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. Hawaii, “The Aloha State,” offers a laid-back lifestyle across its six main tourist islands, attracting surfers and seafood lovers alike. The North Shore of Oahu, known as “The Seven-Mile Miracle,” is a world-renowned surfing destination.

Explore Oahu’s culture and history, including the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and Diamond Head Crater. For volcano enthusiasts, “The Big Island” beckons with Volcanoes National Park, manta ray swims, and fresh Kona coffee.

8. Nevada

Nevada became the 36th state to join the Union in 1864. Nevada, known as “The Silver State,” is renowned for the dazzling city of Las Vegas, which attracts around 40 million annual visitors with its vibrant strip and extravagant casinos.

Beyond the glitter, Nevada offers tranquility for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting the breathtaking Lake Tahoe, known for water so clear that you can see objects roughly 70 feet below the surface.

9. Colorado

Colorado became a U.S. state on August 1, 1876. Colorado, known as “The Centennial State,” offers premier skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Keystone, Vail, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain. In summer, it’s a haven for hikers and fishermen, boasting 58 fourteeners, with Rocky Mountain National Park providing scenic hikes.

Colorado was one of the first two states, alongside Washington, to legalize recreational marijuana for adults in 2012, and it became the first state to actually open recreational dispensaries in 2014.

10. Washington

Washington became a state in the United States on November 11, 1889, and remains one of the most naturally diverse states in America, from coastline to mountains to rainforest.

Washington, “The Evergreen State,” boasts stunning beauty with the magnificent Olympic National Park, offering world-class hikes. Seattle, renowned for its grunge music scene, is also home to the first Starbucks, which opened in Pike Place Market in 1971.

You have reached the end of this blog post about how many states are in the USA. The main purpose and goal of this blog post was to provide you with a complete list of all the states in the USA, along with some facts and figures about each one. Now, we have a question for you: what is your favorite state in the USA, and why? Share your answer in the comments section below, or on social media with the hashtag #statesintheUSA.

FAQs

1. How many states in the USA: 50 or 52?

The United States has 50 states. Sometimes people mistakenly think there are 52 because they confuse U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., with states, but these are not considered part of the 50 states.

2. When did America get 52 states?

The United States has never had 52 states. It currently has 50 states. The common misconception comes from confusion about U.S. territories like the District of Columbia, but these are not states.

3. What is the 50th state in the United States?

The U.S. reached its current count of 50 states with the admission of Hawaii on August 21, 1959.

4. How many states are in the world?

There is no single official count, but the United Nations currently recognizes 193 member states plus 2 observer states, for 195 total. Broader counts that include partially recognized territories put the number closer to 206.

5. How many states are in the United States?

The United States has 50 states.

Neelmani Yadav