Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The show deals with how the various states of the United States established their borders but also delves into other aspects of history, including failed states, proposed new states, and the local culture and character of various U.S. states. It thus tackles the "shapes" of the states in a metaphorical sense as well as a literal sense.
The shape of a state is determined by the political boundaries and geography that determine its territory, and that shape impacts the politics and economies of the state. [1] The six categories of state shapes are: compact; elongated or attenuated; fragmented; prorupted or protruded; perforated; and compound or complex. [2] [3] [4]
The United States of America is a federal republic [1] consisting of 50 states, a federal district (Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States), five major territories, and various minor islands. [2] [3] Both the states and the United States as a whole are each sovereign jurisdictions. [4]
Their western boundaries were subsequently modified as the states ceded their western land claims to the Federal government during the 1780s and 1790s. Many state borders beyond those of the original 13 were set by Congress as it created territories, divided them, and over time, created states within them.
Map showing the flags of the 50 states of the United States, its five territories, and the capital district, Washington, D.C.. The flags of the U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) exhibit a variety of regional influences and local histories, as well as different styles and design principles.
The term "United States," when used in the geographic sense, refers to the contiguous United States (sometimes referred to as the Lower 48, including the District of Columbia not as a state), Alaska, Hawaii, the five insular territories of Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and minor outlying possessions. [1]
This idea was not popular among Long Islanders, but has gained attention from the media. Tallini was featured in the 2011 History Channel series How the States Got their Shapes, [10] as well as in a 2007 article in The New York Times. [11]
The second largest state, Texas, has only 40% of the total area of the largest state, Alaska. Rhode Island is the smallest state by total area and land area. San Bernardino County is the largest county in the contiguous U.S. and is larger than each of the nine smallest states; it is larger than the four smallest states combined.