A country of opportunities, where many people from the post-Soviet space aspire, and not only. In the USA, migrants from various countries are “breaking” in search of a better life. But, as a rule, they find nothing there except poverty. In form of government, the United States of America is a federation. In the article, we will talk about which US state is the largest in area and discuss life in a multinational country.
Territorial structure of the United States of America
The division of the state’s zone into several partially independent territories is a bit like the Russian Federation. There are 50 states in the country, each additionally divided into counties.
Urban municipalities manage cities, and villages can be divided into townhouses. As you know, the United States owns several islands in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They do not fall into the states, but stand out separately. The capital of the United States, Washington, is under a special right, a special entity run by local authorities.
What is a state and what rights does it have?
This is part of the United States of America. In simple terms, this is like a piece in a mosaic that is necessary to compose a complete picture. And scientifically, the state is a state unit of territory that has some full power within itself and is capable of making important decisions.
But in relations with other states, even the largest US state does not have any international rights. All power in this matter passes to the federal authorities, that is, Washington.
Despite sovereignty and freedom to make critical decisions, all states are subject to the US Constitution. Each of the 50 states has its own motto and flag.
Where does the name come from?
The very word state appeared even when the first settlers settled in America. More precisely, in the colonial era (somewhere in 1648). Separate colonies were called states, the word came into use in 1776 with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
And currently, 46 out of 50 administrative centers have the word “state” in their name. It is written before the name, for example, State Texas or State of Utah.
Interesting fact. Although California positions itself as a state, the Republic of California is written on its flag. Now let's find out the history of the names of the states themselves:
- Twenty-six of them come from Native American words.
- The Eskimo language served to name Alaska.
- And one of the islands of America (Hawaii) is named because of the people who lived and spoke Hawaiian.
- Eleven states remember the colonial era and their names come from English words. Spanish rule left a legacy in the form of the named six states, and the French only three.
- Rhode Island is borrowed from the Dutch language, and Washington is closely connected with the history of America.
What is the largest state in the USA?
So, the undisputed leader in this merciless race is Alaska. The same territory that used to be under the protectors of the Russian Empire and was transferred to America. But Alaska is not settled by migrants in search of a better life, the population is mainly composed of indigenous people. These are the Eskimos with the Indians, "seasoned" with Russians and Aleuts. The largest US state in area has about 1,718,000 km 2 . The standard of living in the state is very high.
GDP per unit of population is about 60 thousand dollars. This indicator is second only to Delaware with a GDP of 65 thousand dollars. Each US state has its own administrative center. The capital of Alaska is the city of Juneau, where more than 34 thousand people live. And in the largest city of Anchorage - more than 290 thousand.
We figured out Alaska, it's time to move on to other parts of America. For convenience, TOP-5 states were compiled after Alaska, which answers the question: "What is the largest US state in terms of territory?"
State of texas
Texas is almost three times smaller than Alaska. Civilization in the state came along with the colonialists, who were the Spaniards. And in 1845, it was decided to make Texas part of the United States of America.
Rivers that are located on the territory of an administrative unit flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Texas has something to be proud of - there are large hydrocarbon deposits under its ground. And besides this, the district is famous for its attractions that attract tourists very much. However, they "peck" not only for this, in Texas there are many museums and very beautiful cities.
Throughout its history, the state has managed to visit the republic and become a part of the United States twice. Below are the main indicators of the state of Texas (figures are rounded):
- Territory: 700,000 km 2 ;
- GDP per unit of population: $ 43,000;
- Established: December 29, 1845;
- About 27 million people live.
Texas is the largest US state after Alaska. And the largest city is called Houston (like the American space station). And who does not remember the phrase that has become common throughout the world: "Houston, Houston, we have problems."
California
The state is famous for its high standard of living, innovative society and new technologies. And also in California, a large number of dollar millionaires and it is the most populated state throughout the United States.
Here is the famous Hollywood, the so-called "factory of stars." In the cities there are a lot of resorts where both locals and citizens of other countries come to rest.
The most popular among tourists are three cities:
- San Diego
- San Francisco;
- Sacramento.
And the melody of the Car-Men group immediately sounds in my head: "This is San Francisco, a city in the style of disco, thousands of lights." In general, it is a versatile city. Here, tourism and information technologies are simultaneously developing.
And below are the key state indicators:
- Territory: 424,000 km 2 ;
- GDP per capita: $ 45,000;
- Established: September 9, 1850;
- About 39 million people live.
In California, Silicon Valley, which can be called the engine of computer progress, is freely located.
Montana
Before the colonization of America, there were "motley" tribes of Indians. But with the advent of civilized society, indigenous people were massively destroyed and evicted. As a result, in 1889 Montana officially began to be listed as a state within the United States.
However, Montana also has another name - “Treasure State”. Montana deserved such an impressive name because it has large deposits of valuable minerals on its territory. Thanks to the diligence of local authorities, the state has left many untouched places.
In Montana, you can see wonderful waterfalls, dense forests, where the human foot did not enter, and beautiful mountains, the peaks of which are covered with a glacier. There were also traces from the civilization that inhabited America before colonization, as well as historical monuments of the XIX century.
All you need to know about the state:
- Territory: 380,000 km 2 ;
- GDP per capita: $ 32,000;
- Established: November 8, 1889;
- About 1 000 000 people live.
Tourists who want to visit one of the largest US states, local residents recommend visiting the Yellowstone Reserve and look at the majestic bison.
State of New MexicoEstado de Nuevo México
No wonder the state is called New Mexico. This is a fairly accurate definition of a given territory. As a result of the war between the countries, America seized the land of Mexico. And in 1912, it was declared the official territory of the United States.
And there was a reason to fight, in New Mexico there are dense forests and futuristic canyons. An interesting fact, they often “flash” in Hollywood films and in the Windows operating system on predefined wallpapers.
The colonialists decided not to expel the Indians, and therefore they still live here. True, living conditions here cannot be called normal, their accommodation takes place on reservations. But, despite this, they managed to preserve the memory of their ancestors and, through the centuries, transferred their traditions and customs. All you need to know about one of the largest US states in the territory:
- Territory: 315,000 km 2 ;
- GDP per capita: $ 35,000;
- Established: January 6, 1912;
- About 2,100,000 people live.
Due to the beauty of the area, New Mexico is sometimes called the "land of charm." In 1803, the emperor of France, Napoleon, sold some of the land to the government of America.
Arizona
It is not surprising that in Hollywood films there is a large abundance of beautiful plans and beautiful places that delight the eye. Another state with unspoiled nature and magnificent landscape.
Below are the parameters of one of the largest states in the USA:
- Territory: 295,000 km 2 ;
- GDP per capita: $ 36,000;
- Established: February 14, 1912;
- About 6.8 million people live.
In Arizona, there is the world-famous Grand Canyon and arid deserts, which are used as an extraterrestrial landscape when shooting films. And in the District of Colorado is a crater in which a meteorite fell. In the state capital, Phoenix, there are about 1 million 450 thousand people. The city is famous for its museums and subtropical climate.
Conclusion
Those who want to start their lives from the beginning come to the USA. And they have exactly 50 chances - by the number of states in America. You can start with the largest, that is, Alaska, and end with a small Utah county.