The United States of America is composed of fifty states. This number is frequently asked, reflecting a common point of interest for those learning about the country’s structure. Beyond the 50 states, the U.S. also encompasses a federal district, Washington D.C., and several territories, each with unique relationships to the federal government.
The last two states to join the United States were Alaska and Hawaii, both in 1959. Alaska became the 49th state, and Hawaii, the 50th. This expansion marked a significant moment in U.S. history, extending statehood to regions with distinct geographical and cultural identities.
Washington, D.C., formally known as the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States. It is a unique entity, not a state, but a federal district established under the authority of the U.S. Congress. While residents of Washington D.C. elect a mayor and city council for local governance, and have been able to vote in presidential elections since 1961, their representation in Congress is through a nonvoting Delegate to the House of Representatives.
Beyond the states and D.C., the U.S. also has territories and dependencies. Puerto Rico is a notable example, classified as a commonwealth associated with the U.S. People born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens. However, despite this citizenship, Puerto Ricans cannot vote in U.S. Presidential elections, although they do elect a nonvoting resident commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives. Other dependent areas include American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, among others. These territories have varied statuses and relationships with the U.S. government.
Historically, the U.S. also administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. This arrangement evolved into new political relationships with entities like the Northern Mariana Islands, now a commonwealth in political union with the U.S., and nations such as Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which entered into Compacts of Free Association with the U.S.
For further detailed information on U.S. states and territories, resources like The CIA Factbook provide extensive data and insights.
