Unique Facts About the United States
The United States is a country full of fascinating and often surprising facts. From unique geographical features to historical oddities, there’s always something new to learn about this vast nation.
Zip Codes in New York City
New York City is known for its dense population and towering skyline. Manhattan, the most crowded of the city’s five boroughs, has over 300 zip codes. Some skyscrapers are so large that they have their own unique zip codes. The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and MetLife Building are just a few examples of buildings with their own exclusive postal codes.
Alaska: A State That Touches Two Hemispheres
Alaska is not only the westernmost state in the U.S., but it also holds the title of the easternmost state. This is due to the Aleutian Islands, which extend into the Eastern Hemisphere. This unique geographical position makes Alaska one of the most intriguing states in the country.
Cities with Rhyming Names
Among the U.S. state capitals, Boston and Austin are the only two with names that rhyme. Other capitals like Raleigh, Albany, Concord, and Carson do not share this trait, making Boston and Austin stand out in a unique way.
Directions from Stamford, Connecticut
If you start driving from Stamford, Connecticut, in any cardinal direction—north, south, east, or west—you will eventually end up in New York. While traveling east would require an amphibious vehicle, this fact highlights how close these regions are geographically.
Nevada’s Western Location
Despite being inland, Reno, Nevada, is farther west than Los Angeles. This is due to the location of the Aleutian Islands and the way the geography of the western U.S. is structured.
Longest Coastline in the U.S.
Most people assume Florida or California has the longest coastline, but in reality, Alaska holds this title. Its coastline stretches over 6,640 miles, surpassing the combined coastlines of all other states.
The Tallest Mountain in the World
While Mount Everest is the highest mountain above sea level, the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the seafloor is Mauna Kea in Hawaii. It reaches nearly 33,500 feet from the ocean floor, though only 13,796 feet are above sea level.
Population Comparison
California has more residents than Canada. In 2015, Canada reached a population of 36 million, while California had approximately 39 million people. This highlights the sheer size of California’s population.
Walking Between the U.S. and Russia
During winter, when the water between Big Diomede Island (Russia) and Little Diomede Island (Alaska) freezes, it is possible to walk between the two countries. However, this journey is considered dangerous and not recommended.
The Shortest River in the World
The Roe River in Montana is recognized as the shortest river in the world, flowing for only about 201 feet. Despite its short length, it holds a unique place in American geography.
States Without Borders
Hawaii and Alaska are the only U.S. states that do not share borders with any other state. On the other hand, Missouri and Tennessee share borders with eight states each, the most in the country.
Ancient Lakes in the West
During the Last Glacial Maximum, the western U.S. was home to massive lakes that rivaled the Great Lakes. Over time, these lakes evaporated due to rising temperatures, leaving behind smaller bodies of water.
Africa Beneath the U.S.
Geologists have discovered a piece of Africa beneath Alabama, part of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea. This discovery highlights the complex geological history of North America.
Oceans Bordering the U.S.
The U.S. borders three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. This is often overlooked, especially in the case of the Arctic Ocean along Alaska’s northern border.
Largest Cities in Alaska
Contrary to popular belief, the four largest cities in the U.S. by area are all located in Alaska. These include Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and Anchorage.
Coffee Production in the U.S.
Hawaii is the only state where coffee is grown domestically. While pineapples were originally imported from South America, Hawaii is famous for its tropical produce.
Historical Capitals
Before Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital was New York City. It remained the capital for two years before moving to Philadelphia and finally to Washington, D.C.
The Original Name of Los Angeles
Los Angeles was originally named “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula,” a long name that was eventually shortened for practicality.
Triple Landlocked State
Nebraska is the only U.S. state that is triple landlocked, meaning it is three states away from the ocean on every side.
Earthquake Activity
Alaska experiences more earthquakes annually than any other state. This is due to its location on a fast-moving tectonic fault line.
McDonald’s-Free Capital
Montpelier, Vermont, is the only U.S. capital without a McDonald’s. It is also the smallest capital city in the country.
U.S. Borders with Multiple Countries
In addition to Canada and Mexico, the U.S. shares borders with Russia, Cuba, and the Bahamas when including oceanic boundaries.
These facts illustrate the diverse and often unexpected characteristics of the United States, offering a glimpse into its rich geography, history, and culture.
