Area: 52,420 square miles

Population: Approximately 5 million

Year Founded: 1819

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1819

State Highlights: Known for its rich history during the Civil Rights Movement, diverse geography including mountains and coastline, and being the birthplace of the Confederate States of America.

Area: 663,300 square miles

Population: Approximately 731,000

Year Founded: 1959

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1959

State Highlights: Known for its stunning natural landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. It's the largest and least densely populated state in the U.S., and it's also famous for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Area: 113,990 square miles

Population: Approximately 7.4 million

Year Founded: 1912

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1912

State Highlights: Known for its desert landscapes, including the Grand Canyon. Arizona has a rich Native American heritage and is home to several Native American tribes. It's also a popular destination for outdoor activities and tourism.

Area: 53,180 square miles

Population: Approximately 3 million

Year Founded: 1836

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1836

State Highlights: Known for its natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and lakes. Arkansas is home to the Ozark Mountains and the Ouachita Mountains. The state is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with a strong influence from Native American and Southern traditions.

Area: 5,543 square miles

Population: Approximately 3.6 million

Year Founded: 1636

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its historical significance in the American Revolution and its role in early American history. Connecticut is often associated with its picturesque New England towns and its proximity to major cities like New York City and Boston.

Area: 104,100 square miles

Population: Approximately 5.8 million

Year Founded: 1876

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1876

State Highlights: Known for its stunning Rocky Mountains, Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The state has a diverse landscape that includes forests, canyons, and high plains. Denver, its capital, is a major cultural and economic hub.

Area: 5,543 square miles

Population: Approximately 3.6 million

Year Founded: 1636

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its historical significance in the American Revolution and its role in early American history. Connecticut is often associated with its picturesque New England towns and its proximity to major cities like New York City and Boston.

Area: 1,949 square miles

Population: Approximately 990,000

Year Founded: 1638

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1787

State Highlights: Delaware is known for being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. It has a rich colonial history and a blend of urban and rural areas. Delaware's location on the East Coast also makes it an important center for commerce and trade.

Area: 65,758 square miles

Population: Approximately 21.5 million

Year Founded: 1513

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1845

State Highlights: Known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Florida is a popular tourist destination and is home to attractions like Walt Disney World and the Everglades. Miami is a major hub for international trade and culture.

Area: 59,425 square miles

Population: Approximately 10.7 million

Year Founded: 1733

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its historic sites related to the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Georgia has a diverse landscape, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to coastal areas. Atlanta, its capital, is a major center for business, culture, and transportation.

Area: 10,931 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.4 million

Year Founded: 1778

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1959

State Highlights: Known for its tropical beauty, stunning beaches, and unique culture. Hawaii is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and is famous for activities like surfing, hula dancing, and exploring volcanic landscapes. It's the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands.

Area: 83,569 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.8 million

Year Founded: 1863

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1890

State Highlights: Known for its natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and lakes. Idaho is famous for its potatoes and agricultural products. The state offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.

Area: 57,915 square miles

Population: Approximately 12.8 million

Year Founded: 1818

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1818

State Highlights: Known for its major metropolitan areas, including Chicago. Illinois has a rich history in politics, industry, and culture. The state is home to important landmarks like the Willis Tower and hosts cultural events such as the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Area: 36,418 square miles

Population: Approximately 6.7 million

Year Founded: 1816

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1816

State Highlights: Known for its Hoosier hospitality, Indiana is rich in sports heritage, particularly basketball. The state is home to the Indianapolis 500, a famous auto race. Indiana offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes and is known for its agricultural contributions.

Area: 56,272 square miles

Population: Approximately 3.2 million

Year Founded: 1846

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1846

State Highlights: Known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and friendly people. Iowa plays an important role in the presidential election process due to its early caucuses. The state is also known for its annual Iowa State Fair and strong agricultural economy.

Area: 82,278 square miles

Population: Approximately 2.9 million

Year Founded: 1861

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1861

State Highlights: Known for its vast prairies, Kansas played a significant role in American history during the Westward Expansion and the abolitionist movement. The state is known as the "Sunflower State" and is home to landmarks like the Wizard of Oz Museum.

Area: 40,408 square miles

Population: Approximately 4.5 million

Year Founded: 1792

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1792

State Highlights: Known for its horse racing heritage and the annual Kentucky Derby. Kentucky is also famous for its bourbon production, rolling hills, and historic sites like Abraham Lincoln's birthplace.

Area: 52,378 square miles

Population: Approximately 4.6 million

Year Founded: 1682

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1812

State Highlights: Known for its vibrant music scene, unique Creole and Cajun cultures, and delicious cuisine. Louisiana is home to cities like New Orleans, famous for its Mardi Gras celebration and historic French Quarter.

Area: 35,385 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.3 million

Year Founded: 1622

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1820

State Highlights: Known for its picturesque coastline, Maine is a popular destination for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. The state is also famous for its seafood, including lobster, and its charming coastal towns.

Area: 12,407 square miles

Population: Approximately 6.2 million

Year Founded: 1634

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its historical significance, Maryland was one of the original 13 colonies. The state is home to the U.S. Naval Academy and the city of Baltimore. It offers a mix of urban and rural areas, as well as scenic waterfronts.

Area: 10,554 square miles

Population: Approximately 6.9 million

Year Founded: 1620

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its significant role in early American history, Massachusetts is home to the historic city of Boston and sites like the Freedom Trail. The state has a strong educational presence with institutions like Harvard and MIT.

Area: 96,716 square miles

Population: Approximately 10 million

Year Founded: 1837

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1837

State Highlights: Known for its Great Lakes shoreline and the automotive industry. Michigan is home to cities like Detroit, famous for its Motown music heritage. The state offers a mix of urban and natural attractions, including national parks.

Area: 86,935 square miles

Population: Approximately 5.7 million

Year Founded: 1858

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1858

State Highlights: Known for its abundance of lakes and natural beauty, Minnesota offers opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and skiing. The state's Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are cultural and economic hubs.

Area: 48,430 square miles

Population: Approximately 2.9 million

Year Founded: 1817

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1817

State Highlights: Known for its rich history, Mississippi played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. The state is home to the birthplace of blues music and offers a blend of Southern culture, antebellum architecture, and hospitality.

Area: 69,704 square miles

Population: Approximately 6.2 million

Year Founded: 1821

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1821

State Highlights: Known for its diverse geography, including the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River. Missouri has a rich history related to westward expansion and is home to cities like St. Louis and Kansas City.

Area: 147,040 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.1 million

Year Founded: 1889

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1889

State Highlights: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Montana is home to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The state offers a mix of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, as well as a strong cowboy and Native American heritage.

Area: 77,354 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.9 million

Year Founded: 1867

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1867

State Highlights: Known for its wide open plains, Nebraska offers a rural landscape with a strong agricultural presence. The state has a diverse culture influenced by Native American, European, and Western traditions.

Area: 110,572 square miles

Population: Approximately 3.2 million

Year Founded: 1864

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1864

State Highlights: Known for its entertainment hub, Las Vegas, and its desert landscapes. Nevada is famous for its casinos, nightlife, and entertainment industry. The state also offers outdoor recreational opportunities in places like Lake Tahoe.

Area: 9,349 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.4 million

Year Founded: 1623

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its New England charm and natural beauty, New Hampshire offers a mix of mountains, lakes, and forests. The state has a strong outdoor recreational culture and hosts the first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

Area: 8,722 square miles

Population: Approximately 9.2 million

Year Founded: 1664

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1787

State Highlights: Known for its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. New Jersey offers a mix of suburban and urban environments, as well as picturesque coastal towns along the Jersey Shore.

Area: 121,590 square miles

Population: Approximately 2.1 million

Year Founded: 1610

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1912

State Highlights: Known for its rich Native American and Hispanic heritage, New Mexico offers a blend of cultures and traditions. The state features unique desert landscapes, adobe architecture, and attractions like the Santa Fe Opera.

Area: 54,555 square miles

Population: Approximately 20.2 million

Year Founded: 1624

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its iconic city, New York City, and landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. New York is a center of finance, culture, and entertainment, and the state also features scenic areas like the Adirondack Mountains.

Area: 53,819 square miles

Population: Approximately 10.5 million

Year Founded: 1653

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1789

State Highlights: Known for its diverse geography, North Carolina offers everything from mountains to beaches. The state is famous for its Outer Banks, historical sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.

Area: 70,698 square miles

Population: Approximately 762,000

Year Founded: 1889

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1889

State Highlights: Known for its wide open spaces, North Dakota offers a mix of rural landscapes and small towns. The state has a strong agricultural presence and is known for its friendly communities.

Area: 44,825 square miles

Population: Approximately 11.7 million

Year Founded: 1788

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1803

State Highlights: Known for its role in American history and politics, Ohio is often referred to as the "Mother of Presidents" due to the number of U.S. presidents born there. The state offers a mix of urban and rural areas, with cities like Columbus and Cleveland.

Area: 69,898 square miles

Population: Approximately 4 million

Year Founded: 1907

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1907

State Highlights: Known for its Native American heritage and diverse cultures, Oklahoma was once known as Indian Territory. The state has a mix of rural and urban areas, and it's famous for its rodeos and Western history.

Area: 98,379 square miles

Population: Approximately 4.2 million

Year Founded: 1859

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1859

State Highlights: Known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, Oregon is home to landmarks like Crater Lake and Mount Hood. The state's major city, Portland, is known for its progressive culture and vibrant arts scene.

Area: 46,054 square miles

Population: Approximately 12.8 million

Year Founded: 1681

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1787

State Highlights: Known for its role in American history, Pennsylvania is home to landmarks like Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The state offers a mix of urban and rural areas and is famous for its Amish communities, steel industry, and diverse culture.

Area: 1,034 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.1 million

Year Founded: 1636

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1790

State Highlights: Known for being the smallest U.S. state, Rhode Island offers a blend of urban and coastal environments. The state's capital, Providence, is home to prestigious universities and a rich arts scene.

Area: 32,020 square miles

Population: Approximately 5.1 million

Year Founded: 1663

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its historic plantations, southern charm, and coastal areas. South Carolina has a significant role in American history and played a part in both the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Area: 77,116 square miles

Population: Approximately 887,000

Year Founded: 1889

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1889

State Highlights: Known for its iconic landmark, Mount Rushmore, and its vast prairies. South Dakota offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities, and it's home to attractions like the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Area: 42,144 square miles

Population: Approximately 6.9 million

Year Founded: 1796

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1796

State Highlights: Known for its rich musical heritage, Tennessee is home to cities like Nashville, the capital of country music, and Memphis, known for its blues and rock 'n' roll history. The state also features the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Area: 268,596 square miles

Population: Approximately 29.1 million

Year Founded: 1691

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1845

State Highlights: Known for its size and diversity, Texas is famous for its cowboy culture, oil industry, and its own unique history. The state offers a mix of urban centers like Houston and Dallas, as well as vast rural landscapes.

Area: 84,899 square miles

Population: Approximately 3.3 million

Year Founded: 1847

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1896

State Highlights: Known for its stunning national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. Utah offers a mix of desert landscapes, mountains, and outdoor activities. The state is also associated with the Mormon pioneer history.

Area: 9,616 square miles

Population: Approximately 623,000

Year Founded: 1777

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1791

State Highlights: Known for its picturesque landscapes, Vermont is famous for its autumn foliage, covered bridges, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The state is also associated with artisanal products like maple syrup and cheese.

Area: 42,774 square miles

Population: Approximately 8.6 million

Year Founded: 1607

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1788

State Highlights: Known for its historical significance, Virginia was home to the first permanent English settlement in America. The state is rich in colonial and Civil War history and offers a mix of urban areas like Richmond and natural attractions like the Shenandoah Valley.

Area: 71,298 square miles

Population: Approximately 7.7 million

Year Founded: 1889

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1889

State Highlights: Known for its beautiful landscapes, Washington offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. The state is home to Seattle, known for its tech industry and music scene, as well as outdoor wonders like Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park.

Area: 24,230 square miles

Population: Approximately 1.8 million

Year Founded: 1863

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1863

State Highlights: Known for its Appalachian Mountains and coal mining history, West Virginia offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The state is also famous for its traditional music and hospitality.

Area: 65,496 square miles

Population: Approximately 5.9 million

Year Founded: 1848

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1848

State Highlights: Known for its dairy farming and cheese production, Wisconsin is often called "America's Dairyland." The state offers a mix of natural beauty, including the Great Lakes, and urban centers like Milwaukee and Madison.

Area: 97,813 square miles

Population: Approximately 578,000

Year Founded: 1869

Year Admitted to the U.S.: 1890

State Highlights: Known for its wide open spaces and natural wonders like Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming offers a mix of outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing, and it's associated with the cowboy culture of the American West.