The United States of America is a large country in North America with incredibly diverse geography. From mountains and deserts to coastlines and forests, its landscapes are varied and remarkable. Here are 10 amazing facts about the geography of the United States.
10 amazing facts about the geography of the United States
1. Overview
The United States controls a massive area of approximately 9.8 million sq km (~3.8 million square miles). This makes the US the third biggest country in the world after Russia and Canada. In terms of population, the United States also ranks third, after India and China.
2. The United States is sparsely populated
The United States has many major population centers. However, because of its large area, the overall population density is only around 35 people per square kilometer. The United States is one of the least densely populated large countries in the world.
3. The United States has many major mountain ranges
The United States is blessed with some of the most beautiful mountain ranges. In the eastern part of the country, there are the Appalachian Mountains. In the western part, there are the Rocky Mountains, the Cascade Range, and the Sierra Nevada. Alaska is also home to several major mountain ranges.
The highest mountain peak in the United States is Mount McKinley/Denali. It has an elevation of 20,310 ft (6,190 m). The highest mountain in the contiguous U.S. is Mount Whitney, with an elevation of 14,498 ft (4,419 m).
(Also read: The top 3 highest peaks in the USA | America’s highest mountains)
4. Home to the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon located in the state of Arizona is truly ‘Grand’. It is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and has a depth of over a mile. The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited places in America. The area around the Canyon is established as a National Park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. The top two longest rivers in the United States
The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are two of the longest in the United States. The Missouri River begins near Three Forks, Montana, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers meet. The Missouri River joins the Mississippi River near St. Louis. The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and drains into the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.
6. The United States has many climate zones
The United States has an impressive variety of climate zones, ranging from tropical regions in places like Hawaii and southern Florida to subarctic and tundra climates in parts of Alaska.
7. The United States is home to a rich variety of wildlife
America has a great diversity of wildlife. More than 400 species of mammals, more than 800 species of birds, and several hundred species of reptiles, amphibians, and fish are found in the US. Some of the well known wildlife species include the Grizzly bear, American bison, Moose, Bald eagle, American alligator, and Coyote.
(Also read: What states have grizzly bears in the US? | Grizzly bear population)
8. The United States has amazing National Parks
There are 63 National Parks spread across the length and breadth of the United States. These national parks offer visitors opportunities for vacationing, hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife watching. Each park has its own unique geography. For example, Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits in the lap of majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Death Valley National Park features one of the hottest, driest, and lowest-elevation ecosystems in the world.
9. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the largest almost completely preserved ecosystems in North America. It covers roughly 34,400 square miles across parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are both part of this vast ecosystem, which also includes surrounding forests and important wildlife habitats.
10. Large lakes of the United States
Lake Superior is the largest lake in the United States. It is also the largest of the five great lakes of North America. Lake Superior has an area of about 31,700 square miles. The US-Canada border passes through Lake Superior. The lake does not lie entirely within US borders.
Lake Michigan is the largest lake entirely within the borders of the US. Lake Michigan has an area of about 22,400 square miles.
States and territories in the United States
The large area of the United States is divided into 50 states and a federal district, Washington, D.C. In addition, the country also has several overseas territories.
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