Most US states share land borders with multiple neighboring states. Only one state, however, shares a land border with exactly one other US state. Which state is it? Let’s find out.
What US state borders only one other state?
Located in the northeastern corner of the United States, Maine is the only state in the country that borders just one other US state. Its sole domestic neighbor is New Hampshire, which lies to the west.
Because of its unique geographic location in the northeastern United States, Maine is often considered one of the most geographically isolated states in the country. All road travel between Maine and the rest of the contiguous United States (without entering Canada) passes through New Hampshire.
Although Maine has only one US state neighbor, it also shares an international border with Canada. To the north and northeast, Maine borders the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. In addition, Maine has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, giving it significant maritime importance.
Hawaii and Alaska are the only two US states with no domestic neighbors. Alaska does, however, share an international land border with Canada. It borders the Canadian territory of Yukon and the province of British Columbia.
(Also read: US Geography Trivia: 50+ Essential Questions and Answers)
US states with the fewest domestic neighbors
| Number of domestic neighbors | State | Neighboring US states | International land border |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Alaska | None | Yes |
| 0 | Hawaii | None | No |
| 1 | Maine | New Hampshire | Yes |
| 2 | Florida | Alabama and Georgia | No |
| 2 | Rhode Island | Connecticut and Massachusetts | No |
| 2 | South Carolina | Georgia and North Carolina | No |
| 2 | Washington | Idaho and Oregon | Yes |