The United States spans a massive and diverse geographical area that can be divided into distinct regions. Looking at a map of these different regions helps illustrate the immensity and variety of the country.
The Northeast, along the upper Atlantic coast, contains states like Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. This was one of the first areas settled during the colonial era and still includes many major cities like New York City and Philadelphia. The climate is marked by cold winters and humid summers.
Stretching from states like Virginia and North Carolina down to Florida, the Southeast has a warm, humid climate and long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The region maintained an agricultural economy longer than other parts of the country.
America's heartland, the Midwest contains the country's most productive farmlands within states like Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The Great Lakes form the northern border. Manufacturing is a key economic driver.
Former Confederate states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia make up the South along with Arkansas and Oklahoma. This region has been defined by its southern culture and hospitality. Much of the area is warm year-round.
From the desert Southwest including states like Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado to Pacific coastal states like California and Washington, the West makes up America's most arid yet geographically diverse region.
A map allows you to visualize how the regions fit together to form the continental United States. Recognizing regional differences provides insight into American history, culture, economics and identity.