The United States, a nation composed of 50 diverse states, showcases a remarkable range in geographical area and population. It might surprise you to learn which states claim the title of smallest, whether measured by landmass or number of residents. This article delves into the details of these diminutive states, revealing interesting facts and geographical insights.
The Smallest States by Land Area: A Detailed Look
When considering physical size, the East Coast boasts some of the most compact states. Four out of the five smallest states by area are located in this region, where states appear to be clustered closely together.
1. Rhode Island: The Teeny Titan (1,045 square miles)
Rhode Island, officially the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, claims the title of the smallest state in the U.S.
- It spans a mere 41 miles in length and 20 miles in width (66 x 22 kilometers).
- Despite its small size, Rhode Island boasts over 384 miles (618 kilometers) of captivating shoreline.
- Its highest point, Jerimoth Hill in Foster, reaches a modest 812 feet (247.5 meters).
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/where-is-rhode-island-1477463_V2-5b8a8d25c9e77c00573f5e84.png)
2. Delaware: A Diamond State (1,954 square miles)
Delaware, the second smallest state, holds historical significance as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
- It stretches 96 miles (154 kilometers) in length, narrowing to a mere 9 miles (14 kilometers) at its thinnest point.
- Delaware’s coastline extends for 381 miles.
- The highest point, Ebright Azimuth, reaches 447 feet (136 meters).
3. Connecticut: The Nutmeg State (5,567 square miles)
Connecticut, known for its historical contributions and vibrant communities, ranks third smallest by land area.
- It extends approximately 110 miles in length and 70 miles in width (177 x 113 km).
- Connecticut has 618 miles (994.5 kilometers) of shoreline.
- The southern slope of Mt. Frissell, reaching 2,380 feet (725 meters), marks its highest point.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-530796835-58ba8c535f9b58af5cb3f21b.jpg)
4. Hawaii: The Aloha State (6,423 square miles)
Hawaii, the only state comprised entirely of islands, offers unique geographical features and cultural experiences.
- Hawaii is a chain of 136 islands, with eight principal islands including Hawaii (4,028 square miles), Maui (727 square miles), Oahu (597 square miles), Kauai (562 square miles), Molokai (260 square miles), Lanai (140 square miles), Niihau (69 square miles), and Kahoolawe (45 square miles).
- It boasts an extensive coastline of 1,052 miles.
- Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, stands as the highest point at 13,796 feet (4,205 meters).
5. New Jersey: The Garden State (7,417 square miles)
New Jersey, known for its diverse landscape and strategic location, rounds out the top five smallest states by land area.
- It measures 165 miles long and 40 miles wide (266 x 80 kilometers).
- New Jersey has an impressive 1,792 miles (2,884 kilometers) of shoreline.
- High Point, at 1,803 feet (549.5 meters), marks the state’s highest elevation.
The Smallest States by Population: A Different Perspective
Examining population figures reveals a different set of states at the bottom of the list. These states, with the exception of Vermont, tend to be larger in land area and are mostly located in the western half of the United States. A low population spread over a large land area translates to a low population density.
1. Wyoming: The Cowboy State (584,057)
- Wyoming, despite ranking as the ninth largest state in land area with 97,093 square miles (251,470 square kilometers), has the smallest population.
- This results in a low population density of just 6 people per square mile.
2. Vermont: The Green Mountain State (647,464)
- Vermont ranks as the 43rd largest state in land area with 9,217 square miles (23,872 square kilometers).
- Its population density is significantly higher at 70 people per square mile.
3. Alaska: The Last Frontier (733,406)
- Alaska, the largest state in land area with 570,641 square miles (1,477,953 square kilometers), has a small population relative to its size.
- Its population density is a sparse 1.3 people per square mile.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-88599569-58b9b5d25f9b58af5c50f957.jpg)
4. North Dakota: The Peace Garden State (783,926)
- North Dakota ranks as the 17th largest state in land area with 69,000 square miles (178,709 square kilometers).
- Its population density is 11 people per square mile.
5. South Dakota: The Mount Rushmore State (919,318)
- South Dakota ranks as the 16th largest state in land area with 75,811 square miles (196,349 square kilometers).
- Its population density is 12 people per square mile.
In conclusion, the “smallest” state depends on the metric used. Rhode Island claims the title by land area, while Wyoming holds the distinction of having the smallest population. These figures offer a fascinating glimpse into the geographical and demographic diversity of the United States.
