The U.S. is a country of 50 states covering a vast swath of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean. Major Atlantic Coast cities are New York, a global finance and culture center, and capital Washington, DC. Midwestern metropolis Chicago is known for influential architecture and on the west coast, Los Angeles' Hollywood is famed for filmmaking.

Time to explore some facts about the 50 states!

Alabama – George Washington Carver, who discovered more than 300 uses for peanuts.

Alaska – Has the longest coastline in the U.S., about 6,640 miles—longer than all other states combined.
Arizona – Home to the most telescopes in the world, located in Tucson.
Arkansas – The only active diamond mine in the USA. 

California – Home to General Sherman, one of the oldest trees in the world, and bristlecone pines that are over 4,000 years old.

Colorado – Home to the highest paved road in North America, reaching over 14,000 feet.
Connecticut – The first hamburger was served in New Haven.
Delaware – The first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Florida – The only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Georgia – The world’s largest aquarium is in Atlanta.
Hawaii – The only U.S. state made entirely of islands.

Idaho – Produces about one-third of all potatoes in the United States.
Illinois – Chicago’s Willis Tower was once the tallest building in the world.

Indiana – The famous Indianapolis 500 race is held here.
Iowa – The world’s largest cereal box collection is in Iowa.
Kansas – Known as the “Air Capital of the World” for aircraft production.
Kentucky – Famous for the Kentucky Derby, the oldest horse race in the U.S.
Louisiana – New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz.

Maine – Produces more lobster than any other U.S. state.
Maryland – The Star-Spangled Banner was written here.
Massachusetts – Home to Harvard, the oldest university in the U.S.
Michigan – Surrounded by four of the Great Lakes.

Minnesota – Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

Mississippi – The longest river in the U.S. is named after it.

Missouri – Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.
Montana – Has Glacier National Park with over 700 lakes.
Nebraska – Home to Chimney Rock, a landmark for pioneers.

Nevada – Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world.