How many states are there in the United States?
There are 50 states in the United States, plus the District of Columbia (Washington, DC). The most recent states admitted were Alaska and Hawaii, both in 1959.
Context
The 50 states span an enormous range in population (Wyoming: 576,000 to California: 39.5 million), area (Rhode Island: 1,545 sq mi to Alaska: 665,384 sq mi), and demographics. DC is not a state but has many state-like characteristics including its own representation in the Electoral College and local government.
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There are 50 states in the United States, plus the District of Columbia (Washington, DC). The most recent states admitted were Alaska and Hawaii, both in 1959.