Introduction to the United States

The United States consists of 50 states and Washington D.C. The last two States to join the Union were Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th). Both joined in 1959.

Washington DC is a federal district under the authority of the U.S. Congress. Washington DC is represented in Congress by an elected, non-voting Delegate to the House of Representatives. Residents have been able to vote in presidential elections since 1961.

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth associated with the United States. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. Puerto Ricans do not vote in U.S. Presidential elections, but they do elect a non-voting commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Virgin Islands - St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. Indigenous inhabitants are U.S. citizens, but do not vote in U.S. Presidential elections.

Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the United States. Self-governing with locally elected governor and legislature.

American Samoa is a unincorporated territory of the United States. Administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Guam is a unincorporated territory of the United States. Administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. Inhabitants are U.S. citizens, but do not vote in U.S. Presidential elections.

Other Dependent Areas of the United States: Baker Island - Howland Island - Jarvis Island - Johnston Atoll - Kingman Reef - Midway Islands - Navassa Island - Palmyra Atoll - Wake Island

Other links: 

• Basic Facts on the United States

The 50 States of the United States

All states have official homepages, that provide general information as well as tourist information and information about the state government. Below is a list of all the states (also with links to the homepages).