The U.S. Geography Quiz Stumping the Average American

Think you know your way around the United States? Don’t be so sure. A 2014 National Assessment of Education report revealed that nearly 75% of U.S. students fall short of proficiency in geography, with little improvement since 1994.¹

This deficiency hampers our understanding of domestic issues, from natural disasters to economic trends. How well do we really know our own backyard?

Test your knowledge with these 20 U.S. geography questions that stump a surprising number of Americans.

1. What’s the largest U.S. state by area?

Many assume it’s Texas, but Alaska takes the crown here. At over 663,000 square miles, Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas.

It’s so large that if you superimposed Alaska onto the contiguous United States, it would stretch from coast to coast.

2. Which state has the longest coastline?

Florida seems like the obvious choice, but once again Alaska comes out on top. Its convoluted shoreline stretches for over 6,600 miles – more than all other states combined. Florida’s coastline is less than half that at around 1,350 miles.

3. What’s the capital of New York?

New York City is actually not the state capital. That honor goes to Albany, located about 150 miles north of NYC. This trips up a lot of people who assume the Big Apple must be the seat of state government.

4. Which state is known as the Granite State?

New Hampshire holds this rocky nickname. The state’s extensive granite formations and quarries led to this moniker in the early 19th century. Surprisingly, many residents of neighboring states get this one wrong.

5. What’s the smallest U.S. state by area?

Rhode Island takes the prize as the tiniest state. At just 1,545 square miles, you could fit Rhode Island into Alaska over 425 times! Despite its small size, it packs in a lot of coastline and history.

6. Which two states don’t observe Daylight Saving Time?

Hawaii and Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) don’t participate in the twice-yearly time change. Their consistent climates and ample daylight year-round make DST unnecessary.

Many Americans are unaware of these exceptions.

7. What’s the highest point in the contiguous United States?

California’s Mount Whitney reaches 14,505 feet, making it the tallest peak in the lower 48 states. However, it’s dwarfed by Alaska’s Denali at 20,310 feet. The difference highlights Alaska’s extreme geography.

8. Which state has the most lakes?

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but Alaska actually has over 3 million lakes. Many of these are unnamed and unmapped due to Alaska’s vast wilderness areas. Wisconsin comes in second with about 15,000 lakes.

9. What’s the lowest point in North America?

California’s Death Valley sits 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point on the continent. Despite being known for its extreme heat, Death Valley sees snow about once a decade on its higher peaks.

10. Which state borders the most other states?

Tennessee and Missouri are tied, each bordering eight other states. This central location has earned Missouri the nickname “The Gateway State.” Many people incorrectly guess larger states like Texas for this distinction.

11. What’s the only U.S. state with a one-syllable name?

Maine stands alone in this category. Its name likely comes from an old province in France, though the exact origin is disputed. Despite being a simple name, it’s often overlooked in this trivia question.

12. Which state has the most active volcanoes?

Alaska wins again with 141 active volcanoes – more than half of all active volcanoes in the United States. Hawaii comes in second with 5 active volcanoes. Many Americans are unaware of Alaska’s intense volcanic activity.

13. What’s the longest river entirely within one state?

The Trinity River in Texas flows for 710 miles without leaving the state’s borders. It’s a crucial water source for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Brazos River is often incorrectly cited as the answer to this question.

14. Which state has the most National Parks?

California boasts nine National Parks, more than any other state. These include famous sites like Yosemite and Death Valley. Alaska comes in second with eight National Parks, surprising many who underestimate its natural wonders.

15. What’s the flattest U.S. state?

Florida takes this title, with an average elevation of just 100 feet above sea level. Its highest point, Britton Hill, is only 345 feet high. This flatness contributes to Florida’s vulnerability to sea level rise and flooding.

16. Which state is closest to Africa?

Maine is actually closer to Africa than Florida. The easternmost point of Maine is about 3,154 miles from El Beddouza, Morocco. This geographical quirk often surprises people who assume Florida must be closest.

17. What’s the only state that borders just one other state?

Maine is the answer again, sharing a border only with New Hampshire. Its other borders are with Canadian provinces and the Atlantic Ocean. This isolation has shaped Maine’s unique culture and economy.

18. Which state has the most miles of rivers?

Nebraska has over 79,000 miles of rivers, more than any other state. This extensive network includes the Platte, Missouri, and Niobrara rivers. Many people incorrectly guess states with famous rivers like the Mississippi.

19. What’s the geographic center of the contiguous United States?

Lebanon, Kansas marks this spot, though the exact point is on private farmland nearby. A small monument about two miles north of Lebanon commemorates the location. This central point shifts slightly as U.S. territory changes.

20. Which state has the most diverse climate?

California wins for climate diversity, ranging from Mediterranean to subarctic. Its varied topography creates numerous microclimates. This diversity allows California to grow over 450 different crops, more than any other state.

How did you do? While many Americans struggle with these facts, recognizing this knowledge gap is the first step toward improvement.

Understanding our country’s geography isn’t just about winning trivia nights; it’s crucial for informed citizenship, environmental awareness, and appreciating the diversity of our nation.

So next time you’re planning a road trip or watching the news, take a moment to consider the geography behind the story.

Source:

1. Earth.com