How many states in USA? There are 50 states. The number has been fixed since 1959, when Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union — and despite the persistent “52 states” myth, it hasn’t changed since. This guide answers how many states in USA once and for all, with the history, the territories, and the facts.
How Many States in USA? The Short Answer
The United States of America comprises 50 states. Each has its own government, flag, and constitution, and each is represented by one of the 50 stars on the American flag, while the 13 stripes honor the original 13 colonies. When people ask how many states in USA, the answer is always the same: fifty, no more, no less.
How the US Grew to 50 States
America started with 13 colonies that broke away from Britain. Delaware led the way, ratifying the Constitution first on December 7, 1787. From there, the country grew westward for nearly two centuries — through the Louisiana Purchase (1803), the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War cessions, and the settlement of the western territories — until the map was complete. The last two pieces fell into place in 1959: Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, and Hawaii the 50th on August 21. No state has joined since, which is why the question of how many states in USA has had the same answer for over 65 years.
States vs. Territories: What’s the Difference?
Not every part of America is a state. The US also holds territories — Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands — which are under American sovereignty but lack full statehood: no voting representation in Congress and no votes in presidential elections. Washington, D.C., the capital, is a federal district, not a state. This distinction is exactly where the confusion comes from.
Why People Think There Are 51 or 52 States
Two mix-ups fuel the myth. Some count Washington, D.C., as a state — it isn’t. Others count Puerto Rico, which has voted on statehood several times but remains a territory. Add them to 50 and you get the phantom “52.” The official, correct number remains 50.
Key Facts About the 50 States
- Largest by area: Alaska — more than twice the size of Texas
- Smallest by area: Rhode Island
- Most populous: California
- Least populous: Wyoming
- Only island state: Hawaii
- Former country: Texas was an independent republic from 1836 to 1845
- Bought, not fought for: Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867
The Flag: 50 Stars, 13 Stripes
Every time a state joined, a star was added. The current 50-star flag — adopted in 1960 after Hawaii’s admission — is the longest-used version in American history, a visual answer to how many states in USA there are. If you want to see individual states up close, explore our guide to Bentonville, Arkansas or read about Ketchum, Idaho’s most famous town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states in USA?
50. The number has been unchanged since Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959.
What were the last two states to join?
Alaska (49th, January 3, 1959) and Hawaii (50th, August 21, 1959).
Is Puerto Rico a state?
No. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. It has held statehood votes, but Congress has not admitted it as a state.
Is Washington, D.C. a state?
No. Washington, D.C. is a federal district — the nation’s capital — not a state.
Conclusion
How many states in USA? Fifty — from Delaware in 1787 to Hawaii in 1959. Territories and the capital aside, that number is settled, and it’s one of the most useful facts about America to have at your fingertips.
