1,237,956 sq miles Population Percentage Over 90% of total US population Approx. For businesses, defining delivery zones often relies on this distinction to calculate transit times and costs efficiently.
Development and Historical Evolution of the Contiguous 48 States
Another misconception involves the inclusion of Washington, D. It represents roughly 80% of the nation's total land area, housing the majority of its population and economic activity.
The majority of the nation's infrastructure, including interstate highways and rail networks, is concentrated here. It is also vital in ecology, where researchers study the migration patterns of birds and animals that traverse these connected states.
Development and Historical Evolution of the Contiguous 48 States
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the young nation, while the Oregon Treaty of 1846 established the northern border with Canada. 2% of total US population Land Borders Borders Canada and Mexico No land borders with other nations Common Misconceptions One frequent error is assuming that the term includes all states reachable without crossing water.
More About Contiguous 48 states
Looking at Contiguous 48 states from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on Contiguous 48 states can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.