Usage in Modern Contexts Today, the phrase appears frequently in weather forecasting, where meteorologists track storm systems across the unbroken landmass. Technically, the separation of Alaska and Hawaii creates two non-contiguous entities.
Shipping Routes Across the Contiguous 48 States
3,119,884 sq miles Approx. This geographic designation is frequently used in logistics, environmental science, and demographic analysis to simplify discussions about the mainland portion of the nation.
Another misconception involves the inclusion of Washington, D. Subsequent acquisitions, such as the Mexican Cession, solidified the Pacific coastline.
Shipping Routes Across the Contiguous 48 States
1,237,956 sq miles Population Percentage Over 90% of total US population Approx. , which is a federal district, not a state, though it is located within the contiguous zone.
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.