The smallest state in America is Rhode Island. With an area of only 3,144 km², it is barely larger than the province of Groningen. It fits more than 500 times inside Alaska. Despite its name, Rhode Island is not an island, though it does have plenty of coastline.
In these small states, you can sometimes drive through three different states in a single hour. What they lack in size, they often make up for in population density and history.
Here are the 10 “little ones” of the United States.
1. Rhode Island (3,144 km²)
Its official nickname is “Little Rhody” for a reason. It is so small that residents often refuse to drive more than 20 minutes for an appointment. Curiously, this mini-state used to have one of the longest official names: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (though the latter part was recently removed). It is known for sailing, mansions, and the sea.
2. Delaware (5,060 km²)
Delaware proudly calls itself “The First State” because it was the first to sign the Constitution. It is a narrow strip of land along the coast. Economically, it is a giant: because tax laws here are very favorable, more than 60% of the largest American companies (Fortune 500) are officially registered in this small state, often in the very same office building.
3. Connecticut (12,541 km²)
Connecticut is wedged between New York and Boston. It is one of the wealthiest states in the US; many bankers working on Wall Street live here in its green suburbs. It is also home to the prestigious Yale University. In the fall, it is stunningly beautiful due to the changing leaves (Indian Summer).
4. New Jersey (19,047 km²)
New Jersey may be small, but it is the most densely populated state in America. It serves as the backyard for both New York City and Philadelphia. Despite the industry and busy highways, it is called the “Garden State” because of the many farms in the south that produce tomatoes and blueberries.
5. New Hampshire (23,187 km²)
This state’s motto is world-famous: “Live Free or Die.” New Hampshire is a rugged, mountainous state in the north that loves its independence (for example, there is no income tax and no sales tax). The nature in the White Mountains attracts many hikers and skiers.
6. Vermont (23,871 km²)
New Hampshire’s neighbor is the green, progressive state of Vermont. It is known for three things: maple syrup, the ice cream makers Ben & Jerry’s, and the fact that roadside billboards are banned to keep from spoiling the view. It is an oasis of peace in the busy Northeast.
7. Massachusetts (20,202 km²)
Although it is one of the smallest states, it has had an enormous influence on world history. This is where the American Revolution began (in Boston). It is the intellectual capital of the US, with top universities like Harvard and MIT. The coastal region, Cape Cod, is a favorite vacation destination for the American elite.
8. Hawaii (16,635 km²)
The only state on this list not located on the East Coast. Hawaii is a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. If you add up all the islands, the land area is surprisingly small. Because the islands are still growing due to volcanic eruptions (such as on the Big Island), this state literally gets a little bit bigger every year.
9. Maryland (25,142 km²)
Maryland has one of the strangest shapes on the map, nearly cut in two by the massive Chesapeake Bay. This bay ensures that Maryland, despite its small land area, still has a lot of water and coastline. The state is known for its blue crabs and its proximity to the capital, Washington D.C. (which was originally carved out of a piece of Maryland).
10. West Virginia (62,259 km²)
West Virginia is the only state located entirely within the Appalachian mountain range. It was once the heart of coal mining. The state was made famous by John Denver’s song “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” It is a rugged, green, and hilly area often referred to as “Wild and Wonderful.”