How Many States Is In the USA? Facts & Data In 2025
Jul 20, 2025, 14:18 IST
The United States of America has officially 50 states as of 2025. All these states make up the federal union, and each state has its own constitution and powers, yet they are all one federal government. This figure has not changed within more than 60 years. This is a detailed view of the facts and statistics of U.S. states.
The total Number of States in the USA 2025
By the year 2025, there will be 50 states in the United States. This number has been held at the same level since 1959 and there have been no additions to the number since that time. Every state is equally represented in the Senate and carries a specific number of electoral votes which are determined by the population.
History State Admissions Timeline
The USA was first started with 13 colonies which after independence in the year 1776, grew to become the first 13 states. The number increased over time with more of these territories applying and being admitted as states. The next two states were Alaska, which joined the Union as the 49th state in January 1959, and Hawaii, which joined the Union as the 50th state in August 1959.
U.S. States Geographical Grouping
The 50 states are mostly divided into regions with respect to administrative and geographical reasons. These are the Northeast (e.g., New York, Massachusetts), the Midwest (e.g., Illinois, Ohio), the South (e.g, Texas, Georgia ), and the West (e.g., California, Washington). Alaska and Hawaii are deemed to be non-contiguous states since they are not included in the mainland.
Territories of the United States vs. States
Besides the United States governing the 50 states, 5 major overseas territories are governed by the United States. These include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These territories, unlike states, do not enjoy full participation in the Congress, and their residents have restricted abilities to vote in federal elections.
Current Debates: Washington D.C. & Puerto Rico statehood
Debates on statehood have plagued Washington, D.C, and Puerto Rico over the years. Neither region has received a state status despite both holding referendums and creating political debate, as of 2025. This must be approved in Congress, and no laws have been passed to amend their status.
Conclusion
Finally, by the year 2025, America will remain a union of 50 states. This structure was retained at the time of the admission of Hawaii in the year 1959. Although proposals of statehood for D.C. and Puerto Rico are still on the table, there has been no amendment in the last couple of years. The existing form of the state system is part of the federal structure of the country.