How many states in the us are contiguous

There are 48 contiguous U.S. states: the states connected across the mainland between Canada and Mexico. Alaska and Hawaii are the two states outside that contiguous group.

Location and boundaries

“Contiguous” means sharing connected land boundaries in this context. It does not include U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, or the two noncontiguous states.

Geographic context

The 48 contiguous states form one connected land area. Alaska is separated from them by Canada, and Hawaii is an island state in the Pacific. “Continental United States” is sometimes used differently, so a precise answer should state whether Alaska is included.

Using this location information

The number 48 counts states, not territories or the District of Columbia. The contiguous region is sometimes called the “lower 48,” although this phrase is informal. In legal or statistical writing, define the geographic grouping so readers know whether Alaska or Hawaii is included.

Details to verify

Use this as a general geographic reference. Municipal boundaries, travel details, and government services can change; check the relevant official local source for current decisions.

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