regions of the united states€¦ · the united states regions of the united states the united...

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REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United States. Alaska is located in the northwestern part of the North American continent. The state of Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,100 miles southwest of mainland United States. A region is an area of land that has certain features in common. The United States can be divided into different regions. These regions are often used to describe a larger area with similar characteristics, such as geography, population, and climate. There are dozens of ways to divide this unique country into specific regions. However, most people divide and refer to the United States into five main regions. These include the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West.

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Page 1: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES

The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United States.

Alaska is located in the northwestern part of the North American continent. The state of Hawaii is located in

the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,100 miles southwest of mainland United States.

A region is an area of land that has certain features in common. The United States can be divided into different

regions. These regions are often used to describe a larger area with similar characteristics, such as

geography, population, and climate.

There are dozens of ways to divide this unique country into specific regions. However, most people divide and

refer to the United States into five main regions. These include the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest,

and West.

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Page 2: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

• The Southwestern states used

to be inhabited by a large

number of Native American

tribes.

• Texas is bigger than the entire

Northeast region.

• Parts of the Southwest once

belonged to Mexico. The US

obtained this land following the

Mexican-American War in 1848.

• The Southwest has many

natural resources, such as

silver, uranium, and oil.

Size: 574,076 sq. miles

Population: 39.7 million

Number of states: 4

Major cities: Houston, Phoenix & Dallas

The Southwest is a dry region with a lot of sagebrush, cacti,

and dry, dusty land patches. The region has a low population

density, but does include several populous cities. Four of the

top ten most populous cities in the US are located in the

Southwest. The population of the Southwest has strong

Spanish-American and Native American components.

Some of the most dramatic

landscapes of the US can be found in

the Southwest, the Grand Canyon

being one of the most famous

examples. This large rift in the

Earth’s crust is 277 miles long, and

attracts more than 5 million visitors

every year.

The major industries of the

Southwest are mining, technology,

oil, and space travel.

Native American headdress

Saguaro

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Page 3: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Colorado Plateau is a major plateau in the

Southwest region. The area is famous for its

canyons with deep

and narrow valleys.

The deepest canyon

is called the Grand

Canyon.

The Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert

make up a large part of the Southwest region. The

arid area gets less than 10 inches of precipitation

each year. The Sonoran Desert is located in the

southern part of Arizona and New Mexico. The

Chihuahuan Desert is located in parts of Arizona,

New Mexico, and Texas, and is the largest desert

within the Southwest region.

The eastern part of the Southwest region is made

up of plains. The Central Plains are the lowest area

of the Southwest, and consist of fertile soil. These

plains spread from the coast of Texas into

Oklahoma, and are home to many farms and

ranches.

The Rocky Mountains run from the West to the

Southwest region of the US. The southern part of

the mountains is located in New Mexico.

The Rio Grande is a major river in the Southwest

region. It stretches from its origin in Colorado to

the Gulf of Mexico, and forms the border between

the United States and Mexico.

The Colorado River flows out of the Rocky

Mountains, and runs through the Grand Canyon. This

river is responsible for carving the canyon for

millions of years. This process is called erosion.

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Page 4: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Southwest is the hottest region of the United States, and has very little rainfall. The winters are short

with occasional freezing rains. The spring and fall seasons are quite long, and have mild temperatures. The

summers are very hot and dry. Temperatures in the summer can reach 100 degrees, or even higher.

Droughts and heatwaves are among the

most common in the Southwest region.

Droughts can cause the loss of farmlands.

The vegetation that dies out during

droughts become fuel for wildfires. Only a

little spark can turn areas into raging

wildfires.

Even though the Southwest has the driest

climate, some areas of the region are still

prone to floods. Floods occur as a result

of tropical storms or overflowing rivers.

The eastern part of the Southwest receives just enough

rainfall for crops to grow. However, the western part

consists of deserts, and is a very hot and dry area. The

rainfall i n this area is so scarce, that often months pass with

very little or no rainfall.

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Page 5: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The two most important resources of the Southwest region are found under the

ground, minerals and oil.

The Southwest has minerals such as copper, gold, silver and uranium. Most copper

is found in Arizona. More than 60% of the country’s copper comes from this area.

Copper is used to make coins, water pipes, electrical wires and many other things.

Oil is another important resource of this region. It is so valuable that it is

also called “black gold”. Oil was discovered in 1901, and because of its

importance and uses it helped to start a new industry. It is a fossil fuel, which

basically means that it is nonrenewable. The states of Texas and Oklahoma

are two of the largest oil producers in the United States. Oil is also used to

make gasoline, paint and many other things.

There are many farms in the Southwest region that mostly produce chili peppers, peanuts, beans and corn.

They also raise horses and cows on farms and ranches.

Copper

Ranch

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Page 6: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Monument Valley is an area of the Navajo Tribal

Park. It is located on the border of Utah and

Arizona. The arid region is characterized by a

series of steep sandstone hills.

The Antelope Canyon is another spectacular feature

of the Navajo Tribal Park. It is a slot canyon that has

been created over many thousands of years by the

forces of water and wind that slowly carved the

sandstone into different forms and shapes. The

views of the

canyon constantly

change, as the sun

moves across the

sky, filtering lights

across its walls.

The Grand Canyon

was formed over

a period of 6

million years, due

to erosion caused

by the Colorado River. It is located in the north of

Arizona. The canyon is 277 miles long, ranges

between 4 and 18 miles in width and is nearly a mile

deep. The Grand Canyon covers an area of over 1,900

square miles. Native Americans have been living in

and around the area for a very long time.

Taos Pueblo is an ancient settlement of a Native

American Tribe. They are referred to as the Pueblo

Indians. This settlement is located in the state of

New Mexico and is one of the oldest continuously

inhabited communities in the country.

The Southwest region has a dry and spectacular landscape. The region is home to several national parks, such

as the Grand Canyon and Navajo Tribal Park. The Southwest is the perfect place for tourists who enjoy a warm

climate.

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Page 7: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Size: 566,452 sq. miles

Population: 81.4 million

Number of states: 12

Major cities: Miami, Atlanta &

New Orleans

• The nickname of the Southeast

region is Dixie.

• The Southeast region is also

called the “Bible Belt” because

of its religious population.

• Miami, a city in the south of

Florida, is the most popular

cruise-ship port in the world.

• There were many coal mines

and steel mills in Virginia, West

Virginia, and North Carolina.

Today, most of the mines and

factories have closed and many

people have a hard time finding

work. This area is among the

poorest in the United States.

The Southeast region stretches

from the Atlantic Ocean all the way

to the Gulf of Mexico. The region is famous for its sandy coastal

beaches and its mild and humid climate. Many tourists visit the

Southeast because of its pleasant climate and nice beaches.

The Southeast was known for its plantations, which were built in

the 1600s. Crops such as tobacco and cotton were grown on

these large farms. The economy of the region has changed over

the years. Today, the Southeast has a strong service economy

and high-tech industries.

Smoky Mountains, North Carolina

Miami Beach, Florida

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Page 8: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The eastern part of the Southeast region consists

of a flat plain, called the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The

plain is nearly 100 miles wide and stretches all along

the Atlantic coast. The plain along the Gulf of

Mexico is called the Gulf Coastal Plain. This plain is

around 200 miles wide. Most of the flat plains are

cut by rivers. The plains are covered with forests,

swamps and farmlands. The wetlands, or swamps,

are located within the coastal plains and have an

important function. They help to control floods by

soaking up water and also provide a habitat for a

wide variety of plants and animals.

The Piedmont is a

125 – mile - wide

plateau and is

hillier than the

coastal plains. The

word Piedmont

means “at the foot of the mountain.” The Piedmont

Plateau is a very good farming area. Much of the

plateau is covered with cotton and tobacco fields.

Many rivers cut through the Piedmont and find their

way to the coastal plains, which are at a lower

elevation, and they create waterfalls. The area

between the Piedmont and the coastal plains is

called the “fall line” because of the many waterfalls.

The Bluegrass Region

is another plain in the

Southeast region. It is

located in parts of

Kentucky, Tennessee,

and Alabama. The soil in this area is very fertile and

suitable for tobacco and dairy farming.

The Appalachian Mountains run through much of

the Southeast region. The central part of the

mountain range is covered with dense forests.

There are thousands

of deep gorges

carved out by the

rushing rivers. Most

of the area is not

suited to farming.

The Southeast region is home to many rivers,

including the Mississippi River. These rivers flow

through the coastal plain into the Gulf of Mexico or

the Atlantic Ocean. At the mouth of these rivers is

a mix of fresh water and sea water. Such a unique

combination makes it an ideal habitat for a diverse

set of plant and animal species.

The Mississippi River carries fertile soil to the

Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. A delta is a landform

that is formed at the river’s mouth when the river

flows into an ocean or lake. The delta at the Gulf of

Mexico is very fertile and is considered to be a good

area for farming.

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Page 9: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Southeast region has a warm and wet climate. The

Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico keep temperatures

in the coastal areas warm. The winters are mild and humid.

The temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees. The winters

in the mountains and on the Piedmont Plateau last longer and are

colder because they are farther away from the ocean.

The states of the Southeast region that are located near the Atlantic Ocean of the Gulf of Mexico are

prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Most hurricanes occur between June and November. Hurricanes

bring strong winds, heavy rains, and high waves that can cause a lot of destruction in coastal areas. The

heavy rains can cause floods, even in areas that are located inland.

Tornadoes are another natural disaster that occur in the Southeast region. They are one of nature’s most

violent storms and may develop suddenly.

\

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Page 10: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Many different kinds of resources can be found in the Southeast, such as cotton, fruits, sugar, peanuts, pine and

coal.

Coal is a mineral that is found under the ground in the mountainous areas

of this region. People burn coal in order to produce heat or electricity. Oil

is another resource in the Southeast that produces energy. There are

many oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and

North Carolina are important centers

for the production of furniture, lumber and paper. The trees that grow in

these areas, such as pine trees, are very suitable for making these

products.

The soil in this region is highly fertile, and is another important resource of

the region. Farmers use this soil to grow crops and raise animals. The warm

climate and heavy rainfall provide excellent conditions for crops to grow. It is for this reason that the Southeast

is an important producer of food for the United States. Cotton is also harvested

in the Southeast, and is very important for the textile industry. There are many

cotton mills and textile manufacturers.

The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are important for

fishermen in the Southeast. They catch fish and seafood such as tuna and shrimp. Oil rig

Coal

Cotton

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Page 11: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Walt Disney World is

located near the city

of Orlando in Florida.

It is the world’s

largest, most visited

and one of the most

famous theme parks.

The resort is made up

of four theme parks

with all different kinds of rides, restaurants and

numerous other fun-filled attractions.

The Everglades are an area in Southern Florida.

The 1.5-million-acre region consists of swamps,

saw-grass prairies, and sub-tropical jungles. The

national park is

home to 14 rare

species and is

the only place in

the world where

crocodiles and

alligators live

together.

South Beach is a popular neighborhood in the city of

Miami Beach in Florida. The beach is also known as

SoBe. The area has a unique collection of

restaurants, festivals, and buildings with a unique

architectural style and is referred to as the Art

Deco District.

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the

world. It is home to more than 100,000 animals, which

all swim in nearly 10 million gallons of marine and

fresh water. Visitors can see 500 different species,

such as whale

sharks, beluga

whales, manta

rays, piranhas,

and alligators.

The Southeast region has a warm climate. Due to the climate, this area is the destination of a lot of tourists who

come to enjoy the beaches, national parks and the large variety of outdoor sports.

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Page 12: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Size: 195.343 sq. miles

Population: 63 million

Number of states: 11

Major cities: New York, Boston,

Washington DC & Philadelphia

• Washington D.C. is a part of

the Northeast Region, but it

is not a state.

• All eleven states of the

Northeast were part of the

original British colonies

before the US gained its

independence.

• New York City is the biggest

city in the US. Its population

exceeds that of most states.

The Northeast is the smallest region of the United States. Six

states of the region are collectively called New England

(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode

Island, and Vermont). The other states in the region are also

known as the Mid-Atlantic States.

The area is known for its history, culture and natural beauty.

Despite its small size, the region is densely populated and is

home to many big cities.

The Northeast is the most economically developed and

culturally diverse region. Around 85% of its population lives

within urban areas.

New York City, New York

George Washington Statue Boston, Massachusetts

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Page 13: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

There are many watersheds in the Northeast. A

watershed is an area of land that separates waters

flowing into different rivers or lakes. Most

waterways flow into the Great Lakes, the Ohio River

and into the Atlantic Ocean.

The main rivers of the Northeast are the Hudson,

Susquehanna, Delaware, Connecticut, and Ohio. The

two largest lakes of the region are Lake Ontario and

Lake Erie.

The Appalachian Mountains run throughout the

Northeast region. The mountain range is 2,000

miles long and forms the spine of the eastern side

of North America. It extends from Canada all the

way through to Alabama in the south of the US. The

Appalachian is one of the oldest mountain ranges in

the world. It is characterized by forests and low and

rounded summits.

The Atlantic Coastal Plain stretches from Florida

all the way to the northeastern part of Maine. The

plain slowly slopes upward from the ocean inland

until it reaches the Appalachian Mountains. Parts of

the plain are covered with pine tree forests. The

coastal plain is a narrow and flat area with

numerous rivers and bays. The southern part of the

plain has fertile soil

and is very suited

for farming. The

northern part of

the plain is very

rocky.

Hudson River

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Page 14: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The climate of the Northeast region varies greatly with each changing season. There are four distinct seasons.

The winters can be extremely cold, with a lot of snowfall, especially in the northern part of the region. The

summers are warm and humid.

The Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes,

and the Appalachian Mountains have a

great influence on the climate in the

Northeast. The ocean has a

moderating effect on the

temperature, and the Appalachian

Mountains shield certain areas from

very cold or warm air masses.

The Northeast region is prone to blizzards and ice storms.

Some of these storms are very severe in nature, and are

capable of cutting of roads and causing electricity outages,

which can last for days or even weeks. Nor’easters are strong

storms that occur in the Northeast. These storms occur when

storms in the Gulf of Mexico move up the East Coast.

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Page 15: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Northeast is extremely rich in natural resources. It is home to large forests

and the many trees in these forests are used for making products such as paper

and furniture. Some trees are also used to make maple syrup. Most of the maple

syrup produced in the United States comes from Vermont.

In terms of farming, not only is the Northeast a good region to grow cranberries,

blueberries and potatoes, but it is also suitable for cattle, and the production of

milk and cheese. Fish and seafood, such as lobsters and clams are other important resources of the region,

and are found in the Atlantic Ocean. Aquaculture, which is the process of raising

fish on farms instead of catching them in the sea, is also famous in this region.

Granite can be found in many states in the Northeast. It is a rock which is distributed

all over the world, and considered to be an important building material which is used

to make tiles, monuments, countertops, and many other things.

Maple sugar production

Iron or e is another valuable resource in this region. It is a mineral from which iron

and oth er metals can be made. Pennsylvania used to be home to hundreds of steel

manufacturing plants.

Aquaculture

Granite

Steel factory

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Page 16: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

New York is the biggest city in the United States,

with a population of more than 22 million people. It

is an important center for business, art, media and

entertainment. There are more than 800

languages spoken in New York, making it a truly

diverse and a multicultural city. Many of its

landmarks are famous all over the world, such as

Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and

the Empire State Building.

Acadia National Park is located along the rugged

coastline of Maine. At the park, you can see all

kinds of natural features, such as ocean shoreline,

mountains, forests,

and remote islands.

The coastal area is

marked by traditional

lighthouses.

The Freedom Trail

is one of the main

attractions in

Massachusetts. It

is a 2.5-mile-long

path through the

center of Boston,

and passes 16 locations that were important during

the country’s struggle for freedom.

The Niagara Waterfalls are part of the Niagara

River, and are located on the border of the United

States and Canada. The waterfalls are not very high,

but they are very wide. Around 6 million cubic feet

of water drops over the cliff each minute.

The Northeast region of the United States is the birthplace of the country. It has a rich history, cultural

attractions, prominent cities, and lots of outdoor activities.

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Page 17: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Size: 821,037 sq. miles

Population: 67.7 million

Number of states: 12

Major cities: Chicago, Detroit &

Minneapolis

• The area around Nebraska,

Oklahoma, Missouri and

Kansas is known as the

Tornado Alley as the area

has more tornadoes than

anywhere else in the US.

• The Midwest is the largest

producer of corn in the US.

• The Midwest has the most

fertile farmland in the world.

• Michigan has more than 150

lighthouses.

The Midwest region is also known as “America’s Heartland.” The

name refers to the region’s manufacturing and farming sectors.

The manufacturing industries of the Midwest are very important

for the economy of the United States. The most important

examples include airplane, automobile, and steel production.

Many states of the Midwest were once home to millions of

buffaloes who grazed on the prairielands of the region.

The prairielands have become fertile farmlands where farmers

mostly grow corn and wheat.

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Page 18: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Great Plains stretch from Kansas and Missouri

to North Dakota. It is an area with dry land which

does not experience a lot of rainfall. The northern

part is hillier. The area is dry and is not suited for

farming. Hence,

this part of the

Great Plains is

also referred to

as the Badlands.

The Central Lowlands are located to the east of the

Great Plains and is a flat and wet area. The land of

the lowlands is extremely fertile, making it an ideal

place for farming. The farmers in this region mainly

grow corn and wheat.

The Midwest has

two plateaus; the

Appalachian Plateau

in eastern Ohio and

the Ozark Plateau in

southern Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. Plateaus are

a landform similar to a plain, but they are located at

higher elevations and are usually surrounded by

steep slopes.

There are three main valleys in the Midwest. These

are the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi valleys. A

valley is a low area of land between mountains. They

are formed over a long period of time from water

or ice erosion. Most valleys slope down toward a

river.

The Ozark Mountains are a highland area with

forests. The mountains cover parts of Missouri,

southern Illinois, and southeastern Kansas.

The Great Lakes are an

important feature of

the Midwest region.

They consist of lakes

Erie, Superior, Huron,

Michigan, and Ontario. These lakes border Ohio,

Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Lake

Superior is the biggest freshwater lake in the world.

The Great Lakes are very important for the

Midwest region. They are used as a transportation

hub and also serve as a tourist attraction. Many

tourists visit these lakes to swim, fish, boat, and

enjoy the scenic surroundings.

The Mississippi, the Ohio, and the Missouri are the

main rivers of the Midwest. The Mississippi River

runs from Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of

Mexico. The Ohio River forms the southern borders

of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The Missouri River is

the longest river in the US. It stretches across the

Midwest into the West region.

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Page 19: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Mi dwest region has a relatively dry climate. There are

four sea sons, ranging from mild and pleasant summers to

very cold winters. The winters usually have lots of snowfall

and h eavy chilly winds. Much of the rainfall occurs in late

spring and early summer. The climate of the Midwest is

affected by its location and the Great Lakes. Oceans have a

moderating effect on a climate. Due to the far location of the

Midwest from oceans, the region experiences large seasonal

swings i n temperature.

The Midwest region and the Great

Plains are often referred to as “the

Tornado Alley”. This area stretches

from Iowa and North Dakota, all the

way down to Texas and Louisiana.

Tornadoes are extremely violent

storms with a spinning tube of air that

touches the ground. Some tornadoes

can reach wind speeds as high as 300

mph and are strong enough to wipe out

an entire village in a matter of a few

minutes.

Floods are another natural disaster

occurring in the Midwest region. Most

floods are a result of heavy rains that

occur during the spring and summer

seasons.

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Page 20: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Midwest has lots of natural resources such as water, fertile

soil, lumber and minerals. These resources along with its climate

make the Midwest an excellent location for farming and

manufacturing.

The water from nearby lakes, rivers or wells is used by farmers

to grow crops and these rivers and lakes are also important for

transportation. Corn, wheat and soybeans are the main crops that are grown in this region.

Most of the corn in the Midwest is grown along its eastern part, mainly in Iowa and Illinois. Once the corn is

harvested, it is sold for consumption, but also to manufacture other products such as corn syrup, glue and

soaps.

Wheat is mainly produced in Kansas and North Dakota. These are suitable areas to grow these crops as there

is not much rainfall and the environment is perfect for growing these crops. The wheat is used to make flour,

which in turn is used to produce bread, pasta and cakes.

Minnesota, Kansas and North

Dakota are famous for their dairy

products such as milk, cheese

and butter. Grass easily grows in

this area, which makes it a

perfect place to feed cattle.

The most important minerals

that can be found in the Midwest

include lead, iron, copper, coal

and limestone. These resources

are used to make batteries,

computers, cars, planes and

many other things.

Corn field, Iowa

Iron ore

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Page 21: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Mount Rushmore is a sculpture that is carved into the

side of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The

carvings started in 1927, and finished in 1941. The

memorial honors

four US presidents:

George Washington,

Thomas Jefferson,

Theodore Roosevelt,

and Abraham Lincoln.

The Gateway Arch is located on the banks of the

Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. The

construction of the Arch started in 1963, and was

completed in 1965. Visitors can enter the arch and

travel to the

observation deck

on the top. The

monument is 630

feet high and 630

feet wide.

The Indianapolis

Motor Speedway is

located in Indiana.

The original circuit

was constructed in

1909 and is a true

landmark in the racing industry. The racetrack is

home to the Indianapolis 500, one of the best-known

auto races in the world.

Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwest

region and the 3rd biggest in the country. It is a center

of national and global business and finance. The city

was founded in 1837 and served as a transportation

hub between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi

River. Chicago is the city where the first skyscraper

in the world was built, the Home Insurance Building.

The Midwest region has a lot of lakes, beaches, city attractions and beautiful green areas. It is the perfect place

for visitors who like outdoor activities. Due to its varied landscape, there are lots of national parks throughout

the region.

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Page 22: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

• The West region is home to

the least populous state in

the US, which is Wyoming,

and the most populous state,

California.

• Most Native American tribes

live in California.

• The West is the largest

region, it covers half the

land area of the US.

The West region is a massive area with different

kinds of landforms, climates, and people. There are

beautiful beaches, deserts, large forests, and huge mountains.

The Rocky Mountains are the most spectacular feature of the

West, stretching from Canada to New Mexico. The Mountain range

is often called the “Backbone of

America”.

Alaska and Hawaii are also included

in the Western region. Nonetheless,

they are located in different

geographical locations, and

therefore have different climate

and landscapes.

Many people in the West work in the

timber industry, because of the

many forests in the region.

Technology is another major

industry of the West.

Size: 1,637,671 sq. miles

Population: 66.4 million

Number of states: 11

Major cities: Los Angeles,

San Francisco, Seattle

Space Needle Seattle, Washington

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Page 23: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The Great Basin is the largest desert in the United

States. A basin is a landform which is shaped like a

bowl. The land of the basin is lower than the land

around it. It covers parts of Nevada, California,

Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. The desert is bordered by

the Sierra Nevada Range on the west, the Rocky

Mountains on the east, The Columbia Plateau to the

north, and the Mojave and Sonoran Desert to the

south. The Great Basin is a cold desert because of

its high elevation (at least 3,000 feet).

Death Valley is a part of the Mojave Desert. It is

located in California. This valley is a very hot region,

with temperatures in the day often exceeding 100

°F.

The Rocky Mountains are the most significant

geographic feature of the West region. These

mountains stretch from Canada to New Mexico in the

Southwest region. They are over 3,000 miles long,

and are the largest mountain range in the United

States.

The Coastal Ranges is a mountain range that

stretches from Alaska to Mexico, along the Pacific

coast. Most of this mountain range consists of low

hills, but some parts rise as high as 8,000 feet.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains run along the eastern

part of California and are covered with mountains. It

lies between the Central Valley and the Great Basin.

The Sierra Nevada is home to forests, river valleys

and canyons.

The Intermountain region is located between the

Rocky Mountains and the Coastal Ranges. It is an arid

area with plateaus and basins. The Columbia Plateau

is located in the north of the West region, and was

formed by volcanic lava and drained by the Columbia

River. The Colorado Plateau is located in the

southern part of the West region, and was formed by

the Colorado River.

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Page 24: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Alaska and Hawaii are remotely located, and have

different geographical features than the other

states.

Alaska is a very cold place, and has numerous

mountain ranges that crisscross the area. The

Brooks Range is the northernmost mountain range.

The Alaska Range is a mountainous area in the

south of the state, and is home to the highest point

in North America, Mt. McKinley (20,320 feet).

The northern part of Alaska is a flat area without

many trees, and is referred to as tundra. Hawaii

consists of eight main islands. These were formed

by volcanic eruptions many years ago. The islands

still have two active volcanoes.

The Great Salt Lake is located in Utah, and is one of

the largest lakes in the United States. The lake is 75

miles long, and 35 miles wide. The Great Salt Lake is

salty because it does not have any outlets. This can

be attributed to the rivers which constantly bring

small amounts of salt in their fresh water flow. Once

this water reaches the Great Salt Lake, most of it

evaporates, leaving only the salt behind.

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Page 25: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

The West region of the United States includes areas with diverse

climates. The northern area of the region experiences a lot of rainfall,

especially along the Pacific Coast. The summers are mild, and it never gets

too hot. The western part of the region has excellent weather throughout the

year. The summers are warm and dry, while the winters are quite chilly. The Pacific

Ocean has a moderate effect on the climate of this area. The states that are located

along the Rocky Mountains can become very cold during the winters, with lots of snow. The

summers are dry and pleasant.

Alaska has very short and hot summers. The winters are very long and extremely cold. Hawaii has a warm and

stable climate, with only slight changes in temperature.

The West region is often hit by natural

disasters. Wildfires and earthquakes are

among the most common, with frequent

heavy winter storms. These violent storms

could lead to flooding near creeks or rivers.

Wildfires are most common in the West

region. Lightning strikes can cause wildfires,

but unfortunately most of the wildfires are

a result of careless human behavior.

Wildfires are very dangerous since they can

spread quickly, and can suddenly change

directions.

Earthquakes occur along the San Andreas

Fault, an area of fractures in the Earth’s

crust extending from San Francisco to the

south of California. This major fault is the

source of serious earthquakes.

Santa Monica Beach, California

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Page 26: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Agriculture is an important industry in the West region. Many kinds of

crops grow in this area, such as lettuce, potatoes, and apples. Most of

the country’s potatoes are grown in Idaho. The state of Washington

grows many different kinds of apples, and Southern California grows

produce such as lettuce, avocados and artichokes. Hawaii is an important

producer of pineapples and coffee beans.

Livestock, including sheep, cows, and pigs, are raised on farms and ranches. Many products are produced from

livestock, such as wool, pork, and beef.

The Pacific Ocean is important for the West because it supports the fishing industry. Tuna

and swordfish are mostly caught in Hawaii, while Salmon, cod, and crabs are caught in Alaska.

Many different kinds of minerals are found in the West region, such as gold, silver, zinc, and

copper. These minerals are mostly found in the Rocky Mountains. There are many mines

throughout the West region. Lead zinc ore

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Page 27: REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES€¦ · The United States REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United

Las Vegas is a city in

the state of Nevada

and it is famous for

gambling, shopping

and basically any form

of entertainment. The

resort city has many luxury casinos and show palaces

and is often referred to as the Entertainment Capital

of the World. Las Vegas is one of the world’s top

tourist destinations.

Yosemite National Park is located in California.

There are many waterfalls in the park. The most

famous of these is the Yosemite Falls, which is one

of the tallest waterfalls in the word with a drop of

2,425 feet. The

scenic mountain

range is also

famous for its

massive granite

cliffs and giant

sequoia trees.

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and one of

the most famous national parks in the United States.

It is located in the Rocky Mountains in the west of

the US and was

established in 1872.

The park has around

250 active geysers,

which is way more than

any other park in the

world. It is also famous

for its 1200 feet deep

canyon.

The Golden Gate Bridge crosses the San Francisco

Bay from the city of San Francisco to Marin County.

The bridge was opened in 1937 and is more than

9,000 feet long. After the construction of the bridge,

a special red colored paint was applied to it to

protect it from water and humidity.

The West region is very large and has beautiful scenic areas. Most of the region is sparsely populated. There is

a lot of undeveloped land that is put to good use by Americans for various purposes, such as fishing, camping,

hiking, and boating.

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