AMERICA’S 5 REGIONS

The United States is a massive country Areas of the United States have common links: culture, language, religion, and environment WHY SPLIT THE US INTO REGIONS?

Population of ~55 million people Largest cities: – New York City (18 million people) – Philadelphia (6 million people) – Boston (4.5 million people) America’s most densely populated region Most culturally diverse Climate is varied – hot summers and cold winters Over half of the Northeast is a wooded area NORTHEAST

Total population of ~78 Million Largest cities: – Washington D.C. (9 million people) – Miami (5.5 million people) – Atlanta (5.5 million people) Also known as the Deep South Climate is generally warm – long summers and short winters Natural feature: Mississippi runs between TN, MS, LA, and AR – Longest river in the United States Very good land for agriculture and farming; known as the “Cotton Belt” SOUTH- EAST

Has a population of ~ 65 million people Largest cities: – Chicago (9.4 million people) – Columbus (1.8 million people) – Indianapolis (1.7 million people) Environment is grasslands – most of the region is on the Great Plains Natural feature: Mississippi River cuts region in half; provides water for crops and cities Central location makes it a crossroads for transportation – Called “fly-over country” because most air travel flies over it Economy is focused on farming; contains the Great Plains MID- WESTERN

Total population of ~19 million people Largest cities: – Houston (2.1 million people) – Phoenix (1.5 million people) – San Antonio (1.3 million people) Various states are considered part of the “Southwest.” Most states were once part of Mexico before being conquered by the United States Includes the states of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. Natural features: the Grand Canyon runs through Arizona Arid climate – most of the Southwest is a desert SOUTH- WEST

Total population of ~72 million people Largest cities: – Los Angeles (13 million people) – San Francisco (4.3 million people) – San Bernardino (4.3 million people) Natural feature: Rocky mountains run through the center of the region – 54 mountains over 14,000 feet tall Various climates; deserts, forests, and grasslands Seismically active – many earthquakes in California Varied economy – farming, technology, and manufacturing WEST