Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. It is 2 1/2 times bigger than Texas, the next largest state. Alaska measures 663,267 square miles in area but ranks all the way back at number 48 in population, with only around 627,000 residents. It became the 49th state in the union in 1959. The capital of Alaska is Juneau, which is the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road but only by sea or air. Alaska borders Canada but no U.S. states.
Texas is the second biggest U.S. state, having an area that measures 268,580 square miles, including water. It became the 28th state in in 1845. Also known as the Lone Star state, Texas has a population of about 25.1 million people and ranks as the second most populous state, ahead of New York state. Texas borders New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Mexico. The capital of Texas is Austin, but its largest city is Houston, followed by San Antonio and Dallas.
California is the third largest state in the U.S., by area. It measures 163,707 square miles. It is, however, the nation's most populous state, ahead of Texas. California has a population of some 34 million. It came into the union in 1850 as the 31st state. Its capital is Sacramento, but it is home to the large cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco. California borders Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and Mexico.
Montana ranks as the country's fourth largest state, just ahead of New Mexico. It has an area measuring 147,046 square miles. Its residents are widespread, and Montana is just 44th on the list of most populated states, its population at about 905,000. Montana became a U.S. state in 1889, making it the 41st state. Montana's capital is Helena, and its largest city is Billings. Montana borders Idaho, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota.
