What do you call the 48 states that touch each other?

Charlotte Thompson | 2023-06-04 20:00:42 | page views:1777
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Lucas Patel

Works at the World Meteorological Organization, Lives in Geneva, Switzerland.
My name is Kimi, and I specialize in providing detailed and accurate information in both English and Chinese. I have a strong background in geography and linguistics, which allows me to give you a comprehensive answer to your question.

The term you're asking about is commonly known as "The Lower 48." This phrase is used to describe the 48 states of the United States that are located on the contiguous landmass of North America. These states are all connected to each other and form the main body of the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, which are both considered to be "non-contiguous" states due to their geographical locations.

The Lower 48 states are often grouped together because they share a common land border and are generally more similar in terms of climate, culture, and geography compared to Alaska and Hawaii. This grouping is particularly common in discussions about transportation, commerce, and travel, where the contiguous nature of these states makes them a more cohesive unit.

However, it's important to note that while "The Lower 48" is a widely recognized term, there are other terms that are sometimes used to refer to these states. The National Geographic style guide, for example, recommends using "contiguous United States" or "conterminous United States" instead of "Lower 48" when referring to the 48 states that are connected by land. This is because the term "Lower 48" can be seen as somewhat informal and may not be as clear to those who are not familiar with the context of Alaska's and Hawaii's unique status.

The term "contiguous" means sharing a common border, and "conterminous" is a synonym for contiguous, indicating that the states are adjacent to each other. Both terms are more formal and precise than "Lower 48," and they are particularly useful in academic, legal, and official contexts where clarity and accuracy are paramount.

In summary, while "The Lower 48" is a common and easily understood term, it is not the only way to refer to the 48 states that are connected by land. The terms "contiguous United States" and "conterminous United States" are more formal and are recommended by style guides for use in certain contexts. It's also worth noting that the use of "The Lower 48" is often influenced by the context in which it is used, and it may be more or less appropriate depending on the situation.


2024-05-26 01:01:39

Oliver Kim

Works at the International Renewable Energy Agency, Lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The lower 48. The term lower 48 is also used to refer to the conterminous United States. The National Geographic style guide recommends the use of contiguous or conterminous United States instead of lower 48 when the 48 states are meant, unless used in the context of Alaska.
2023-06-14 20:00:42

Charlotte Wilson

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
The lower 48. The term lower 48 is also used to refer to the conterminous United States. The National Geographic style guide recommends the use of contiguous or conterminous United States instead of lower 48 when the 48 states are meant, unless used in the context of Alaska.
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