The 22 Maps That Define America

It's the Fourth of July, and there's never been a better day to reflect on the state of the country. Everything from the teams Americans root for, to the companies they work for, to the dangers they contend with, make America unique.

It's the Fourth of July, and there's never been a better day to reflect on the state of the country. 

Everything from the teams Americans root for, to the companies they work for, to the dangers they contend with, make America unique.

Here, we look at 22 maps that show us the similarities and differences between Americans.

It's a big country and every state is  unique. 

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John Nelson / IDV

Let's break down some of the most interesting distinctions among Americans as well as other amazing features of this county. 

NFL loyalties are some of the most significant national divides.

idontcare111 / Reddit

Here's what is suggested when you type each state into a search engine and autocomplete steps in. Great job, Missouri.

Flip Collective

The average center of the U.S. population has been gradually moving westward since 1790 and south every year since the introduction of air conditioning in the 1920s. That's not a joke.

Department of Commerce vai Schubatis1 on Reddit

America is really big. We're so big that our states are bigger than many countries. Check out this map showing states that are the size of whole nations.

Mainstay 17 / Reddit

Here's where Americans live.

ThoughtForm (formerly Agnew Moyer Smith Inc.) for the book UnderstandingUSA via Reddit.

Check out all the rivers in the U.S. Absolutely stunning.

Nelson Minar / Flickr

Given that the U.S. is the sole six-time winner of the international Who Can Put A Man On The Moon Competition, here's a map of the size of the moon compared to America.

boredboarder8 / Reddit

This map shows where Americans defiantly stand in the realm of tornadoes.

John Nelson / IDV

Just because America catches fire a lot of the time does that mean Americans leave? Of course not.

John Nelson / IDV

American companies are the envy of the world. Here's where they're based.

Ameribro / Reddit

Here's the most recognizable brand from each state. You should be ashamed of yourselves, Florida.

MOTW

America is a melting pot, as this map proves beyond a doubt.

Wikimedia Commons

How Americans talk about groups of other Americans.

Joshua Katz, NC State University

Of course, there's also the legendary American Soda/Pop/Coke divide.

Joshua Katz, NC State University

Is America full of dumb animals content to hurl themselves in front of expensive vehicles? Sure. Has that ever stopped us? Nope.

State Farm

Here's the most popular television show that was set in each state.

SomeGuyFromCanada / reddit

The number of billionaires per capita in the United States. For what it's worth, Montana has four,Washington D.C. has three, New York has 67.

easyf--kingpeasey / Reddit

Where the singles are, and where the men outnumber the women and vice versa.

imperator 285 / Reddit

Here's where coal comes from in the U.S. West Virginia is essentially one gigantic coal mine.

MSHA

Americans want to know: What's the point of spending all that money building highways if you can't drive fast on them?

IIHS

Note: Any commenters who mention "Autobahn" on the Fourth of July will receive an instant ban. 

There's nothing more American than steak. This map shows the number of beef cows per acre in counties.

sverdrupian / Reddit

And lastly, what's more patriotic than Bald Eagles? Nothing. Check out which states have the most.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Want to learn more?

Joshua Katz, NC State University

22 Maps That Show How Americans Speak English Totally Differently From Each Other > 

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