List of states and territories of the United States
The list of states in the United States provides an overview of the current state of the states in the United States of America. Since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the territory has expanded continuously to the south and west. Through colonization, purchase or occupation of new areas have been gained, which were broken down usually after a certain time interval in the Federal States. Currently, the United States shall consist of 50 such states. The youngest is Hawaii, which in 1959 was awarded this status. Hawaii is also the only state that does not lie on the North American mainland. Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia carry the official term Commonwealth, are the other states but legally equal. There are also other territories that do not hold the status of a state, such as Puerto Rico, Guam or the District of Columbia.
29 states are of a governor of the Republican Party (R ) and 21 states by a governor of the Democratic Party ( D) out (February 2014).