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Quizzes > Geography > Maps & Flags

Ultimate US 50 States Quiz: Test Your State Knowledge

Ready for the U.S. 50 States Quiz? Challenge your knowledge of state capitals with our capital state quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for US 50 states quiz on dark blue background

This US 50 States Quiz helps you name all 50 states and match their capitals on a map. Play timed rounds and build speed as you go. If you want a warm-up, try the quick practice , then take on the advanced map round.

What is the capital of California?
Los Angeles
Sacramento
San Francisco
San Diego
Sacramento has been the capital of California since 1854, chosen for its proximity to the gold fields and river transport. It replaced Vallejo when legislators sought a more central site. Today, it houses the state legislature and governor's office.
Which state is known as the 'Sunshine State'?
California
Florida
Arizona
Texas
Florida has been nicknamed the 'Sunshine State' since 1970, reflecting its generally warm, sunny climate. The nickname is used on license plates and tourism materials. It was chosen to attract visitors and highlight the state's weather.
What is the 50th state admitted to the Union?
Arizona
New Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959, following a popular vote for statehood. It was the last U.S. territory to join the Union. Alaska was the 49th state, admitted earlier the same year.
Which state is the largest by area?
Montana
California
Alaska
Texas
Alaska is by far the largest U.S. state, covering over 663,000 square miles, more than twice the size of Texas. It was purchased from Russia in 1867 and nicknamed 'Seward's Folly' at the time. Despite its size, Alaska has a low population density.
Which state is shaped like a peninsula?
Ohio
Washington
New York
Florida
Florida projects southward between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, forming a peninsula. Its shape is unique among U.S. states, giving it extensive coastline. This geography also influences its subtropical climate and tourism industry.
Which state has the abbreviation 'NY'?
North Dakota
New Mexico
New York
Nevada
The United States Postal Service assigns 'NY' to New York as its two-letter postal code. These abbreviations were standardized in 1963 to simplify processing. 'NV' is Nevada, 'NM' is New Mexico, and 'ND' is North Dakota.
What state is known as the 'Lone Star State'?
Arizona
Alabama
New Mexico
Texas
Texas is called the 'Lone Star State' to commemorate its former status as an independent republic and its struggle for independence from Mexico. The single star symbolizes unity. It appears on the state flag and seal.
Which state capital is Albany?
Virginia
Vermont
North Carolina
New York
Albany is the capital of New York State and has been since 1797. It's one of the oldest chartered cities in the U.S. and serves as a cultural and economic center of the Hudson Valley.
Which state is known as the 'Peach State'?
South Carolina
Alabama
Georgia
Mississippi
Georgia earned the nickname 'Peach State' for its reputation as a leading peach producer in the 19th century. Although today it ranks behind other states, the peach remains a state symbol. The peach blossom is the state flower.
What is the capital of Texas?
Austin
Dallas
San Antonio
Houston
Austin became Texas's capital in 1839 and was named after Stephen F. Austin, the 'Father of Texas.' It's the state's political and cultural hub, known for its live music scene. The Texas State Capitol is located downtown.
Which state is furthest west in the contiguous U.S.?
Washington
Oregon
California
Idaho
Cape Alava in Washington is the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, located on the Olympic Peninsula. Despite California's long coastline, Washington extends further west.
What is the capital of Arizona?
Phoenix
Flagstaff
Mesa
Tucson
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. It became capital in 1889 when the territory's seat moved from Prescott.
Which state is directly north of South Carolina?
Tennessee
Virginia
North Carolina
Georgia
North Carolina shares a border with South Carolina along its southern edge. The two states were both part of the original Carolina colony before it was split in 1712.
Which state is known as the 'Grand Canyon State'?
New Mexico
Colorado
Arizona
Utah
Arizona is nicknamed the 'Grand Canyon State' after the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, located in the state's northern region. It celebrates its geology and tourism.
Which state has the largest population?
Texas
Florida
New York
California
California is the most populous U.S. state, with nearly 40 million residents as of recent estimates. Its large economy, diverse cities, and immigration contribute to rapid growth.
What state has the capital of Boston?
Massachusetts
Maryland
Maine
Michigan
Boston has been the capital of Massachusetts since colonial times and played a key role in the American Revolution. It remains the state's largest city and cultural center.
What is the postal abbreviation for Oregon?
OE
OR
OG
RN
The U.S. Postal Service assigned 'OR' to Oregon when two-letter state abbreviations were introduced in 1963 to streamline mail sorting.
Which state borders both Utah and Nebraska?
Colorado
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Wyoming touches Utah on its southwestern corner and Nebraska along its eastern border. This unique position places Wyoming among the few states with four neighboring states.
Which state capital sits on the Mississippi River?
Madison, Wisconsin
St. Paul, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Des Moines, Iowa
St. Paul lies on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River and serves as Minnesota's capital. The river was vital for trade and settlement in the region.
Which state has the most neighboring states?
Ohio
Tennessee
Kentucky
Georgia
Tennessee and Missouri each border eight other states, the most of any U.S. states. Tennessee touches Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Which state is known as the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes'?
Idaho
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
Minnesota is famed for its abundance of lakes - actually more than 11,000 that are over 10 acres in size. The nickname emphasizes its freshwater resources and recreational appeal.
Which is the only state to border exactly one other state?
Alaska
Rhode Island
Maine
Hawaii
Maine only borders New Hampshire to its west; its other boundaries are the Atlantic Ocean and Canada. No other state shares exactly one contiguous U.S. state.
Which state capital is closest to the geographic center of the contiguous United States?
Jefferson City, Missouri
Des Moines, Iowa
Lincoln, Nebraska
Topeka, Kansas
The geographic center of the contiguous U.S. is near Lebanon, Kansas. Topeka, the capital of Kansas, lies closest compared to other state capitals.
Which state has the longest coastline?
California
Hawaii
Alaska
Florida
Alaska's vast shoreline, including its islands and fjords, stretches over 6,640 miles, far exceeding any other state. Florida's coastline is long but dwarfed by Alaska's.
Which state's nickname is the 'Show-Me State'?
Missouri
Mississippi
Montana
Michigan
Missouri earned the 'Show-Me State' nickname in the late 19th century after Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver said, 'I'm from Missouri, and you've got to show me.' It highlights skepticism and self-reliance.
Which state is home to Mount Rushmore?
South Dakota
Wyoming
Montana
North Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was completed in 1941.
Which U.S. capital is at the highest elevation?
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Denver, Colorado
Salt Lake City, Utah
Santa Fe sits at about 7,199 feet above sea level, making it the highest state capital in the U.S. Denver, known as the 'Mile-High City,' is at 5,280 feet.
Which state is part of the Four Corners region?
Utah
Nevada
California
New Mexico
The Four Corners Monument marks the quadripoint where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. It's the only point in the U.S. shared by four states.
Which state's motto is 'Live Free or Die'?
Virginia
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
New Hampshire's official state motto is 'Live Free or Die,' adopted in 1945. It reflects Revolutionary War patriotism and is printed on state license plates.
Which state capital was burned during the Civil War?
Columbia, South Carolina
Richmond, Virginia
Nashville, Tennessee
Atlanta, Georgia
Union forces set fire to much of Columbia in February 1865 as they captured the Confederate capital. The burning destroyed significant parts of the city.
Which state is divided into two peninsulas?
Washington
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Michigan consists of the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula, separated by the Straits of Mackinac. Both are connected by the Mackinac Bridge.
Which state was the 27th admitted to the Union?
Minnesota
Iowa
Texas
Florida
Florida joined the Union as the 27th state on March 3, 1845. It followed Alabama (22nd) and preceded Texas (28th).
Which state capital is the smallest by population?
Juneau, Alaska
Pierre, South Dakota
Dover, Delaware
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier, Vermont, is the least-populous state capital, with fewer than 8,000 residents. It's known for its small-town charm and historic architecture.
Which two states share the longest land border?
Arizona and New Mexico
New York and Pennsylvania
Texas and Oklahoma
California and Oregon
The border between Texas and Oklahoma stretches about 540 miles, making it the longest land boundary between two U.S. states. The Red River forms much of this boundary.
Which state is the only one to have had an independent republic before joining the Union?
Alaska
California
Hawaii
Texas
Texas existed as the Republic of Texas from 1836 until its annexation by the U.S. in 1845. It was a sovereign nation with its own president and currency.
Which state capital is not also the state's largest city?
Columbus, Ohio
Denver, Colorado
Pierre, South Dakota
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Pierre is the capital of South Dakota but has only about 14,000 residents, while Sioux Falls is the largest city. Most state capitals are also their largest cities, making Pierre unusual.
Which state flag is not a rectangle?
Ohio
New Mexico
Arizona
Texas
Ohio's state flag is a swallowtail burgee, unique among U.S. state flags. It features a distinctive swallowtail cutout and red, white, and blue design.
Which state has the highest average elevation?
Utah
Colorado
Wyoming
New Mexico
Colorado's mean elevation is over 6,800 feet, the highest of any state, thanks to the Rocky Mountains. Many towns sit above 7,000 feet.
Which state's easternmost point is further west than any other state's easternmost point?
Alaska
Hawaii
Oregon
Washington
Due to the Aleutian Islands crossing the 180th meridian, Alaska's easternmost longitude (at Semisopochnoi Island) lies west of the rest of the U.S. This quirk makes it farther west than any other state's easternmost point.
Which state does not observe Daylight Saving Time?
Alaska
Hawaii
Indiana
Arizona
Arizona opted out of Daylight Saving Time in 1968, except for the Navajo Nation in its northeastern portion. Hawaii also does not observe it, but Arizona is the most commonly cited example.
Which state has the most volcanoes?
Alaska
California
Washington
Hawaii
Alaska has over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields, more than any other U.S. state. Many lie along the Aleutian Arc, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Which state's highest point is a volcano?
Alaska
Oregon
Washington
Hawaii
Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii is the state's highest point at 13,796 feet and is an extinct volcano. It's also the tallest mountain on Earth measured from its base on the ocean floor.
Which state contains the geographic center of the contiguous United States?
Nebraska
Colorado
South Dakota
Kansas
The geographic center of the contiguous 48 states lies near Lebanon, Kansas. A marker there commemorates the point. It's often cited for geographic trivia.
Which state has the fewest counties?
Hawaii
Rhode Island
Delaware
Alaska
Delaware has only three counties - New Castle, Kent, and Sussex - fewer than any other U.S. state. This dates back to colonial administrative divisions.
Which state has the most counties?
New York
Kansas
Texas
Georgia
Texas has 254 counties, the highest of any U.S. state. The large number reflects historical land grants and local governance needs.
Which state has the only royal palace on US soil?
California
Louisiana
Hawaii
Alaska
?Iolani Palace in Honolulu was the royal residence of Hawaiian monarchs until the monarchy's overthrow in 1893. It's the only official royal palace in the U.S.
In what year did Alaska and Hawaii become states?
1960
1959
1957
1958
Alaska was admitted on January 3, 1959, and Hawaii on August 21, 1959, making them the 49th and 50th states respectively. The admissions concluded continental expansion.
Which two states have panhandles?
Pennsylvania and Kentucky
Idaho and Texas
Indiana and Maryland
Florida and Oklahoma
Florida's panhandle extends westward along the Gulf of Mexico, and Oklahoma's western panhandle projects between New Mexico and Kansas. Other states have panhandles, but this pair is commonly cited.
Which US state name originates from a Native American language meaning 'Big River'?
Ohio
Missouri
Mississippi
Tennessee
The name 'Mississippi' comes from the Ojibwe word 'Misi-ziibi,' meaning 'Great River.' It refers to the river that forms borders or flows through multiple states.
Which state was the first to ratify the US Constitution?
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Delaware ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787, becoming the first state, hence its nickname 'The First State.' It set the precedent for the necessary nine ratifications to establish the Constitution.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify State Locations -

    Accurately pinpoint all 50 states on a blank US map, improving your geographic recognition and spatial awareness.

  2. Match State Capitals -

    Recall and associate each state with its capital, boosting memory retention and knowledge of state government seats.

  3. Analyze Regional Patterns -

    Distinguish the four major regions of the United States by grouping states, enhancing your understanding of regional geography and cultural divisions.

  4. Apply Timed Quiz Techniques -

    Practice answering under time constraints to sharpen recall speed and prepare for competitive or classroom settings.

  5. Evaluate Quiz Performance -

    Review your results to identify strengths and improvement areas, guiding future geography study efforts.

Cheat Sheet

  1. US Census Bureau Regional Breakdown -

    The US Census Bureau divides the 50 states into four main regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. Use the mnemonic "Never Mix Sour Watermelon" to remember the sequence and associate key examples like New York (Northeast) and California (West). Grouping states this way simplifies prep for any us 50 states quiz by chunking geography into manageable sets.

  2. Two-Letter Postal Abbreviations -

    The USPS assigns each state a two-letter code (e.g., CA for California, NY for New York) used in official documents and maps. Create flashcards with the abbreviation on one side and the full name on the other to boost recall, a method backed by spaced-repetition research from the University of California. These codes often appear in capital state quizzes and speed up geolocation tasks on maps.

  3. "Fifty Nifty" Alphabetical Song -

    The "Fifty Nifty United States" song (tune of Yankee Doodle) lists all states alphabetically, making it easier to memorize each one. Sing the first verse - "Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas..." - to encode states sequentially through melody, a technique supported by music mnemonics in cognitive psychology studies. This playful tool works especially well for the united states 50 states map quiz.

  4. Region-Based Capital Clustering -

    Group state capitals by region (e.g., Sacramento, Salem, Olympia in the West) and create vivid mental images - imagine Sacramento's Golden Gate style bridge - to anchor each capital. According to research from the University of Chicago's memory lab, spatial and visual associations enhance long-term retention of paired information such as state - capital pairs. Breaking down capitals by region also streamlines your prep for a capital state quiz.

  5. Interactive Map Drills -

    Use academic-quality digital maps like the University of Texas Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection for hands-on practice naming each state and capital. Regular map-drilling with blank US outlines turns recognition into recall, a technique endorsed by the National Geographic Society for geography mastery. Consistent practice with these tools dramatically improves scores on any us fifty states quiz challenge.

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