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Quiz: The 50 States - West and Territories

Test your understanding of the Western states, Alaska, and Hawaii with these questions.

1. Why is Denver, Colorado called the "Mile High City"?

  1. It has many tall buildings
  2. It sits exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level
  3. It has the highest crime rate
  4. It is one mile long
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Denver is called the "Mile High City" because it sits exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. At Coors Field, the 20th row of seats is painted purple to mark this elevation!

Concept Tested: Colorado

2. Which state is the largest by area in the United States?

  1. Texas
  2. California
  3. Alaska
  4. Montana
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Alaska is by far the largest US state—more than twice the size of Texas! It has more coastline than all other US states combined.

Concept Tested: Alaska

3. What makes Hawaii unique among US states?

  1. It is the largest state
  2. It is the only state made entirely of islands
  3. It has the coldest climate
  4. It has no beaches
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Hawaii is the only US state that is completely made of islands. It's located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 2,400 miles from California.

Concept Tested: Hawaii

4. Which state grows more potatoes than any other?

  1. Montana
  2. Nevada
  3. Idaho
  4. Wyoming
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Idaho grows more potatoes than any other state in the country. Idaho is called the "Gem State" because almost every type of gemstone has been found there.

Concept Tested: Idaho

5. What famous natural wonder is located in Arizona?

  1. Yellowstone geysers
  2. Grand Canyon
  3. Niagara Falls
  4. Mount Rushmore
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona. It's about 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep—one of Earth's most spectacular natural wonders.

Concept Tested: Arizona

6. What is the most populous state in the United States?

  1. Texas
  2. Florida
  3. New York
  4. California
Show Answer

The correct answer is D. California is the most populous state with almost 40 million people. It's also the third-largest state by area.

Concept Tested: California

7. Which Mountain State has Yellowstone and is the least populous state?

  1. Montana
  2. Idaho
  3. Wyoming
  4. Colorado
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Wyoming is the least populous state with fewer than 600,000 people, but it contains most of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Concept Tested: Wyoming

8. What is Nevada best known for?

  1. Heavy rainfall
  2. Las Vegas entertainment and being the driest state
  3. Dense forests
  4. Dairy farming
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Nevada is known for Las Vegas entertainment and casinos, and it is the driest state in America—most of it is desert despite its name meaning "snow-covered" in Spanish.

Concept Tested: Nevada

9. What happens to daylight in Alaska during summer?

  1. Days are shorter than usual
  2. Some places have 24 hours of daylight (the "Midnight Sun")
  3. It stays dark all day
  4. Daylight is the same as everywhere else
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Because Alaska is so far north, some places have nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer—this is called the "Midnight Sun." In winter, the opposite happens with nearly 24 hours of darkness.

Concept Tested: Alaska

10. What type of climate does Hawaii have?

  1. Subarctic
  2. Desert
  3. Tropical
  4. Humid continental
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Hawaii has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round (70-85°F), no real winter, and plenty of rain on the windward sides of the islands.

Concept Tested: Hawaii

11. What unique geographic features does California have?

  1. Only mountains
  2. Both the highest and lowest points in the lower 48 states
  3. Only deserts
  4. No coastline
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. California has both the highest point (Mount Whitney, 14,505 feet) and the lowest point (Death Valley, 282 feet below sea level) in the lower 48 states—and they're only about 85 miles apart!

Concept Tested: California

12. Which mountain in Alaska is the tallest peak in North America?

  1. Mount Rainier
  2. Mount Whitney
  3. Denali
  4. Mount Elbert
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Denali (formerly called Mount McKinley) is the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. It's located in Alaska and is surrounded by wilderness.

Concept Tested: Alaska