America’s coastline, a beautiful tapestry of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and bustling harbors, stretches across numerous states. But how many coastal states are there in the US? It might seem simple, but the answer depends on more than geography.
How Many Coastal States Are There
This article dives into the intriguing topic of America’s coastal states. We’ll explore not only the number of states that physically touch an ocean, but also consider the states that have a coastline along the Great Lakes. Get ready to embark on a journey that’ll take you from the sunny beaches of California to the rocky shores of Maine, and many surprising places in between.
The Definition of a Coastal State
A coastal state, in the context of the US, is categorized differently. Some view a coastal state as any state that literally borders an ocean. This includes both the east and west coast states along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans respectively. Additionally, states on the Gulf of Mexico also fall under this category. However, others widen the definition to include states with coastlines on the Great Lakes.
Why Coastal States are Important
Coastal states play a role that goes beyond simply forming the nation’s geographical boundary. They serve as major hubs for trade and tourism, boasting bustling ports that facilitate domestic and international commerce. With their diverse marine ecosystems, they are crucial for conserving biodiversity. Plus, they’re integral to energy production, housing wind turbines and offshore drilling operations.
Number of US Coastal States
Residing on the peripheries of the vast American land, coastal states, with their ocean or Great Lakes frontage, hold a strategic position for multiple reasons. Let’s delineate how many coastal states are there, arranged according to their geography: East Coast, West Coast, and the Gulf Coast.
List of Eastern Coastal States
The East Coast of the United States, lying along the Atlantic Ocean, comprises 14 states. Starting from Maine in the north, the list includes New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and ending with Florida in the south.
List of Western Coastal States
The West Coast, often referred to as the Pacific Coast, spans five states. Starting from northernmost Alaska, it journeys through Washington, Oregon, and California. Lastly, the Pacific island state of Hawaii caps off this list.
Gulf Coast States
The Gulf Coast, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, is composed of 5 states. The coastal sequence initiates in Texas, stretches through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and concludes with the panhandle state of Florida.
Economic Importance of Coastal States
Coastal states play a pivotal role in the United States’ economy, shaping its financial outlook with a considerable contribution. This impact permeates trade, commerce, tourism, and various industries, underscoring their vitality.
Contribution to National Economy
Coastal states contribute significantly to the national economy. Injecting a robust 46% into the country’s GDP, coastal states serve as vibrant economic engines. Their diverse industries—ranging from fisheries and offshore energy production to tourism and entertainment—create a plethora of job opportunities, thereby fueling economic growth and bolstering per capita income. For instance, California and Texas, two iconic coastal states, consistently rank among the US’ highest GDP contributors.
Importance in Trade and Commerce
Trade and commerce find their dynamic hubs in coastal states. Roughly 75% of all US international trade, denoted in goods and services, flows through America’s coastal ports. As gateways to the global market, coastal states like New York and Florida foster international relations, thereby driving commercial progress. Moreover, they house primary shipping ports—such as the Port of Los Angeles, Port of New York and New Jersey—which play a critical role in facilitating, sustaining, and expanding international commerce.
The Unsung Heroes of Sustainable Development
There’s no denying the multifaceted importance of coastal states. They’re not just geographical entities but key players in trade, tourism, energy production, and biodiversity conservation. Their dynamic nature, heavily influenced by geographical features and climate change, makes them a subject of continuous study. Their economic contributions are significant and their cultural richness is unparalleled. Understanding the number of coastal states and their ever-changing nature is crucial for informed policy-making and sustainable development.