United States: Geography and Environment

The United States spans a vast and varied landmass stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with Alaska extending into the Arctic and Hawaii situated in the central Pacific. Its geography includes the Appalachian Mountains in the east, the Rocky Mountains in the west, the Great Plains across the interior, and desert landscapes across much of the Southwest.

Major rivers such as the Mississippi and Missouri drain much of the central United States, while extensive coastlines border the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico. Climate varies from humid subtropical conditions in the Southeast to arid and semi-arid conditions in the West and continental climates across much of the interior and Northeast.

Environmental issues include wildfire risk in the West, hurricane exposure along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and ongoing efforts to balance energy production with conservation. The United States maintains an extensive national park and public lands system dating to the early 20th century.