Play the 50 States Quiz: Can You Name These US States?

Play the 50 states quiz and see how many US states you can name from clues about capitals, nicknames, shapes, borders and famous facts, from Texas, California and Florida to Hawaii, Alaska, Rhode Island and Delaware, the first state. Ten questions, 150 seconds and an explanation after every answer.

Start Play the 50 States Quiz

🎯 Daily Trivia Challenge • 🧠 10 Questions • ⏱️ 150 Seconds

Question 1 / 10 Time: 150s

Nicknames
Which state is known as the Empire State?
Firsts
Which was the first state to ratify the US Constitution, in 1787?
Size
What is the smallest US state by area?
Capitals
What is the capital of Texas?
Islands
Which is the only US state made up entirely of islands?
Population
Which state has the largest population?
Capitals
What is the capital of California?
Borders
Which state borders only one other state?
Nicknames
Which state is nicknamed the Lone Star State?
Shapes
Which state is famous for its mitten shape?

Explanations: answer key for all 10 questions

Q1: Which state is known as the Empire State?
Answer: New York
New York has been called the Empire State since the early 1800s. The famous Empire State Building in Manhattan takes its name from the nickname.
Q2: Which was the first state to ratify the US Constitution, in 1787?
Answer: Delaware
Delaware ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787, before any other state. Its official nickname is the First State.
Q3: What is the smallest US state by area?
Answer: Rhode Island
Rhode Island is only about 77 kilometers long. Despite its size, it has a long coastline on Narragansett Bay.
Q4: What is the capital of Texas?
Answer: Austin
Austin is the capital, while Houston is the largest city. Many state capitals are not the biggest city in their state.
Q5: Which is the only US state made up entirely of islands?
Answer: Hawaii
Hawaii is a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. It became the 50th state in 1959.
Q6: Which state has the largest population?
Answer: California
California has nearly 40 million residents, more than any other state. Texas is second and has been growing quickly.
Q7: What is the capital of California?
Answer: Sacramento
Sacramento became the capital in 1854. It grew during the Gold Rush as a supply town.
Q8: Which state borders only one other state?
Answer: Maine
Maine borders only New Hampshire, plus Canada and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the northeasternmost state.
Q9: Which state is nicknamed the Lone Star State?
Answer: Texas
The single star on the Texas flag recalls its time as an independent republic from 1836 to 1845.
Q10: Which state is famous for its mitten shape?
Answer: Michigan
Michigan's Lower Peninsula looks like a mitten, and locals often point to their hometown on their hand.

Play the 50 States Quiz – A Tour of America

The United States is made up of 50 states, each with its own capital, government, nickname and character. Learning the states is a classic school challenge, but it is also a great way to understand American geography, history and culture.

Some states are easy to recognize. New York is the Empire State, Florida the Sunshine State, Texas is the Lone Star State, and Michigan is famous for its mitten shape. Others are trickier. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution in 1787, while Rhode Island is the smallest. Hawaii is the only state made entirely of islands, and Maine is the only state that borders just one other state.

State capitals cause many mistakes. The capital of Texas is Austin, not Houston, and California's capital is Sacramento rather than Los Angeles. In fact, in many states the capital is a smaller city chosen for its central location or historical role.

A fun way to learn the states is to group them by region: New England, the South, the Midwest, the Mountain West and the Pacific. Try it after the quiz and see how many you can name.

Each state also has its own symbols, such as a state bird, flower and flag. Learning a few of these is a fun way to remember the states, and many travelers collect stamps or photos from every state they visit.

What This Quiz Teaches

This quiz is perfect for students, travelers and road trip fans.

State nicknames
State capitals
The smallest and largest states
Island and border facts
State shapes
The first state

Quick 50 States Facts

Alaska is the largest state by area.
Hawaii and Alaska were the last two states to join, both in 1959.
Four states are officially called commonwealths.
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, cannot be reached by road from the rest of North America.
Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state.
Iowa is the only state name that starts with two vowels.