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million people across 7,354 square miles, mak-
ing the Garden State the most densely populated
in the U.S.
Least densely populated state: Given its
aforementioned size and vast amount of unde-
veloped land, Alaska’s status as the least dense-
ly populated state should come as no surprise.
According to the World Atlas, Alaska is home
to 1.3 persons per square mile, which is consid-
erably less than New Jersey’s 1,298 people per
square mile.
California’s economy is massive. Even
though it’s part of the larger United States, Cali-
fornia’s economy is massive on its own. Accord-
ing to data from the International Monetary
Fund and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
released in 2025, California boasts the fourth
largest economy in the world. Only the United
Interesting Facts About the United States States, China and Germany boast a larger econ-

omy than the state of California. And California
The United States celebrates its semiquin- ka is so big that it’s larger in terms of square is gaining ground, as it experienced a growth
centennial in 2026. That means the nation has miles than the next three largest states (Texas, rate of 6 percent in 2024, which was better than
been around for 250 years. Since its inception, California and Montana) combined. the U.S. (5.3 percent), China (2.6 percent) and
the country has grown to include 50 states. As Smallest state: Checking in at 1,545 square Germany (2.9 percent).
Americans in all 50 of those states celebrate the miles, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the St. Augustine, Florida, has been around
country in 2026, it can be both educational and United States. To put that in perspective, it’s awhile. Florida is home to the longest contin-
fun to learn some interesting facts about the possible to squeeze 430 Rhode Islands into one ually inhabited European-founded city in the
United States. Alaska. United States. In fact, St. Augustine, Florida,
Largest state: Alaska spans more than Most densely populated state: According to predates the U.S. by more than 200 years, hav-
665,000 square miles, making it the largest state July 2023 data from the United States Census ing been founded by Don Pedro Menendez de
by land mass in the entire country. In fact, Alas- Bureau, New Jersey is home to more than 9.2 Aviles of Spain in 1565.

cer, the five-year survival rate for the disease effects. That’s notable for people who consume
remains below 50 percent in most countries. alcohol and also use tobacco. Individuals who
While many people have survived an oral can- drink but do not use tobacco should limit their
cer diagnosis, the relatively low five-year sur- consumption to no more than two drinks per
vival rates for the disease underscore the util- day for men and one for women, as researchers
ity of preventive measures all people can take believe the link between alcohol and oral can-
to reduce their risk of developing the disease. cer is dose-dependent. That means oral cancer
Identifying risk factors for oral cancer, many of risk increases considerably when people drink
which are within individuals’ control, can be a heavily, and is less among people who drink in
great first step toward reducing the likelihood of moderation and avoid tobacco.
being diagnosed with the disease. Sun exposure: The URMC notes that ex-
Tobacco use: The Centers for Disease Con- tensive exposure to the sun increases the risk
trol and Prevention report that tobacco is one for lip cancer. When spending time in the sun,
of the two most common risk factors for can- don’t forget to protect your lips, ideally using a
cers of the oral cavity and pharynx. The Univer- lip balm with a minimum sun protection factor
sity of Rochester Medical Center notes that all (SPF) of 15 throughout the year.
forms of tobacco increase oral cancer risk. That HPV infection: The CDC notes that cancers
Risk Factors for Oral means certain tobacco products that some peo- in the back of the tongue and the upper throat,
ple consider safer than others are best avoided
also known as oropharyngeal cancers, may be
Cancer for anyone seeking to do all they can to reduce caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
their risk for oral cancer. Cigarettes, cigars, pipe HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease
No one is immune from cancer. Millions of tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff all increase and the CDC notes that researchers are uncer-
people from all walks of life and all age brackets oral cancer risk, which increases the younger a tain if the virus causes cancer or if it interacts
are diagnosed with cancer each year, but there is person is when they begin using tobacco. with other factors (such as tobacco or alcohol)
much people can do to reduce their risk of de- Alcohol consumption: The CDC indicates to increase cancer risk. Individuals are urged to
veloping the disease. alcohol consumption is the other of the two most speak with their physicians about HPV vaccina-
A 2020 study published in the International common risk factors for cancers of the oral cavi- tion.
Journal of Preventive Medicine noted that oral ty and pharynx. The Oral Cancer Foundation re- While there is no way to fully prevent oral
cancer constitutes 48 percent of head and neck ports that researchers now believe tobacco and cancer, certain lifestyle choices and preventive
cancer cases. Authors of the study note that de- alcohol synergistically interact, which means measures can help people reduce their risk for
spite new management strategies for oral can- each substance increases the other’s harmful the disease.