This article was originally published on Travlerz
In school, we saw many, many maps of the USA. And those of us around long enough have even used some of them for traveling around the country - you know, before things like Google Maps existed. But the visualizations we've gathered here are unlike any of those. Each introduces us to a different side of the United States that we never learned about in school or even thought of during our last road trip. So grab your compass, and let's get down with these maps.
Which State Gets Forgotten the Most?
Some people have tremendous pride in where they grew up, lived, or currently reside. Oftentimes this pride is understandable and relatable to our own personal sense of state pride, especially when meeting someone who shares a similar geographical history with you. After all, there is nothing like seeing a fellow Floridian in your daily news cycle. However, what do you do when no one even knows where are you from? Who has even heard of Minnesota? We kid, we kid.
But seriously: if you were ever curious about which states are most and least remembered - now you have your answers.
The People's Internet History Made Public
We have all looked up some things on the internet that we would probably rather not have the rest of the world know about. This map shows each state's most embarrassing search, and let's just say that some of them are pretty bad. Like, come on, Montana, you people are really looking up Alex Jones? In addition, the people of Ohio really need to understand that Bath Salts are Florida's business and not theirs.
With all of that being said, we do support the Bronies and Furries communities hardcore. So the people of Utah and Wyoming should continue onwards as if nothing has been revealed.
Walmart Is Taking Over
This map shows the largest private employers in the United States of America. As of this map's creation, 1.5 million Americans are employed by Walmart, and the company is considered the largest private employer in 22 states. As the map seems to suggest, this company is nearly ready to reveal its insidious plans for world domination and the complete takeover of the United States of America. Soon we are going to be called the United States of Walmart.
The upcoming civil war will most likely be Walmart versus Disney, so be sure to be picking up your Mickey Mouse-themed weapons at your nearest Target as soon as possible.
These Foods Are Weirder Than We Ever Could've Imagined
This map of the 'Weirdest Food from Every State' shows some of the oddest foods that can be found in each state. The highly concerning part of this map of the USA is that most of it seem to consist of nonsense words or nonsensical pairings of random words that infer no logical meaning. Check it out and find the weirdest food that is from your own state, and then don't look it up.
In our humble opinion, some of these foods are both highly concerning and should be made illegal.
Individual States Compared to the UK
People inside the United States of America and even people outside the USA quickly forget how utterly massive the entire country is when compared to other parts of the world. For example, this map merely looks at individual states that are larger or the same size as the entire United Kingdom, and there are several. Really puts into perspective how ridiculous rent has gotten with all of the extra space we have in the USA.
Indeed it is insane that single states are larger than the entire United Kingdom. We guess size really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
Where Are All of the Couch Potatoes?
Becoming a couch potato takes great effort that is, oftentimes, underappreciated by the masses. First off, have you ever had to get up off the couch after just getting settled with your snacks and new binge-worthy TV series? It is nearly impossible, yet couch potatoes do it every day when they need to use the restroom or answer the doorbell. Besides that excellent point, it is a lifestyle that should not be knocked before one has tried it at least once for themselves. Find the best couch potato state closest to you here.
Don't be surprised if we see a sudden influx of people moving to Ohio or another one of these states. After all, it is nice to be around like-minded people.
Avoid Driving in These Places
America is a massive country with many different cultures and behaviors across its fifty states. One of those behaviors that differ drastically state-to-state is the behavior and attitudes that are present on the roads. For example, people in the state of Nevada must think that the rest of the country is filled with casually psychotic drivers. So, if you are looking for an enjoyable cross-country road trip, then be sure to check out this map before hitting the road.
Why is Wyoming the most dangerous state for driving? We thought that Wyoming was filled with farmland and the occasional national park, but apparently, they also have bad drivers.
The Most Popular Google Search About Each State
These autocomplete results for each state are wonderful and provide one of the simplest maps of the United States of America. If you ever need to explain the country to your foreign friends, then this might just be the one to get that ball rolling. If you want to avoid the cold, heat, or the poor, then this map makes it super simple to decide your future home state.
While most of these results make some sense based on common knowledge, there is one state whose results are sending up all types of red flags. Pennsylvania is apparently super haunted.
Where Were These Popular American Brands Born?
Nowadays, brands are global phenomena that have the ability to reach millions thanks to social media and advanced advertising. That means that even living in the United States, we can have access to brands from other countries. But we also have plenty of famous big names that were created on USA soil. And this map shows us exactly which state birthed each of the best-known brands that originated here.
Take a look at the map and see where your favorite big brand originated. It's really quite interesting to see it laid out this way.
Most-Googled Relationship Questions
This map of each state's most commonly asked relationship question really shows the state of today's modern dating. Between the "How to break up?" and "How to kiss?" questions, the country is starting to look like a middle school or high school dance. We are not sure what is making Oregon different with their question about having or starting an open relationship, but at least they are asking a unique question.
Also, a special shout-out to Florida, where the most-googled question is "I cheated on my girlfriend." We just realized that's not even a question. Oh, Florida.
Most Popular Languages Aside From English and Spanish
In High School, many of us had to suffer through Spanish 101 so that we could learn that the word for 'no' in Spanish is 'no.' However, did you know that there are many other spoken languages throughout the United States of America other than Spanish or English? Just take a look at this map, and maybe you will take on a second language that you will actually attempt to learn this time around.
Who knew that German was such a common language in the United States. Honestly, it sort of feels that being forced to only take Spanish classes was a massively missed opportunity.
Google Autocomplete Calls It Like It Is
This map of the top autocomplete results for the phrase "The United States is..." really just raises some philosophical questions. It would seem that the general consensus by this map's results is that America doesn't seem to be filled with many happy people. However, more intriguing is the people who are saying that the United States is "not real" or "a myth." Are these crazy people, or are they asking the real questions?
Our personal favorite is the Floridians out there who said that the United States is "crazy." Like, come on, Florida, we know what you are, but what are we?
You Guys Versus Y'all (and a Bit of Youse Guys)
Plurals are quite annoying in the English language since there are about a million different ways to refer to a group of people. Especially considering the fact that there are various and drastically different words that mean the exact same thing. The differences in which words are used often depend entirely on the region in which someone is from. For example, this map highlights the different places where "you guys" is used rather than "y'all."
The cut seems to be clean down the middle of the country. Oh, except for Pennslyvania, who uses "youse guys."
Wine Lovers Galore
If you are a wine lover or a wine hater, then this is the map for you. Perhaps you are looking to move to a state where you can spend your weekends at the finest wineries in the country, or you want to get as far away from those fanatical people as possible. Either way, look no further than this map. It would appear that California might just be the country's wine capital.
If you are one of the other types of people, then Mississippi must be nice this time of year. Well, all of the time since there are no wineries or wine lovers.
The Nation's Generations
The country of America is filled with a variety of generations, each with its own quirks and focuses. While there is a certain animosity between the generations with the constant bashing of millennials and the recent surge of the phrase "Ok, boomer," it is interesting to see how these generations have spread out across the fifty states. So if you are as curious as we are, then go take a look at this map.
All we can say is that we understand the growing divide between the generations as you move west across the nation. After all, we can only handle Gen Z's anxiety for so long.
Who Has the Most Major Sports Teams?
If you are a massive sports fan, then you might want to pay close attention to this map. This map of the USA counts the number of major sports teams that are owned by each state. Surprisingly, some states own several teams while others own none. Feels like some states have a monopoly on the sports industry. So, if you are a major sports fan, then you might just consider relocating to California, Texas, or Florida.
If you're from a state with no sports teams, then we can understand that you feel left out, but no worries. We're sure California won't miss one of their nineteen teams.
Aliens Are Really Obsessed With the Northeast
This map of UFO sightings in the United States of America really brings forth some intriguing questions. Are aliens really interested in these areas for their real estate potential, or are people living there just generally more interesting? Perhaps, this is good news for the people living outside the green zones because they will not have to deal with the impending alien invasion. Either way, what an intriguing phenomenon to overanalyze.
We've determined that the aliens are merely entertained by the antics of those states' residents and will be moving away from those areas.
Where All the Rich Gals at?
This map is great for any woman entrepreneur. If you are female or female-identifying and you've got the next brilliant idea that is going to rank in the billions, you should probably reference this map before deciding where you will be starting your company. The middle of the country seems quite filled with female billionaires, but we are seeing great potential for your idea in the deep south or North Dakota.
Considering women have had a harder time achieving their wealth when compared to their male counterparts, it is nice to see this massive success for our nation's women.
Most Searched "Should I...? " Question
This map is the most googled "Should I..." results for each state. What is most intriguing about this map is the groupings that seem to appear, such as the northwest region of the USA's question about voting. Also, the eastern half of the country seems to have an odd obsession with dieting, fasting, and losing weight. At the very least, it is cool to see the state of Nevada getting into the digital currency marketplace.
We guess that if you want to get into nutrition and dieting culture or if you are obsessed with Bitcoin, then you know where to go in your next move.
Where People From Outside the US Like to Settle
Being among a diverse and multi-cultural population has numerous benefits. Of course, there are many who would choose a more homogenous society, but all the cool kids prefer to be around different kinds of people and cultures. This map is perfect for finding out exactly where you will want to be going to get that more authentic Asian, Mexican, and other food options. If you're boring you can just move to... never mind.
Those looking for some delicious non-American food and some diversity in their lives will be living in California, New York, and New Jersey.
It Is Time to Get Your Dream Job
We all have that dream job and the hope that one day we will work in the career or field of our choice. Fortunately, there are some very high-paying and popular jobs out there in the country. Just take a look here at this map, where you can see the most disproportionately popular jobs in each of the fifty states. Maybe you want to become a fashion designer? In that case, New York is your destination.
Some of these popular jobs seem to make total sense for their state, and others seem to be extremely odd jobs in general. Like what do Roustabouts even do?
The Great Starbucks Versus Dunkin' War
Starbucks is probably one of the most American facets of the daily lifestyle of the American citizenry. Everyone has got to get their caramel, quad shot, triple dripped, mocha frappuccino with whip cream from somewhere. Now, if you were not aware, Starbucks has been waging its secret war on coffee brands for several decades, and this map shows how close they are to achieving victory. Sorry to the Dunkin' Donut and Caribou fans out there.
We wonder what area of life Starbucks will begin to invade after they have successfully rooted out all enemy coffee brands. Perhaps they will start their own digital currency afterward.
The USA Loves Some Holiday Movie Time
Each state will naturally have its own preferences regarding which holiday movie to watch with the family during the holidays. Fortunately, someone put this information together and labeled each state of the United States of America with their respective top holiday movie. Now we can find where our fellow Elf and Home Alone enthusiasts are residing and figure out who to invite over for our annual holiday movie session.
We see a plethora of states with those movies being their number one holiday movie picks. We respect and are with you 100%. Regarding everyone else, you're not invited!
United State's Light Pollution
Light pollution is a problem in the modern world. While it might not make a noticeable or drastic change in our day-to-day lives, there is a strong environmental impact that is happening. You might just see this impact if you are someone who enjoys seeing the stars in the night sky. Outside of that, this map is also intriguing for seeing where there is a large number of lights and, probably, nighttime activity.
While people are living it up on the eastern side of the United States and the West Coast, the rest of us in the midwest will be enjoying our stars.
The Loudest and Quietest Spots in the Continental US
If you've ever seen the movie, A Quiet Place, then you might be wondering where you could find the quietest part of the USA to ride out the impending apocalypse, or maybe you are looking to move out to a party city. Either way, this map is made for you. Most of this map makes sense, but who knew that the midwest was a dead zone? Guess all the cool kids live it up out East.
While the cool people are living it loud on the East Coast, the reclusive introverts will all be buying some cabins out in the middle of nowhere Utah.
A New Yorker Perspective
Those who live and work in New York seem to believe that the entire country begins and ends at their own borders. So it is no surprise to see that their version of the United States of America is not exactly factually accurate. Nevertheless, it is entertaining to see how they conceptualize their very own country. Hopefully, no one is offended that the New Yorkers basically erased half the states and created new ones.
We were unaware that Chicago was recently promoted to statehood and grew to encompass and erase several of its neighboring states. That intriguing observation is just the beginning of this goldmine.
Which State Hosted Your Favorite Show?
This map of the USA shows the top TV shows that are set in each individual state. If you were in need of fifty new TV show recommendations, then this is the map for you, or maybe you are a weirdo who prefers their TV shows set in specific locations. Either way, there are some darn good shows on this map. The Office from Pennsylvania is a prime example.
However, while some of these shows are recognizable, some of them are making us scratch our heads.
What Each State Loves for Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. See? Your parents were right! Okay, so this might not be factually true, but we stand by this statement. And if you are trying to decide where to find the best breakfast food, then this map might just be the answer you've been waiting for your entire life. If everyone isn't moving to Colorado for some breakfast burritos, then what is wrong with you?
If you don't feel that same way about breakfast burritos, then you are more than welcome to go join Texas, Florida, and Oregon in their obsession with desserts for breakfast.
Pop Versus Soda
The age-old battle that has been waged seemingly since the beginning of time is the debate between saying pop or soda when referring to soft drinks. What you were unaware of was the smaller battle around the usage of the word "coke" for soft drinks. This helpful map will show you where the battle is being waged and which side is winning; it is pop, by the way. We deem that any other term is unacceptable.
If you are starting to complain about how the correct term is actually soda or coke, please just stop. You are simply wrong, and we are obviously right, and that's it.
Each State's Favorite Salty Snack
It's no secret the United States of America could also be known as the United States of Snacks. We love our snacks in this country: chips, fruit snacks, crackers, you name it, we want to have it in our pantry. And now, we finally have a comprehensive map that shows which salty munch is most recommended by each state. And no, their local governments aren't receiving any money for these endorsements.
What should you do if you disagree with your state's salty snack of choice? Move.
Dogs Versus Cats
This map conveys the cat and dog populations throughout the entire United States of America. This imagery implies an intense population of dog lovers down south and cat lovers in the northern states. It does seem slightly odd how neatly these groupings are on this map. Perhaps this map is some of the first concrete evidence of a secret war that is taking place between cats and dogs. There is quite possibly a conspiracy afoot here.
While it would appear the cats are indeed winning, this is no reason to feel any sense of concern. We all just need to stay calm and start adopting some more puppies from our local shelters.
America: Spooky Edition
This map shows some of the scariest associations of each state. For someone who is not from the United States, this map can be slightly horrifying but also incredibly intriguing. For example, who knew that North Dakota was utterly terrified of Canada coming to invade them? We sure didn't. While North Dakota's concern might not be incredibly sensible, there are others here that we are totally sympathetic with, such as Maine's concern about Lobster People.
Others here are simply too real, like Florida's concern about Hurricanes. That one is no joke. Who else will be joining us in invading Canada before they take over North Dakota?
Tennis Shoes or Sneakers?
Once again, we return to the fact that the English language has many words for the exact same thing. Here we deal with the debate of 'tennis shoes versus sneakers.' For the sake of simplicity, we are just going to ignore Chicago and Cincinnati because they are super weird and are speaking nonsense. Except for the states that say "gym shoes," this map really makes it look good for the tennis players out there. They're the original influencers.
While tennis shoes are for sure winning the war against those people who refer to their shoes as sneakers, the battle will go on. Maybe we should follow Hawaii's example.
Each State's Music Style
Music is a diverse and varying art form that has a multitude of genres. Some are commonly loved throughout the USA, and others are highly contested and seemingly despised by the majority. For example, Country music. People either hate the stuff, or it is the only genre they are willing to even consider listening to at the clubs. If you are a fellow line dancer like us, then pay attention to this map.
To those who say that the Country music genre is tired, this map will tell you that isn't the case. We feel bad for those who haven't learned to appreciate it.
Who Doesn't Like Pumpkin Spice?
This map shows the most hated foods by each individual state. Some of these just make perfect sense because those food items are utter trash, and other states are seemingly trying to start fights with their choices. We are now preparing to go to war with several states over their choices. Colorado needs to prepare because their collective decision to make Flaming Hot Cheetos their most hated food is nothing more than fighting words. Utter insanity over there.
We are also going to need to change our trip's destination as we will no longer be going through Kentucky on our way to the last sensible state, West Virginia.
An Emoji Speaks a Thousand Words
In recent years emojis have become another functional language. It allows those who understand their multifaceted meanings to convey complex messages through a series of these icons. Therefore, it only makes sense that each state would have its own emoji to associate with itself outside of its state's flag. However, the longer we look at this map, the more we consider that some of these are offensive and others seem so true that it hurts a bit.
After analyzing this map, we are left with several questions. The most important one is probably the question we have regarding Idaho. Are there truly magical unicorns residing there?
Who Even Likes Strawberry?
There are some extremely popular flavors out there for ice cream, drinks, and more. More often than not, people will divide themselves into specific camps based on their chosen flavor. Therefore, it is no surprise to find a map that has already done that for us that divides the entire USA by the five most popular flavors. Before we show you the map, we have to ask: do people actually like Mint Chocolate Chip?
Since the number of Mint Chocolate Chip and Strawberry lovers in the USA seems to be extremely low, we are relieved that the entire country has not yet lost its mind.
The Best Pizza
Certain states take pride in their pizza and claim that they might even have the best pizza in the entire country. Other states could care less about pizza and have their own thing that they got going on. However, this map specifically shows some of the most popular pizza chains in the nation and how they are spread out throughout the country. This one is for all those Italian food lovers out there.
The pizza wars seem to be ongoing with plenty of room for vast expansion, so we are excited to see how this battle will wage on in the coming years.
Spelling Is Really, Really Hard
Everyone here knows that spelling is sometimes just nigh of impossible. Words filled with hidden, secret letters or sounds that don't exist but exist at the same time make spelling in the English language quite difficult. However, we had no clue that each state in the USA has its own specific word that is most often misspelled. Some of these words are understandable, and others make us wonder what's happening in that specific state.
The words "schedule" and "definitely" are certainly confusing words, so we sympathize with Kentucky and Tennessee, but seriously Alabama? You all cannot spell the word 'gray'? It is only four letters.
Favorite Childhood Horror Movies
Our childhood is filled with memories from our favorite movies and some of these specific scenes that have stuck with us for years. According to this map, each state's kids have their own favorite scary movie. Quite a few movies are covered in this map, from Scooby-Doo to Monster House. If you are feeling nostalgic for one of these movies, maybe you should be planning a trip to your favorite scary movie's state(s).
However, while everyone is allowed their own opinion, the simple fact is that Scooby-Doo is the greatest, so everyone's trip down memory lane has been limited to five states.