According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Northeast Region includes the six states comprising New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts) and the three Middle Atlantic states (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). New England is famous for its rural beauty, coastal fishing and historical sites, while the Mid-Atlantic is known for its major cities, including New York City and Philadelphia, and for its industry.
The American South has 16 states (plus Washington, D.C.), divided into three subsections, the South Atlantic: Florida, Georgia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and D.C.; East South Central: Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama; and West South Central: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The Southern states' economies are historically agricultural, but manufacturing has been on the rise since the mid-1900s. Many residents are deeply connected to their heritage and identify strongly as Southerners.
The American Midwest includes 12 states divided into two subsections. Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin make up the East North Central area, and Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Missouri and Minnesota make up the West North Central area. The Midwest is known for its extensive, flat plains and rich soil, and its economy is heavily agricultural. Midwestern farmers grow wheat and corn and raise cows for meat and dairy.
There are 13 states in the American West. The Mountain region includes Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada, and the Pacific region includes Washington, Oregon and California, as well as the two non-contiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii. The West is known for its iconic natural landmarks, such as the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon; its major cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco; and its somewhat adventurous history, including the Gold Rush.