CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES Meaning and
Definition
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The Continental United States, commonly referred to as the "CONUS," is a geographical term used to describe the land area that encompasses the 48 contiguous states of the United States of America. This term excludes the non-contiguous states of Alaska and Hawaii, as well as various other overseas territories. It refers exclusively to the contiguous landmass that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast to the Pacific Ocean on the west coast, bordered by Canada in the north and Mexico in the south.
The term "continental" emphasizes that this area is part of the same continent, North America. It highlights the continuous connection of these states, with no physical barriers such as oceans separating them, and distinguishes them from the separate and distinct regions of Alaska and Hawaii. The Continental United States enjoys geographical continuity as it forms a single landmass connected across diverse regions, climates, and ecosystems.
This term is commonly used in conversations related to travel, demographics, economics, and military matters to specify or differentiate events, statistics, or data that apply exclusively to this contiguous land area. Notably, the term is used in contrast to the non-contiguous states and territories to avoid generalizations that may not be applicable to these specific regions.
