5th Grade US Geography Questions Most Americans Still Can’t Answer

When it comes to trivia, certain facts are thought of as common knowledge. No matter the subject, there are fundamental facts we’re taught in school that we should know, especially regarding U.S. geography. We all know that the United States is comprised of 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, that Rhode Island is the smallest state, and that the country is bordered by Canada to the North and Mexico to the South. Or do we?

As a parent, if you've ever helped your school-age child with their geography homework, you might have realized they were learning facts you had forgotten. Take this U.S. geography quiz to see how you fare against the rest of the population.

This post was updated on May 6, 2025, to reflect some of the facts 5th graders are learning in geography.

What is the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. and the world by surface area?

Lake Superior covers approximately 31,700 square miles.

What is the only state in the U.S. that shares its border with only one other state?

The only state that Maine shares its border with is New Hampshire.

Why is the Great Salt Lake in Utah salty?

Utah's Great Salt Lake is salty because there are no outlets. Its tributaries deliver small amounts of salt, and once that water reaches the lake, it evaporates, leaving the salt behind.

Which river flows through more states than any other U.S. river, and how many states does it flow through?

The Mighty Mississippi flows through 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

What is the most densely populated state in the nation?

New Jersey covers 8,723 square miles and has a population of 9.6 million people. That makes it the most densely populated state in the nation, with 1,259 people per square mile.

What is the Mason-Dixon Line?

While many Americans simplify the purpose of the Mason-Dixon Line as separating the north from the south, its original purpose was to resolve a border dispute between the British colonies of Pennsylvania and Maryland. It is named after the land surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon and in pre-Civil War times, it was the line dividing slate states of the south and "free-soil" states of the north.

How long is the Appalachian Trail, and where does it start and end?

The Appalachian Trail is 2,190 miles. It stretches from Katahdin, Maine, to Springer Mountain, GA. FUN FACT: Tara Dower just beat the record for the fastest time in completing the thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. She did it in 40 days, 18 hours, and 6 minutes. The average hiker takes 5-7 months to complete the journey.

Where is the longest coastline in the United States?

Alaska holds the title of the longest U.S. coastline. It spans 6,640 miles along the Pacific Ocean.

What is the lowest point in the United States?

Death Valley is located at -279 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in the United States. It also receives the least amount of rain.

What is the highest point in the United States?

The highest point in the United States is Denali in Alaska, which measures 20,310 feet above sea level.

What are the smallest and the largest states?

Rhode Island measures 1,545 square miles while Alaska clocks in at 663,268 square miles.

What is the tidal mouth of a river called?

A body of water where a river or stream meets the ocean is known as an estuary. It's also known as the tidal mouth of a river.

What is the only Great Lake that is located entirely within the U.S.?

There are five Great Lakes, but Lake Michigan is the only one that completely falls within U.S. boundaries.