United States: a world power, but no one wants to live in the center of the country. Do you know why?

The mystery of the “empty” in the center of the country and the population’s preference for the Coast. Why do most Americans prefer to live on the coast and the middle of the US remains practically empty?

The United States, one of the most influential and diverse nations in the world, present an intriguing demographic phenomenon: the majority of its population is concentrated on the east and west coasts, while vast areas of the center of the country remain practically uninhabited. This distribution pattern is especially notable considering that the US is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of area, covering approximately 6% of the global land mass, according to the Incrível channel video. 

Inequality in population distribution in the United States

An analysis of population data reveals significant inequality in the distribution of US residents. Approximately 80% of the population lives east of an imaginary line that divides the country from north to south, meaning only one in five Americans resides west of that line. This disparity is evident in large metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, which are highly populated and attract a large portion of residents.

The center of the country, known as the “underpopulated belt,” covers a vast area twice the size of California. but represents only 1% of the total US population. This phenomenon raises the question: Why is the central United States so sparsely populated?

Historical and economic impacts

The unequal distribution of the population can be attributed to historical and economic factors. The early economic development of the United States was heavily influenced by westward expansion, but the concentration of infrastructure and economic opportunities along the east and west coasts established a pattern that persists to this day. Large financial and industrial centers located in these regions attracted people in search of job opportunities and a better quality of life.

The populated areas of the United States

Climate also plays a crucial role in the low population density of the central U.S.. The region is characterized by an arid and extreme climate, with scorching summers and harsh winters. The Rocky Mountains, located to the east of this vast region, contribute to the creation of an environment that is less favorable to agriculture, with sudden changes in temperature that make everyday life less comfortable.

The lack of natural resources and the difficulty in maintaining sustainable agriculture are also important factors. While coastal areas, such as California, face similar challenges with dry weather, advanced engineering, including an extensive network of irrigation canals and aqueducts, allowed about 40 million people to settle in California, making it the most populous state in the US.

In the future… will this change?

Although the current pattern of population distribution in the United States is result of a complex interaction between climatic factors, geographic and historical, it is possible that changes in the future could alter this dynamic. Technology and innovation in the field of climate engineering and construction could eventually make the country's central regions more livable and attractive.

In short, the concentration of the United States population on the coasts and the emptiness of the center of the country they are reflections of a series of interconnected factors. The interaction between the natural environment and human needs shaped the way Americans distributed themselves across the land, offering a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationship between humanity and the environment.