DID YOU KNOW 80% of the US lives in the East Did you know that 80% of Americans live on the eastern side of the country? That leaves just 20% in the west, and most of them are concentrated in three states: California, Oregon, and Washington. So why is the eastern part of the country so much more populated? The answer lies in geography, particularly the impact of the Rocky Mountains. The Rocky Mountains form a massive range stretching from north to south across the country. These towering mountains create a "rain shadow" effect, blocking clouds from the Pacific Ocean and preventing them from bringing much-needed rain further inland. As a result, areas east of the Rockies receive less rainfall, making it difficult to grow crops and sustain large populations. In contrast, the eastern U.S. benefits from winds off the Gulf of Mexico, which bring plenty of rain. This creates fertile land that’s ideal for farming and supporting larger communities. While the west boasts stunning mountains and coastlines, the east offers the climate and resources that have allowed more people to settle and thrive there. |
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