Which U.S. States Border the Most States? Check the Full List and Geography

Jul 6, 2025, 05:49 EDT

Find out which two US states share borders with the most other states! These geographically unique locations serve as vital hubs for transportation, trade, and cultural exchange. Discover how their central positions impact interstate commerce and enrich their cultural diversity, making them significant historical, economic, and strategic intersections within the United States.

Which U.S. States Border the Most States?
Which U.S. States Border the Most States?

When it comes to American geography, most people can easily indicate states such as California for their beaches or Texas for their large size. But a low-minded fact is that the American state exposes curiosity: What are the boundaries of most other states? Surprisingly, there is not just one, but two states that hold this unique title - Missouri and Tennessee. Each of them shared its borders with eight neighboring states, making them the most geographically connected in the United States. It makes Missouri and Tennessee important in many ways, especially in the context of transportation, trade, and cultural exchange. Being surrounded by many states allows for easy interstate commerce and dynamics. These states often serve as the major transit routes for highways, railways, and rivers, with especially adverse Missouri by both the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Beyond logistics, their geographical location contributes to a rich mixture of cultural effects. 

Check Out: Which U.S. State Was Once A Country? Check Its History and Annexation to the U.S.

The U.S. States Which Border the Most States

In the United States, Missouri and Tennessee shared the highest number of other states - the unique differences of the boundary of eight each. This makes them the most geographically connected state in the country. Missouri Borders said like Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, and Arkansas, while Tennessee touches states including Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, and Mississippi. Their central places make them important centers for transport, trade, and cultural exchange. Missouri is located at the midwest and the intersection of the south, while Tennessee is spread over many southern regions. This condition not only promotes interstate  but also enriches their cultural diversity, which is shaped by neighboring effects. His role as the intersection of America affects his historical, economic, and strategic importance in the US.

List of States Bordered by Missouri and Tennessee

S.No.MissouriTennessee
1 Iowa Kentucky
2 Nebraska Virginia
3 Kansas North Carolina
4 Oklahoma Georgia
5 Arkansas Alabama
6 Tennessee Mississippi
7 Kentucky Arkansas
8 Illinois Missouri

Missouri: The Heart of the Midwest 

missouri

Missouri is often called "Midwest's Heart" due to its central place and deep historical significance in the United States. It reflects the boundaries of eight states, including Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, and Tennessee, which makes it an important intersection for transport and commerce. Major rivers such as the Mississippi and Missouri flow through it, historically supporting trade and migration. Missouri played an important role in the west side, serving as the early point of the Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail. Cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City are cultural and economic centers, known for Jazz, Barbecue and Industry. The diverse geography and central location of Missouri have shaped it into a unique mix of Southern attraction and midwestern values.

Missouri lies in the central part of the U.S. and serves as a bridge between the Midwest and the South. It borders:

  1. Iowa

  2. Nebraska

  3. Kansas

  4. Oklahoma

  5. Arkansas

  6. Tennessee

  7. Kentucky

  8. Illinois

 

Tennessee: The Southern Crossroad

tene

Tennessee is known as a southern intersection from eight surrounding states, including Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, and Mississippi. Its long, narrow shape extends from the Appalachian Mountains to the east to the Mississippi River in the west, allowing it to span many cultural and geographical regions. This situation has made Tennessee a major center for transportation, music and commerce. Cities like Nashville and Memphis have played an effective role in American music, especially country, blues, and rock 'N' roll. Historically, Tennessee was a major state during the civil war and remains central for southern identity. Its diverse landscape and rich heritage make it a true intersection of Southern culture and American history.

Tennessee, located in the southeastern U.S., also touches eight states:

  1. Kentucky

  2. Virginia

  3. North Carolina

  4. Georgia

  5. Alabama

  6. Mississippi

  7. Arkansas

  8. Missouri

Conclusion

Missouri and Tennessee stand out as only two states on the American maps, the boundary of eight other states, which are most geographically connected to them in the country. Their central locations not only promote interstate travel and trade, but also highlight them to a wide range of cultural and regional impacts. Missouri combines midwests along the south, while Tennessee bridges the Apalachian region with deep south. This strategic situation has played an important role in shaping his economic development, historical importance and diverse identities. Whether it is for commerce, culture, or connectivity, both these states continue to work as an important intersection in the US. Their geographical significance highlights how the place can affect the character and national relevance of a state.


Ayukta Zisha
Ayukta Zisha

Content Writer

    Ayukta Zisha is a Content Writer and Published Author with a Master’s degree in English Literature. She also holds a certification in Digital Marketing from IIT Delhi. Deeply passionate about art, aesthetics, and literature, Ayukta brings a unique creative flair to her writing. A dedicated bibliophile, she continues to explore and share her love for words through engaging and insightful content. You can reach out to her at ayukta.zisha@jagrannewmedia.com

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