Missouri and Tennessee are tied for the top spot: each borders 8 other U.S. states.

Quick Scoop

  • Missouri borders: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois, giving it a total of 8 neighboring states.
  • Tennessee borders: Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri, also totaling 8 neighbors.
  • No other U.S. state borders more than 8 states, so Missouri and Tennessee share the title for most neighboring states.

States with most neighbors

State Number of bordering states Examples of neighbors
Missouri 8 Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas
Tennessee 8 Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi

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