Countries More Similar to Arizona than the US

_{Have you ever wondered which U.S. states resemble countries more closely than others? The Country – US State Comparisons are designed to quantify just that — measuring how similar each U.S. state is to different countries around the world relative to the United States. This index provides a data-driven way to make those comparisons. It equally weights five major factors: demographics, culture, politics, technology, and geography. Over 1,000 different data points are used to generate the results.}

Top 10 Countries More Similar to Arizona than the US

Four of the five countries that resemble Arizona the most are Latin American nations. Over 30% of Arizona’s population is Hispanic or Latino. As a result, a higher percentage of its people are Catholic than the United States overall.

1. Bolivia is a landlocked, sparsely populated country in South America. Both Arizona and Bolivia have large indigenous populations as well. In addition, they were part of the Spanish colonial territory, before becoming independent. Arizona and parts of Bolivia share highland, arid, and semi-arid regions as well.
2. Guatemala is another place that borders Mexico. Both Guatemala and Arizona have relatively low taxes but also few rights for workers. Furthermore, they have higher percentages of Latino and indigenous populations than the United States overall. They also have a mix of Protestants and Catholics.
3. El Salvador is very similar to Guatemala. Like Arizona, a relatively large percentage of its population is in prison. Both have permissive firearm laws as well. In addition, they are known for populist political movements that are focused on security. El Salvador and Arizona are also quite urbanized as well.
4. Honduras borders both El Salvador and Guatemala, so it is not surprising it is on this list as well. Both feature large Spanish-speaking populations. They also have rugged terrain. Both are growing their population at relatively fast rates as well. In addition, Arizona’s governor and the president of Honduras are both female.
5. Niger is a landlocked, sparsely populated African nation. More than 80% of Niger’s land area is covered by desert, so its terrain is similar to Arizona. In addition, Arizona and Niger’s laws tend to be more conservative. Both have laws that prohibit same sex marriage. They also do not allow prisoners to vote after their conviction.
6. Paraguay 7. Nicaragua, 8. Mali, 9. Peru, 10. Central African Republic

Top 10 Countries Less Similar to Arizona than the US

The top 5 countries with less traits in common with Arizona than the United States overall are located tend to more developed and have colder climates. In addition, these countries have more liberal governments and are also quite wealthy as well.

1. Denmark is a peninsula with a relatively flat terrain, so its landscape is far different from Arizona’s. Arizona is much more religious, gun-friendly, and individualistic, while Denmark emphasizes equality, secularism, and collectivism. Furthermore, it has much higher taxes and more liberal laws than Arizona.
2. Canada‘s climate is much colder than Arizona’s. It also has a more centralized and generous social safety net, universal healthcare, and more gun restrictions. While parts of Canada are geographically close to the U.S., culturally and politically, it more closely resembles Northern Europe than the American Southwest.
3. New Zealand has a cool, temperate maritime climate with lush forests and farmlands, in contrast to Arizona’s arid deserts. It also has a parliamentary system, strong environmental policies, and liberal social values. It ranks high on global indexes of trust in quality of life. These traits that align more with progressive coastal states than Arizona.
4. Austria‘s geography is defined by the Alps, offering an extremely mountainous and temperate climate distinct from Arizona’s desert heat and terrain. Austria’s culture emphasizes social democracy and a strong welfare state, contrasting sharply with Arizona’s more individualistic political and economic norm.
5. Norway is another European country. In contrast to Arizona, it has a lot of coastline and a cold climate. Norway has a heavily regulated oil-based economy, and a strong emphasis on social welfare and gender equality. Its high taxes, secularism, and low crime rates contrast sharply with Arizona’s libertarian streak and socio-political divides.
6. Italy, 7. Sweden, 8. United Kingdom, 9. Germany, 10. Netherlands

Full Ranking of Countries and Territories More Similar to Arizona than the US

All data accurate as of 2025.