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 Illinois than the US
The countries that resemble Illinois far more than the United States overall are located in Europe. Furthermore, European countries tend to have stronger social safety nets and progressive policies, but also more taxes. This is similar to what Illinois voters often support.
- Belgium and Illinois have a relatively dense network of roads, railways, and industrial infrastructure. Both are highly urbanized as well. They also have relatively strong labor protections and a significant union history. As a result, their minimum wages are higher than average. Both rely primarily on nuclear power to create electricity.
- Germany is a hub of manufacturing and industry in Europe, while Illinois is one of the U.S.’s top manufacturing states. They also have a history of coal mining. In fact, a high percentage of people in Illinois have German ancestry. Furthermore, Germany is located in Central Europe, while Illinois is located in the middle of America.
- Netherlands borders both Belgium and Germany, so it is no surprise it is on this list. Marijuana, same sex marriage, and abortion are all legal in Illinois and the Netherlands. In addition, both are relatively flat and a high percentage of their land is used for farming. The Netherlands and Illinois both have a mix of Catholics, Protestants, and atheists.
- Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Illinois and Hungary have a relatively similar population density. Both serve as major transportation and logistics hubs. Their climates are strikingly similar as well. They are characterized by four distinct seasons with significant temperature variations between summer and winter.
- Moldova is another landlocked country in Europe. Both have terrains that tend to be quite flat. In addition, a high percentage of their land is farmed. They contrast sharply with the diverse geography of the entire United States, which includes mountain ranges, vast deserts, and extensive coastlines.
- Czech Republic, 7. Luxembourg, 8. United Kingdom, 9. Lithuania, 10. Ireland
Top 10 Countries Less Similar to Illinois than the US
The top 5 countries with less traits in common with Illinois than the United States overall are located tend to be predominately Muslim nations. As a result, these countries have more conservative governments and are also quite religious as well.
- Iran is a theocratic state governed by Islamic law, with few civil liberties. Its political structure, religious conservatism, and restrictions on women’s rights are nearly the opposite of what is found in Illinois. Furthermore, Iran is quite mountainous, in contrast to Illinois. Furthermore, it relies on gas power to create electricity.
- Yemen is located on the Arabian peninsula. It has a hot desert climate and is quite mountainous in contrast to Illinois. Its infrastructure is recovering from decades of conflict, while Illinois is one of the most developed states.
- Pakistan is yet another country that borders the Indian Ocean on this list. Overall, Pakistan differs significantly from Illinois in terms of climate, physical geography, governance, infrastructure, and social policy.
- Indonesia is a predominately Muslim country in Southeast Asia. Its lush tropical forests also contrast sharply with Illinois’ farmlands that have a temperate climate. Indonesia does not allow same sex marriage or the possession of marijuana.
- Egypt is a Middle Eastern country. Its education and healthcare systems are underfunded, and its urban planning and infrastructure differ significantly from Illinois. Its desert climate is another stark difference from Illinois’ farmlands.
- Iraq, 7. Syria, 8. Saudi Arabia, 9. Afghanistan, 10. Malaysia
Full Ranking of Countries and Territories More Similar to Illinois than the US
All data accurate as of 2025.