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 Massachusetts than the US
Most of the countries that resemble Massachusetts more than the United States overall are located in Northern Europe. Not only does Northern Europe have a similar climate to Massachusetts, but it also shares many political and infrastructural characteristics.
- Belgium and Massachusetts are both small and densely populated. Furthermore, their climates are extremely similar. They also lean left on social issues, favoring subsidized healthcare, environmental regulation, and LGBTQ+ rights. Belgium is one of the wealthiest nations in Europe and Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest states.
- Luxembourg borders Belgium. It mirrors Massachusetts in its economic prosperity and emphasis on education. Both places thrive on finance, technology, and professional services rather than heavy industry. They also have large populations of highly educated residents and attract many skilled immigrants.
- Czechia and Massachusetts have transitioned from older manufacturing roots toward high-value industries and technology. Both have a high percentage of atheists. Ice hockey is a popular sport in both Czechia and Massachusetts. Their terrain is similar because both have many rolling hills. However, Czechia has more farmland.
- Netherlands and Massachusetts have a lot of coastline that borders the Atlantic Ocean. Both the Dutch and the Puritans of Massachusetts were heavily shaped by Calvinist traditions. They also rank highly in education as well. Both have a mix of Catholics and Protestants, but also many non-believers. They also have legalized marijuana.
- Slovenia is the only country in the top 5 that borders the Mediterranean. Massachusetts and Slovenia are both mountainous and have a lot of forested land. In addition, their farms tend to grow corn. Both places have well-developed infrastructure and feature high standards of living. They are home to many winter Olympians as well.
- France, 7. Lithuania, 8. Ireland, 9. Hungary, 10. Latvia
Top 10 Countries Less Similar to Massachusetts than the US
The top 5 countries with less traits in common with Massachusetts than the United States overall are all predominately Muslim nations. As a result, these countries have more conservative governments and are also quite religious as well.
- Pakistan is heavily influenced by Islamic traditions, with a much younger population than Massachusetts and different cultural norms. Economically and technologically, Pakistan is less developed in comparison to Massachusetts. Its climate is also significantly drier.
- Iraq has a hot desert climate, frequent political instability, and low gender equality. Its infrastructure and education system are recovering from decades of conflict. It is also deeply religious nation. These characteristics are all very different from Massachusetts.
- Yemen also has very little in common with Massachusetts. Its extremely hot and arid climate. Yemen’s conservative, highly religious culture contrasts strongly with the secular, diverse society in Massachusetts. Its infrastructure is also far less developed.
- Turkey borders Iraq. Its climate is warmer than the climate in Massachusetts. It also has a lower percentage of forested land. In contrast to Massachusetts, gender equality, press freedom, and civil liberties have declined in recent years.
- Iran is a theocratic state governed by Islamic law, with few civil liberties. Its political conservatism, and restrictions on women’s rights are nearly the opposite of liberal Massachusetts. Iran’s economy is largely based on oil exports, unlike Massachusetts.
- Zimbabwe, 7. Egypt, 8. Eswatini, 9. Indonesia, 10. Somalia
Full Ranking of Countries and Territories More Similar to Massachusetts than the US
All data accurate as of 2025.