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 Oregon than the US
The four of the five countries that resemble Oregon much more than the United States overall are all located in Europe. They tend to have relatively cool climates and get a decent amount of rainfall as well. Furthermore, their governments have liberal laws.
- Iceland and Oregon both have rugged natural beauty, with many mountains and beautiful coastline. Both prioritize renewable energy and sustainability. Politically, Iceland is socially progressive and has a strong welfare state, aligning with Oregon’s liberal leanings. However, they also have high rates of gun ownership.
- Latvia’s forests, coastline, and cool climate echo Oregon’s natural environment. Both places have a tradition of valuing nature and outdoor activities. They both are mostly Protestant but have many Catholics as well. However, they are not particularly religious. They are also reliant on natural gas and hydropower for electricity.
- Lithuania is another Baltic country on this list. Both places have a mix of vibrant cities and rural landscapes. They have a similar percentage of forests, farmland, and pastures. Their people tend to be well educated and have many college graduates. Both get a lot of their energy from renewable sources.
- United Kingdom and Oregon have temperate climates and get a lot of rainfall. Oregon’s political culture is similar to Britain’s social liberalism. They allow same sex marriage and do not allow smoking in public places. Both are known for vibrant urban centers alongside pastoral countryside. They also have high minimum wages.
- New Zealand is known for dramatic scenery and a strong outdoor lifestyle like Oregon. Their progressive politics emphasize environmental protection and social equity. Each has a mix of rural farming regions and liberal urban hubs. The countries also share a frontier spirit, valuing independence and innovation.
- Luxembourg, 7. Ireland, 8. Slovenia, 9. Sweden 10. Germany
Top 10 Countries Less Similar to Oregon than the US
Four of the five countries with much fewer traits in common with Oregon than the United States overall are predominately Muslim countries. As a result, their governments have more conservative laws.
- United Arab Emirates is located in the Middle East. It is mostly barren desert but is densely populated, in contrast to Oregon. Its Muslim-majority culture is very different from Oregon’s secular, progressive society. The UAE’s rapid urbanization and luxury-driven culture also clash with Oregon’s modest, environmentally focused ethos.
- Qatar is another wealthy nation in the Persian Gulf built on oil and gas exports. Its desert climate and arid landscapes differ sharply from Oregon’s forests and coastline. Socially, Qatar’s conservative traditions contrast with Oregon’s liberal values.
- Turkey blends European and Middle Eastern influences, but its culture and governance differ from Oregon’s. It is more authoritarian and religiously conservative. Culturally, Oregon’s openness contrasts with Turkey’s traditional social structures.
- Egypt is predominantly Muslim. Its desert geography contrasts Oregon’s green, forested lands. Culturally, Egypt’s traditions and norms differ greatly from Oregon’s culture. Egypt struggles with development issues while Oregon thrives in technology and services.
- Equatorial Guinea‘s tropical climate and authoritarian government contrast sharply with Oregon’s. The country is far less democratic and lacks Oregon’s progressive laws. Its equatorial environment is the opposite of Oregon’s temperate forests as well.
- Malaysia, 7. Panama, 8. Bahrain, 9. Kuwait, 10. Syria
Full Ranking of Countries and Territories More Similar to Oregon than the US
All data accurate as of 2025.