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 Wisconsin than the US
The five countries that resemble Wisconsin much more than the United States overall are all located in Eastern Europe. Not only do these nations have a similar climate to Wisconsin, but but they also share many social, economic, and infrastructural traits.
- Lithuania and Wisconsin have robust manufacturing sectors. Both have a significant percentage of people with Polish ancestry as well.
- Latvia borders Lithuania and it is similar to Wisconsin as well. They share a similar climate, with four distinct seasons and significant snowfall. Politically, their governments are not especially conservative or liberal. Furthermore, they each have a mix of Protestants and Catholics.
- Moldova has a continental climate, similar to Wisconsin. In addition, a high percentage of the people in Moldova and Wisconsin work in industry.
- Estonia is yet another Baltic country on this list. It has a lot of coastline, flat terrain, and an abundance of freshwater lakes, like Wisconsin. Estonia is still transitioning from its industrial past, similar to to Wisconsin’s.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina has many similarities with Wisconsin as well. Both have high levels of gun ownership. Their farmlands are similar as well. Both grow a lot of corn.
- Slovakia 7. Montenegro, 8. Serbia, 9. Ukraine,10. Sweden
Top 10 Countries Less Similar to Wisconsin than the US
Four of the top five countries with fewer traits in common with Wisconsin than the United States overall are located in Asia. These countries differ sharply from Wisconsin in climate, demographics, politics, and culture.
- China diverges significantly from Wisconsin via its vast landmass and megacities with high-speed rail—none of which parallel Wisconsin’s democratic institutions, diverse population, or midsize post-industrial cities.
- United Arab Emirates is a desert monarchy with a predominantly Muslim culture and oil-driven wealth. It is far different from Wisconsin’s democratic governance, mixed economy, and temperate, Great Lakes environment.
- Qatar is a wealthy nation in the Persian Gulf. Its desert climate and barren landscapes differ sharply from Wisconsin’s farmlands and forests. Furthermore, Qatar has far more immigrants than Wisconsin and is more urbanized.
- Chile is a Spanish-speaking country in South America. Chile’s economy leans more on mining and agriculture, and its infrastructure, though advanced for the region, trails behind Wisconsin’s industrial base.
- Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country in Southeast Asia with a tropical climate. Malaysia is also significantly more densely populated. Furthermore, it has more conservative laws.
- Myanmar, 7. Argentina, 8. Mexico, 9. Oman, 10. Taiwan
Full Ranking of Countries and Territories More Similar to Wisconsin than the US
All data accurate as of 2025.