KYKentucky
Bluegrass State · Capital: Frankfort · South (Upland South)
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Bordering states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri.
4 fun facts about Kentucky
- The state produces 95% of the world's bourbon. By federal law, only bourbon made in the US can be called bourbon, and most comes from KY.
- The Kentucky Derby, held since 1875, is the oldest continuously held sporting event in the US.
- Fort Knox stores roughly $300 billion in gold bullion on behalf of the US government.
- Mammoth Cave National Park has the longest cave system in the world — over 420 miles mapped.
Frequently asked questions about Kentucky
Is Kentucky a US state?
Yes, Kentucky is one of the 50 US states. It was admitted to the Union in 1792, making it the 15th state. Its capital is Frankfort and its largest city is Louisville.
What is the capital of Kentucky?
The capital of Kentucky is Frankfort. Note that the largest city in Kentucky is Louisville, not the capital — a common point of confusion.
When did Kentucky become a state?
Kentucky became a US state in 1792. It is the 15th state admitted to the Union.
What is the abbreviation for Kentucky?
The 2-letter USPS abbreviation for Kentucky is KY.
How big is Kentucky?
Kentucky ranks #37 of 50 US states by area — a mid-sized US state.
What is the population of Kentucky?
Kentucky has a population of 1 to 5 million.
What region is Kentucky in?
Kentucky is in the South region of the United States, per the US Census Bureau.
What time zone is Kentucky in?
Kentucky observes Eastern Time (the state spans multiple time zones).
Learn more
→ How to learn the 50 states (full guide)