A public service announcement from the rural parts of America:
Hello there, friend. I’m the country. Chances are, within the past week or three, you flew over or motored right through me. And that’s okay, of course – life’s hectic, and it’s a long way from here to there. But I miss you.
So, please, come and visit. Upon arrival, you can do whatever you want. Relax, discover yourself, commune with nature, spot a UFO, fire large caliber weapons… I won’t judge.
Getting here is an easy two-step process. First, figure out where everyone else is. Then, head in the other direction:
That’s me in black: every U.S. 2010 Census block with less than one resident per square mile. I freckle the East, define the West, and blanket icy Alaska almost in its entirety:
Perhaps grizzlies and tundra aren’t your thing? Bask in the warmth of my untrammeled Hawaiian shores:
Of the eight main islands, Lānaʻi is for lovers of peace and solitude. Unless you prefer to tiptoe through the UXO.
All in all, stateside, just under 155,000 people live in my 2,120,000 square miles: 0.05% of the total U.S. population spread across 60% of the land. In other words, when you visit, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch, pitch a tent, and build a campfire. Or bang on the bongos, strip naked, and prance around like an antelope. Whatever makes you happy.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
The Country