===INTRO:===
The United States, as the third largest country in the world in terms of area and population, boasts a complex system of regional governance with entities such as states, counties, and parishes. The exact number of counties in the U.S. often becomes a topic of discussion due to discrepancies in various sources. This article delves into this debate, differentiating U.S. counties from parishes, and exploring the variances in U.S. county count.
Revisiting the Basis: Differentiating the U.S. Counties and Parishes
When counting the total number of U.S. counties, it’s essential to understand what exactly constitutes a county. In the U.S., a county is a geographic subdivision of a state, having its own government. However, in Louisiana, this entity is referred to as a "parish" due to the state’s historical French influence. The governance structure and functional responsibilities of a parish are similar to a county, making the differentiation primarily semantic. Therefore, when enumerating U.S. counties, most sources include Louisiana’s 64 parishes in the count.
The next level of complexity arises when considering Alaska. This state has neither counties nor parishes, but is instead divided into 19 organized boroughs and one unorganized borough. The organized boroughs are equivalent to counties in terms of government structure, whereas the unorganized borough—comprising over half of the state’s area—is divided into 10 census areas for statistical purposes. Some argue that only the organized boroughs should be counted as counties, while others contend that all boroughs and census areas should be included.
The Controversy of Enumeration: Variances in U.S. County Count
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are 3,143 counties and equivalent entities in the United States. This figure includes the 64 parishes in Louisiana, the 19 organized boroughs and 10 census areas in Alaska, as well as various independent cities and other entities. However, the National Association of Counties (NACo) lists 3,069 U.S. counties, excluding the independent cities. This difference leads to a significant variance in the total county count.
Further adding to the controversy is the consideration of territories outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Census Bureau includes 100 county-equivalent entities in Puerto Rico in their count. However, these are often excluded from most general county counts due to their territorial status. Such discrepancies in the enumeration of U.S. counties have led to ongoing debates among scholars, researchers, and the general public.
===OUTRO:===
In conclusion, the exact count of U.S. counties remains contentious due to the varying definitions and inclusion criteria. While the U.S. Census Bureau provides an official figure, disagreements about the status of certain entities, such as independent cities and territorial units, contribute to the controversy. Ultimately, understanding the complexity and diversity of U.S. regional governance can help one navigate this debate and appreciate the unique formation of the United States. As the country continues to evolve, the debate over the exact count of counties is likely to continue.