The show deals with how the various states of the United States established their borders, but also delves into other aspects of U.S. history, including failed states, proposed new states, and the local culture and character of various U.S. states. It thus deals with the "shapes" of the states in a metaphorical sense as well as a literal sense. The show format follows Unger as he travels to various locations, and interviews local people, visits important historical and cultural sites, and provides commentary from behind the wheel of his car as he drives from location to location. Interspersed with these segments are brief historical synopses by notable U.S. historians.

How the States Got Their Shapes

United States

Albania

Algeria

Andorra

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Bermuda

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Chad

Chile

Colombia

Congo

Costa Rica

Cote D'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Estonia

Fiji

Finland

France

French Guiana

French Polynesia

Germany

Ghana

Gibraltar

Greece

Guatemala

Guyana

Holy See

Honduras

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iraq

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kenya

Kosovo

Kuwait

Latvia

Lebanon

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macedonia

Madagascar

Malawi

Malaysia

Mali

Malta

Mauritius

Mexico

Moldova

Monaco

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

Norway

Oman

Pakistan

Palestinian Territory

Panama

Papua New Guinea

tv/how-the-states-got-their-shapes-2010

How the States Got Their Shapes Reviews

Queue Score