Why do people refer to the bulk of the US as the 'lower 48 states'? Is there an upper 48 states somewhere? Is Alaska really that important?

Just because there is a 'lower 48' doesn't mean there is an 'upper 48.'

The lower 48 are 'lower' than Alaska; that is where the term came from. It distinguishes the 48 contiguous states from the 50 states as a whole. Alaskans will also refer to anything other than Alaska as 'Outside.' Hawaiians usually refer the the 48 contiguous states as 'the Mainland.'

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Well the Lower 48 does not include Hawaii as well as Alaska.

It also know and 48 continental states.

Yes Alaska and Hawaii is that important or at least Hawaii

this term refers to the contiguous states that touch each other and Alaska is North of the lower 48 states, so Alaska and Hawaii do not contact the majority of the states.

yes, there is an Upper 48, but only very very special people are allowed in. not you.

Alaska really is that important.