States are more autonomous than provinces (although closer) or regions in many european countries. My in-laws live in France but we'd rarely talk about the Depa

States are more autonomous than provinces (although closer) or regions in many european countries. My in-laws live in France but we'd rarely talk about the Departement they live in, it's the city that's mentioned. Saying your state is imo closer to saying your European country instead of saying Europe. Additionally, culture and education being what they are, most adults in western countries have heard of all the states, moreso than some of their principal cities, so it's not that odd to mention it.