When people ask for the Massachusetts state number, they are usually looking for a specific numeric identifier used for official purposes. This code is part of a standardized system that helps governments and businesses manage data efficiently across different platforms. Understanding this number clarifies how information is sorted and retrieved for the state.
Official Identification Standards
The primary number assigned to Massachusetts comes from international coding systems. These systems are maintained to ensure consistency in data reporting and financial transactions. The code is typically three digits and is recognized globally.
FIPS Code
The Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) provide numeric codes for all states in the United States. This system is widely used by government agencies for data processing and statistical analysis. The FIPS code for this specific state is a key identifier in many federal databases.
ISO Alpha-3 Code
Another standard is the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 format, which uses three letters to represent regions. While this specific format is alphabetical, it is part of the same family of identification standards. Numeric versions of these codes are also generated for sorting purposes.
Practical Applications
These identifiers are not just theoretical; they have real-world applications. For instance, shipping companies use these codes to sort mail and packages destined for specific locations. Financial institutions may also use them to clear checks and process transactions.
Common Misconceptions
It is easy to confuse the state number with other numerical data, such as area codes or ZIP codes. Area codes relate to telephone routing, while ZIP codes identify specific delivery routes. The state number is a broader classification that applies to the entire jurisdiction.
Summary of Key Data
To answer the question directly, the numeric identifier for this region is 25 in the FIPS system. This number is utilized by software and hardware systems to ensure accurate data handling. Knowing this figure is essential for anyone working with geographic information systems or administrative databases.
