3. Istanbul, Not Constantinople
The geographical expanse between New York and San Francisco is a testament to the vastness of the United States, showcasing distances that outpace those between major cities in Europe. Specifically, the distance from New York to San Francisco spans approximately 2,900 miles (about 4,670 kilometers), cutting across various landscapes and time zones.

In contrast, the distance from Paris to Istanbul, though spanning across the European continent, measures around 1,400 miles (about 2,250 kilometers), significantly shorter in comparison. This stark difference highlights not just the physical vastness of the United States but also the diversity and scale of the American landscape.