Dialing long distance? You might be surprised to learn that “1 302” isn’t actually a country code at all. It’s a North American Area Code (NANP) specifically assigned to the state of Delaware in the United States.
Here’s the breakdown:
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Country Codes
- These three-digit prefixes designate specific countries. For instance, the US has code 1, Canada has 1, and Mexico uses 52.
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Area Codes
- Following the country code (when dialing internationally), a specific region within a country is identified by its area code. In the case of “1 302,” the “1” signifies the United States, and “302” pinpoints Delaware.
Delaware’s unique situation is that it remains one of the few states requiring only a single area code. Since 1947, “302” has faithfully served the entire state, connecting residents and businesses across its 2,489 square miles.
So, next time you encounter “1 302,” remember it’s not a faraway land calling, but a friendly connection to the folks in Delaware!