Area code

The area code is a part of a telephone number normally occurring at the beginning that usually indicates a geographical area. Callers within the geographical area of a given area code, usually do not need to include this particular area code in the number dialled, thereby availing the caller short local telephone numbers.

In the United States, all area codes must have 3 digits. Most other countries have area codes that are shorter for heavily populated areas and longer for lightly populated areas. The United States is stuck with 3 digit area codes, because it was one of the first countries to have area codes and is so stuck with old technology.

Today not all area codes correspond to geographical area. some codes are for free calls, premium-rate calls or mobile phone calls.