| United States | |
|---|---|
 |
|
.svg) |
|
| Capital | Washington, D.C. |
| Largest city | New York City |
| Official language(s) | None at federal level (English widely used) |
| Government | Federal presidential constitutional republic |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Vice President | JD Vance |
| Area | 9,834,000 km² |
| Population | 331,000,000 (2025) |
| Currency | United States dollar |
| Time zone | UTC−5 to UTC+10 (mainland and territories) |
| Drives on | right |
| Calling code | +1 |
| Internet TLD | .us |
| Motto | ""In God We Trust"" |
| Anthem | ""The Star-Spangled Banner"" |
The United States of America (USA), commonly known as the United States, is a federal constitutional republic located primarily in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district (Washington, D.C.), five major territories, and several minor islands. The United States is the third-largest country in the world by both land area and population and plays a major role in global economics, military power, culture, science, and international diplomacy.
The country operates under a constitution adopted in 1789, making it the oldest written national constitution still in use. The United States is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential nations, shaping global political systems, economic trends, and cultural movements.
History
Indigenous Peoples and Early Settlement
Before European contact, the land that is now the United States was inhabited by diverse Indigenous peoples with complex societies, trade networks, and governance structures. These civilizations adapted to a wide range of environments, from deserts and plains to forests and coastal regions.
Colonial Era and Independence
European colonization began in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, with Britain establishing thirteen colonies along the Atlantic coast. Growing tensions over taxation, representation, and governance led to the American Revolution. On July 4, 1776, the colonies declared independence from British rule with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Constitution and Nation-Building
Following independence, the United States adopted the Constitution in 1789, establishing a federal system of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The new framework balanced power between the federal government and individual states.
Civil War and Reconstruction
From 1861 to 1865, the United States fought a civil war primarily over slavery and states’ rights. The conflict resulted in the abolition of slavery and strengthened federal authority, reshaping the nation politically and socially.
Emergence as a Global Power
By the 20th century, the United States emerged as a leading industrial and military power. Following World War II, it became a central force in shaping the modern international order and played a significant role during the Cold War.
Geography
The United States features some of the most diverse geography in the world. The eastern region includes the Appalachian Mountains and Atlantic coastal plains, while the western region is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, deserts, and Pacific coastline.
Major geographic features include the Mississippi–Missouri River system, the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and vast forested regions. Alaska contains Arctic tundra and glaciers, while Hawaii consists of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The United States borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south and is bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Government and Politics
The United States operates under a federal system of government based on the Constitution. Power is divided among three branches:
- Executive Branch – led by the President
- Legislative Branch – Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives
- Judicial Branch – headed by the Supreme Court
The country uses a representative democratic system and is dominated by two major political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Individual states retain significant authority under the principle of federalism.
Economy
The United States has the largest national economy in the world. Its economy is driven by services, technology, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and global trade.
The country is a global leader in innovation, research and development, and entrepreneurship. Major economic centers include New York City, Silicon Valley, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Culture and Society
American culture is shaped by immigration, regional traditions, and global influences. The United States has no official federal language, though English is the most widely spoken. Spanish is the second most common language.
The country has had a major global impact on music, film, television, and sports. Popular cultural exports include Hollywood films, jazz, rock, hip-hop, and professional sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
International Role
The United States plays a leading role in international affairs and is a founding member of major global organizations including the United Nations and NATO. It maintains extensive diplomatic relationships and possesses one of the world’s largest and most advanced military forces.
The country is a major contributor to international aid, global security initiatives, and economic institutions.
National Symbols
National symbols of the United States include the flag, commonly known as the Stars and Stripes, the Great Seal, the bald eagle, and the Statue of Liberty. These symbols represent unity, freedom, and national identity.