| United States | |
|---|---|
 |
|
.svg) |
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| 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 | US dollar (USD) |
| 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 republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district, five major territories, and various minor possessions. It is located primarily in North America, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Overview
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Largest city: New York City
- Population: Over 331 million people (3rd most populous country)
- Land area: Approx. 9.8 million km² (3rd largest in the world)
- Government: Federal presidential constitutional republic
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Time zones: Ranges from UTC−5 to UTC+10, not including territories
History
The United States was founded in 1776 when 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain. Following the American Revolutionary War, the U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1789, establishing a framework for government still in use today.
Over time, the nation expanded westward, acquiring land through purchases, treaties, and conflict. The U.S. played key roles in World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, emerging as one of the world's most influential political, military, and economic powers.
Geography
- 50 States – From California to Maine, each state has its own government and identity
- Territories – Includes areas like Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa
- Regions – Often grouped into areas like the Northeastern States, Southern States, Midwestern States, and Western States
The U.S. has diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, plains, forests, lakes, and coastlines.
Government and Politics
- Three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial
- Led by the President, with two chambers of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
- Major political parties: Democratic and Republican
- The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land
Economy
The U.S. has the largest economy in the world, driven by a mix of services, manufacturing, finance, technology, and agriculture. Key industries include:
- Technology and innovation
- Military and aerospace
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- Energy and agriculture
Culture
U.S. culture is a blend of native traditions and global influences, known for:
- Music (jazz, hip-hop, country)
- Film and television (Hollywood)
- Sports (NFL, NBA, MLB)
- Higher education (home to many of the world’s top universities)
International Role
The U.S. is a founding member of organizations like the United Nations, NATO, and World Bank, and maintains hundreds of diplomatic missions around the world. Its military is among the most powerful globally.
Fun Facts
- The national bird is the bald eagle
- The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France
- The U.S. flag has 50 stars for each state and 13 stripes for the original colonies