United States
Official Name: United States of America (USA)
Location: North America
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Largest City: New York City
Geography:
- Third-largest country in the world by area (~9.8 million km²).
- Borders: Canada (north), Mexico (south), Atlantic Ocean (east), Pacific Ocean (west).
- States and territories: 50 states + federal district + territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam).
- Major geographic features: Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Mississippi River, Great Lakes, Grand Canyon.
Population:
- About 335 million (2025).
- Ethnically and culturally diverse; immigrant nation.
Languages:
- No official federal language.
- English (de facto national language).
- Spanish widely spoken; many other immigrant and indigenous languages.
Government:
- Federal constitutional republic and representative democracy.
- President: Head of state and head of government.
- Bicameral Congress: Senate + House of Representatives.
- Strong tradition of checks and balances, separation of powers.
Economy:
- Largest economy in the world (nominal GDP).
- Key sectors: technology, finance, healthcare, aerospace, entertainment, agriculture, energy.
- Global leader in innovation, higher education, and military power.
- Founding member of UN, NATO, G7, G20, WTO.
History:
- Indigenous peoples inhabited for thousands of years.
- Colonized by Europeans (17th–18th centuries).
- Declared independence from Britain on 4 July 1776.
- Constitution adopted in 1789.
- Expanded westward during the 19th century; Civil War (1861–1865) ended slavery.
- Became a global power after World War II; key player in Cold War.
- Today: influential in global politics, economy, culture, and technology.
Culture:
- Known for cultural diversity and global influence.
- Popular culture: Hollywood films, music, sports, fashion, technology.
- Major sports: American football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey.
- Cuisine influenced by immigrant traditions and regional specialties.
- National holidays: Independence Day (July 4), Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day.
Symbols:
National Motto: “In God We Trust.”
National Flag: Stars and Stripes (50 stars, 13 stripes).
National Anthem: “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
National Bird: Bald Eagle.
