United States

File:Star Spangled Banner instrumental.ogg File:"The Star-Spangled Banner" - Choral with band accompaniment - United States Army Field Band.oga

Orthographic projection of the United States

Map of U.S. insular areas

Map of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone

The Declaration of Independence

Map of U.S. territorial acquisitions

The United States of America (USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territories, 326 Indian reservations, and some minor possessions. The capital is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York City.

History

Pre-Columbian Era

Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Americas were inhabited by indigenous peoples. The Mississippian culture was among the most advanced societies in North America.

Colonial Period

The first successful English settlement was Jamestown in 1607. The Thirteen Colonies were established along the East Coast, and they declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Independence and Expansion

The American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) led to independence. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788, and George Washington became the first president in 1789.

19th Century

The 19th century was marked by westward expansion, the Louisiana Purchase, and the American Civil War (1861�1865), which ended slavery.

20th Century

The U.S. emerged as a world power after World War I and World War II. The Cold War with the Soviet Union dominated the latter half of the century.

21st Century

The U.S. faced challenges such as the September 11 attacks in 2001 and the Great Recession in 2008. It remains a global leader in technology and culture.

Geography

The U.S. is the third-largest country by total area. It features diverse geography, including the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Mississippi River. The climate ranges from arctic in Alaska to tropical in Hawaii.

Demographics

The U.S. has a population of over 331 million people, making it the third most populous country. It is known for its cultural diversity and is home to numerous ethnic groups.

Government and Politics

The U.S. is a federal republic and a representative democracy. The government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The President is the head of state and government.

Economy

The U.S. has a mixed economy and is the world's largest economy by nominal GDP. It is a leader in technology, finance, and consumer goods.

Culture

American culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on individualism and innovation. It has a significant influence on global culture, particularly in music, film, and technology.

Gallery

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  Mesa Verde National Park

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  Map of New France

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  Map of Civil War divisions

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  Trinity nuclear test

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  Reagan and Gorbachev signing the INF Treaty

• Explosion following the plane impact into the South Tower (WTC 2) - B6019~11.jpg

  September 11 attacks

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  Relief map of the United States

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  The Grand Canyon

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  Bald eagle in Alaska

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  The U.S. Capitol

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  The White House

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  The U.S. Supreme Court Building

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  State legislature and governor control

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  The Pentagon

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  FBI Headquarters

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  U.S. one dollar bill

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  Apple Park

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  Wall Street

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  Buzz Aldrin salutes the U.S. flag on the Moon

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  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

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  Interstate highways

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  Languages spoken in the U.S.

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  U.S.-Mexico border

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  Texas Medical Center

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  University of Virginia

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  Statue of Liberty

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  Mark Twain

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  Comcast Center

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  Broadway theaters

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  "American Gothic" by Grant Wood

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  Country Music Hall of Fame

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  Carolina Herrera fashion show

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  Hollywood Sign

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  Thanksgiving dinner

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  NFL game

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  World Food and Agriculture Statistical Yearbook 2023

Related pages

• History of the United States
• Geography of the United States
• Economy of the United States
• Culture of the United States

References

• "United States". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 2023.
• "United States". CIA World Factbook. Retrieved October 2023.