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Created page with "The U.S. is a country of 50 states covering a vast swath of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean. Major Atlantic Coast cities are New York, a global finance and culture center, and capital Washington, DC. Midwestern metropolis Chicago is known for influential architecture and on the west coast, Los Angeles' Hollywood is famed for filmmaking." |
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The U.S. is a country of 50 states | {{Short description|Federal republic in North America}} | ||
{{Infobox country | |||
| conventional_long_name = United States of America | |||
| common_name = United States | |||
| image_flag = Flag of the United States.svg | |||
| image_coat = Great Seal of the United States.svg | |||
| motto = ''In God We Trust'' | |||
| anthem = ''The Star-Spangled Banner'' | |||
| capital = Washington, D.C. | |||
| largest_city = New York City | |||
| official_languages = None at the federal level | |||
| demonym = American | |||
| government_type = Federal presidential constitutional republic | |||
| legislature = United States Congress | |||
| upper_house = Senate | |||
| lower_house = House of Representatives | |||
| area_km2 = 9,833,520 | |||
| population_estimate = 340,000,000+ | |||
| population_density_km2 = 35 | |||
| currency = United States dollar (US$) (USD) | |||
| time_zone = UTC−4 to UTC−12, UTC+10 and UTC+11 | |||
| calling_code = +1 | |||
| iso3166code = US | |||
| internet_tld = .us, .gov, .mil | |||
}} | |||
'''The United States of America''' ('''USA'''), commonly known as the '''United States''' ('''U.S.''') or simply '''America''', is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major territories, and numerous islands. The country shares land borders with Canada and Mexico and has maritime borders with several nations. | |||
The United States is the third-largest country by land area and one of the world's most populous nations, with more than 340 million inhabitants. Its capital is [[Washington, D.C.]], while [[New York City]] is its largest city and principal financial center. | |||
== History == | |||
=== Indigenous peoples === | |||
The territory of the present-day United States was inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Numerous civilizations and cultures developed across North America, including the Pueblo, Mississippian, and Iroquois peoples. | |||
=== European colonization === | |||
Beginning in the 16th century, European powers, including Spain, France, and Great Britain, established colonies in North America. By the 18th century, the British had established thirteen colonies along the Atlantic coast. | |||
=== Independence === | |||
Growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain led to the [[American Revolutionary War]]. On 4 July 1776, the [[Declaration of Independence]] proclaimed the colonies' separation from British rule. The United States achieved independence following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. | |||
=== Expansion and Civil War === | |||
During the 19th century, the country expanded westward and admitted new states into the Union. Disputes over slavery and states' rights resulted in the [[American Civil War]] (1861–1865), which ended with the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery. | |||
=== Emergence as a global power === | |||
In the 20th century, the United States played major roles in both World War I and World War II. Following World War II, it became one of the world's leading economic, political, and military powers and was a founding member of the [[United Nations]]. | |||
== Government and politics == | |||
The United States is a federal presidential constitutional republic. The federal government is divided into three branches: | |||
* Executive branch, headed by the president. | |||
* Legislative branch, consisting of the Congress. | |||
* Judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court. | |||
The country operates under the [[United States Constitution]], adopted in 1789, which is one of the world's oldest written constitutions still in force. | |||
== Geography == | |||
The United States has a highly diverse geography that includes mountains, plains, deserts, forests, and coastal regions. Major geographical features include the [[Rocky Mountains]], the [[Mississippi River]], and the [[Great Lakes]]. | |||
The country contains a wide range of climates, from arctic conditions in Alaska to tropical climates in Hawaii and southern Florida. | |||
== Economy == | |||
The United States has the world's largest nominal economy. It is a global leader in finance, technology, manufacturing, entertainment, and scientific research. Major industries include information technology, healthcare, aerospace, energy, agriculture, and financial services. | |||
The country is home to many of the world's largest corporations and financial institutions. | |||
== Demographics == | |||
The United States is a multicultural and ethnically diverse nation shaped by centuries of immigration. English is the most widely spoken language, though no official language exists at the federal level. | |||
The country has some of the world's largest metropolitan areas, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. | |||
== Culture == | |||
American culture has significantly influenced global music, film, literature, fashion, and technology. The United States is the birthplace of Hollywood and has made major contributions to science, innovation, and popular culture. | |||
Popular sports include American football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. | |||
== See also == | |||
* [[History of the United States]] | |||
* [[Politics of the United States]] | |||
* [[Economy of the United States]] | |||
* [[Geography of the United States]] | |||
* [[Culture of the United States]] | |||
[[Category:United States]] | |||
[[Category:Countries in North America]] | |||
[[Category:Federal republics]] | |||
[[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]] | |||
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]] | |||
Latest revision as of 10:58, 16 July 2026
The United States of America (USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S.) or simply America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major territories, and numerous islands. The country shares land borders with Canada and Mexico and has maritime borders with several nations.
The United States is the third-largest country by land area and one of the world's most populous nations, with more than 340 million inhabitants. Its capital is Washington, D.C., while New York City is its largest city and principal financial center.
History
Indigenous peoples
The territory of the present-day United States was inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Numerous civilizations and cultures developed across North America, including the Pueblo, Mississippian, and Iroquois peoples.
European colonization
Beginning in the 16th century, European powers, including Spain, France, and Great Britain, established colonies in North America. By the 18th century, the British had established thirteen colonies along the Atlantic coast.
Independence
Growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain led to the American Revolutionary War. On 4 July 1776, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed the colonies' separation from British rule. The United States achieved independence following the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Expansion and Civil War
During the 19th century, the country expanded westward and admitted new states into the Union. Disputes over slavery and states' rights resulted in the American Civil War (1861–1865), which ended with the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery.
Emergence as a global power
In the 20th century, the United States played major roles in both World War I and World War II. Following World War II, it became one of the world's leading economic, political, and military powers and was a founding member of the United Nations.
Government and politics
The United States is a federal presidential constitutional republic. The federal government is divided into three branches:
- Executive branch, headed by the president.
- Legislative branch, consisting of the Congress.
- Judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court.
The country operates under the United States Constitution, adopted in 1789, which is one of the world's oldest written constitutions still in force.
Geography
The United States has a highly diverse geography that includes mountains, plains, deserts, forests, and coastal regions. Major geographical features include the Rocky Mountains, the Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes.
The country contains a wide range of climates, from arctic conditions in Alaska to tropical climates in Hawaii and southern Florida.
Economy
The United States has the world's largest nominal economy. It is a global leader in finance, technology, manufacturing, entertainment, and scientific research. Major industries include information technology, healthcare, aerospace, energy, agriculture, and financial services.
The country is home to many of the world's largest corporations and financial institutions.
Demographics
The United States is a multicultural and ethnically diverse nation shaped by centuries of immigration. English is the most widely spoken language, though no official language exists at the federal level.
The country has some of the world's largest metropolitan areas, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.
Culture
American culture has significantly influenced global music, film, literature, fashion, and technology. The United States is the birthplace of Hollywood and has made major contributions to science, innovation, and popular culture.
Popular sports include American football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.