Outline of the United States

United States (orthographic projection)

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US population map

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USATopographicalMap

USA-satellite

Map of USA with state names

US insular areas

Outline of the United States

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 self-governing territories, and various possessions. With over 331 million people, the U.S. is the third most populous country in the world. The capital is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York City.

Geography

The United States is the world's third- or fourth-largest country by total area, covering approximately 3.8 million square miles (9.8 million square kilometers). It features a wide variety of climate zones and topographies, from the Arctic conditions of Alaska to the tropical climates of Hawaii and Florida. Major geographic features include the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Mississippi River, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Lakes.

History

The history of the United States began with the arrival of Native Americans in North America around 15,000 years ago. European colonization began in the 16th century. The United States emerged from the thirteen British colonies established along the East Coast. Disputes between the colonies and Britain led to the American Revolution. On July 4, 1776, the colonies issued the Declaration of Independence. The American Civil War led to the end of legal slavery in the country.

Government and Politics

The United States is a federal republic and a representative democracy. It is founded on the principles of federalism and republicanism, with laws governed by the United States Constitution. The government is divided into three branches: the legislative, represented by the United States Congress; the executive, led by the President of the United States; and the judicial, headed by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Economy

The United States has a mixed economy, which is the world's largest by nominal GDP and second-largest by purchasing power parity. It is abundant in natural resources and has high productivity. The country is the world's largest importer and the second-largest exporter of goods. Major industries include technology, finance, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Culture

American culture is a Western culture, largely derived from the traditions of European immigrants with influences from many other sources, such as traditions brought by slaves from Africa. The United States is known for its popular culture in music, movies, and television. American cuisine is influenced by Europeans and Native Americans in its early history. Today, it has a wide variety of ethnic foods and culinary innovations.

Science and Technology

The United States has been a leader in scientific research and technological innovations since the late 19th century. The country was home to inventors such as Thomas Edison, and it has been the site of milestones such as the moon landing. Today, the U.S. continues to be a leader in areas such as information technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

Education

The United States has a decentralized education system based upon the United States Constitution, which reserves the power of education to the states. The education system is divided into public, private, and home schools. The United States has many competitive private and public institutions of higher education, as well as community colleges with open admission policies.

See also

• List of states and territories of the United States
• Demographics of the United States
• Foreign relations of the United States
• Military of the United States