United States

The United States of America (U.S. or USA) is in the middle of North America, bordering Canada and Mexico. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territories, and nine minor outlying islands. It is the world’s third-largest country. It is a federalist democracy with a primarily two-party system.

Native Americans settled on the land about 12,000 years ago. Europeans began to colonize the land in the 16th century, primarily through British and French rule. Disputes with the United Kingdom led to the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), which established the nation’s independence. English is the de facto national language, as none is set by law. The population boasts more than 330 million residents.

The culture in the United States is very diverse, as it is home to many world cultures and a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and values. It is often described as a melting pot, with immigrants contributing to mainstream American culture. The land is vastly different from coast to coast, which also means so is food, art, architecture, cinema, music, and more. Popular sports include American football, baseball, and basketball.

One mainstay of American culture is the strong work ethic and the creed of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The main focus of the economy comes through technology, which has been a primary driver since the 19th century. Science is also part of the economic equation, as is healthcare, education, and import/export.