United States

The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic made up of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C.. The 48 contiguous states share borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. Alaska is in the northwest, and Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean.

Paleo-Indians first came to North America from North Asia thousands of years ago. European discovery of the Americas began in 1492, and British colonization started with the 1607 settlement of Virginia. The American Revolution led to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. After the American Civil War, slavery ended across the nation.

Today, the U.S. federal government is a representative democracy with a president. The United States Congress has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The U.S. has a strong economy and is known for its innovation and schools. It is an important part of the world, with the most powerful armed forces in the world.

Etymology

Further information: Names of the United States, Demonyms for the United States, United Colonies, and Naming of the Americas

The name "United States of America" was first used in a letter on January 2, 1776, by Stephen Moylan, who helped General George Washington. The name appeared in a newspaper in April 1776 and was used in the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.

"United States" and "U.S." are common short names for the country. The word "America" comes from explorer Amerigo Vespucci. He said the lands found by Christopher Columbus were a new continent, not part of Asia.

History

Main article: History of the United States

For a topical guide, see Outline of the history of the United States

The United States started with Indigenous peoples who came from Siberia long ago. Many different cultures grew across North America, each with their own ways of life.

Later, people from Europe, like Spain, France, and Britain, arrived. They set up colonies along the coast and deeper inland. These new settlers met the Native peoples in different ways — sometimes friendly, sometimes not.

As the colonies grew, problems with Britain about rights and rules appeared. This led to the American Revolution, where the colonies fought and won their freedom, creating the United States. Over time, the country grew, faced big challenges, and became the strong nation it is today, with many changes in society, technology, and the world.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the United States

The United States is one of the largest countries in the world. It has 48 connected states and the District of Columbia, plus Alaska and Hawaii, along with some small islands. The land changes a lot, from the flat Atlantic coast in the east to the tall Rocky Mountains in the west. Big rivers like the Mississippi River System run through the middle.

Because the United States is so big, it has many different weather patterns. Some places near the Gulf of Mexico can get big storms called hurricanes, and some parts of the middle can get twisting winds called tornadoes. The country also has deserts, forests, and mountains. This makes it a home for many plants and animals. Many national parks help keep these special places safe.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of the United States

The United States is a country made up of 50 states and a special area called Washington, D.C. It also has some islands and areas under its control. The country works under a presidential system, with a Constitution that is the most important law.

Federal government

Main article: Federal government of the United States

The federal government has three parts: legislative, executive, and judicial. All three are based in Washington, D.C. They work together through a system of checks and balances.

Legislature

The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature with two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, who serve for six years. The House has 435 members who are elected for two years. Congress makes laws, decides when to go to war, agrees to treaties, and watches over the president.

Executive

The president is the head of state, the leader of the military, and the main leader of the government. The president chooses leaders for different departments, but the Senate must agree. The president can refuse a law, give special orders, and forgive people for breaking laws. The president and vice president serve for four years, and the president can serve two terms.

Judiciary

The U.S. federal courts include the Supreme Court, courts of appeals, and district courts. Federal judges are chosen for life by the president with Senate approval. The Supreme Court explains what laws mean and can say a law is not allowed.

Subdivisions

Main articles: U.S. state, County (United States), Indian country, and Territories of the United States

Further information: List of states and territories of the United States, List of federally recognized tribes by state, and Federally recognized tribe

The United States shares power among the national, state, and tribal governments. It has five main areas outside the states: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each state has its own government, and states are split into counties and towns.

Political parties

Main article: Political parties in the United States

Further information: List of political parties in the United States and Political party strength in U.S. states

The United States has a two-party system, mainly with the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These parties have different ideas about how to run the country.

Foreign relations

Main articles: Foreign relations of the United States and Foreign policy of the United States

The United States has friendly ties with most countries. It is always a member of the United Nations Security Council and works with many global groups. The country has strong friends, especially with the United Kingdom, Canada, and some European countries.

Military

The president leads the United States Armed Forces, which include the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The military is one of the largest and most advanced in the world, with bases and people all over the world. It helps protect the country and supports peace around the world.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the United States

The United States has a big and strong economy. It has been the largest economy in the world since around 1890. In 2024, its economy was worth over $29 trillion. The U.S. is home to many of the world's biggest companies and leads in technology, manufacturing, and finance.

The country has high personal income and spending. But it also has challenges like inequality and poverty.

Science and technology

Main articles: Science and technology in the United States and Science policy of the United States

The United States has been a leader in science and technology for over 100 years. It was the first country to land humans on the Moon in 1969 with NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Today, the U.S. is a top nation for scientific research and innovation, especially in artificial intelligence, electronics, and space exploration.

Spaceflight

Main article: Space policy of the United States

The United States started its space program in the late 1950s with NASA. The agency achieved many milestones, including the first human Moon landing in 1969. Today, American companies also help with space travel and exploration.

Energy

Main article: Energy in the United States

Most of the United States' energy still comes from fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. The country is also a top producer of nuclear power and is working to use more of it in the future.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in the United States

The United States has a huge network of roads, with millions of miles of highways connecting cities and towns. Many people drive cars, but big cities also have public transport. The country has many airports and airlines, and some train services, mostly for goods.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the United States

The United States has a big and diverse population. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported about 331 million people, making it the third-most-populous country in the world. By 2025, the population had grown to around 342 million. Most Americans live in cities and the areas around them, called suburbs.

English is the most commonly spoken language in the United States, though many other languages are also spoken, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The country has people from many different backgrounds, with White Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans making up the largest groups. The United States also has a rich mix of religious beliefs, with Protestantism and Catholicism being the most common.

Culture and society

Main articles: Culture of the United States and Society of the United States

See also: Human rights in the United States

The United States has many different ethnic groups, traditions, and customs. The country values individualism, personal choice, work ethic, and being competitive. Americans also care about helping others and altruism.

American culture mixes Western traditions from European immigrants, influences from African traditions, and more recent ideas from Asia and Latin America. The country is known for protecting free speech and press under the First Amendment. The United States supports equal rights for all people. The American Dream—the idea that anyone can succeed through hard work—helps attract immigrants.

The United States has big influence around the world through its diplomacy, economy, military, and cultural exports like movies, music, video games, sports, and food. This global influence is often called Americanization.

Literature

Main article: American literature

See also: American philosophy

American writing has strong roots in ideas from early leaders like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson. Important times for American writing include the American Revolutionary era, the 19th century with authors like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the 20th century with movements like modernism and the Harlem Renaissance. Twelve American writers have won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Mass media

Main article: Mass media in the United States

See also: Newspapers in the United States, Television in the United States, Broadcasting in the United States, Public broadcasting in the United States, Internet in the United States, Radio in the United States, and Video games in the United States

Media in the United States is mostly uncensored, with strong protections from the First Amendment. Major broadcasters include NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox. Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) offers educational shows. The United States has big newspapers like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. American companies lead the internet, with Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram used around the world. The U.S. is the world’s second-largest video game market.

Theater

Main article: Theater in the United States

The United States has a rich theater history influenced by British styles. By the 19th century, America created its own styles. Today, Broadway in New York City is the center of American theater, with many shows. Regional theaters across the country also do well. The Tony Awards honor the best Broadway shows.

Visual arts

Main articles: Visual art of the United States and Architecture of the United States

Early American art grew from crafts, different from European styles. The Hudson River School led to modern art like abstract expressionism and pop art. Famous American artists include Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. American architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry are known worldwide.

Music

Main article: Music of the United States

American folk music comes from British, European, and African traditions. Instruments like the banjo and electric guitar helped shape popular music. Genres like jazz, country, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, punk, and hip hop began in the United States. American artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Taylor Swift are famous around the world. The U.S. has the largest music market.

Fashion

Main article: Fashion in the United States

The United States has the world’s largest apparel market. American fashion is relaxed and informal, with sneakers, jeans, T-shirts, and baseball caps as popular styles. New York, with its Fashion Week, is one of the global fashion capitals. Famous American designers include Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of the United States

The U.S. film industry has big influence around the world, centered in Hollywood. The major studios make many successful movies. The Academy Awards (Oscars) and Golden Globe Awards celebrate film achievements. The industry had a “Golden Age” from the early sound period to the early 1960s, followed by new styles in the 1970s and streaming in modern times.

Cuisine

Main article: American cuisine

American food combines foods from Native Americans, such as turkey and corn, with foods brought by immigrants. Popular dishes include apple pie, fried chicken, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream. Mexican, Chinese, and Italian foods are also common. The United States has many top-rated restaurants, with many in New York City. The fast-food industry grew with car culture, with chains like McDonald’s and Burger King found worldwide.

Sports

Popular sports in the U.S. include American football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and ice hockey. The National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), and National Hockey League (NHL) are the top leagues. American football is the most popular sport, with the NFL being the most valuable league globally. Baseball is often called America’s national sport. College sports, especially football and basketball, draw big crowds. The United States has hosted eight Olympic Games and will host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. American athletes have won the most Olympic medals of any country.