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 consisting of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C.. The 48 contiguous states border Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.

Paleo-Indians first migrated from North Asia to North America at least 15,000 years ago. European discovery of the Americas began in 1492, and British colonization followed 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 was abolished nationally.

Today, the U.S. federal government is a representative democracy with a president. The United States Congress includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The U.S. has a strong economy, the largest in the world since about 1890, and is known for its innovation and higher education. It plays an important role in global affairs, 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 dated January 2, 1776, by Stephen Moylan, an aide to General George Washington. The term appeared publicly for the first time in a newspaper in April 1776 and was later 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 the name of explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who suggested that the lands found by Christopher Columbus were not part of Asia but a new continent.

History

Main article: History of the United States

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

The United States began with Indigenous peoples who migrated from Siberia thousands of years ago. Over time, many different cultures developed across North America, each with their own ways of life.

Later, European explorers and settlers arrived, coming from countries like Spain, France, and Britain. They established colonies along the coast and deeper into the land. These settlers often interacted — sometimes peacefully, sometimes not — with the Native peoples already living there.

As the colonies grew, tensions rose with Britain over rights and governance. This led to the American Revolution, where the colonies fought for and won their independence, forming the United States. Through the years, the country expanded westward, faced big challenges like the Civil War, and grew into the powerful nation it is today, experiencing many changes in society, technology, and global relations.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the United States

The United States is the world's third-largest country by total area. It includes 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, Alaska, and Hawaii, along with several smaller islands. The landscape varies widely, from the Atlantic coastal plains in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. Major rivers like the Mississippi River System flow through the center of the country.

The United States has many different climates due to its size. Areas along the Gulf of Mexico can experience hurricanes, while parts of the central plains are known for tornadoes. The country also has deserts, forests, and mountains, making it home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Many national parks help protect these natural areas.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of the United States

The United States is a federal republic made up of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. It includes several territories and islands under its control. The country operates under a presidential system, with the Constitution serving as its supreme legal document.

Federal government

Main article: Federal government of the United States

The federal government has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, all based in Washington, D.C. These branches work together through a system of checks and balances.

Legislature

The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms. The House has 435 members elected from congressional districts for two-year terms. Congress makes laws, declares war, approves treaties, and oversees the executive branch.

Executive

The president serves as head of state, commander-in-chief of the military, and chief executive of the federal government. The president appoints Cabinet members and other officials, who must be approved by the Senate. The president can veto legislation, issue executive orders, and grant pardons. The president and vice president serve four-year terms, with the president eligible for one re-election.

Judiciary

The U.S. federal judiciary includes the Supreme Court, courts of appeals, and district courts. Federal judges are appointed for life by the president with Senate approval. The Supreme Court interprets laws and can overturn those it finds unconstitutional.

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 federal, state, and tribal governments. It includes five major territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each state has its own government, and states are divided into counties and municipalities.

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, primarily featuring the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These parties have different ideas and approaches to governing the country.

Foreign relations

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

The United States maintains diplomatic ties with most countries worldwide. It is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and participates in many international organizations. The country has strong alliances, particularly with the United Kingdom, Canada, and several European nations.

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 personnel stationed globally. It plays a key role in protecting national interests and supporting international peacekeeping efforts.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the United States

The United States has a large and developed economy, being the world's biggest since around 1890. Its economy was worth over $29 trillion in 2024, making up more than a quarter of all the world's economic activity. The U.S. is home to many of the world's biggest companies and is a leader in areas like technology, manufacturing, and finance.

The country is also known for its high levels of personal income and consumption. However, it faces challenges such as inequality in wealth and income, and many people struggle with poverty and hunger. The U.S. provides less government support to its workers compared to many other developed nations.

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 a century. It was the first country to land humans on the Moon in 1969 with NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Today, the U.S. remains a top nation for scientific research and innovation, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, electronics, and space exploration.

Spaceflight

Main article: Space policy of the United States

The United States began 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 play a big role in 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. However, the country is also a top producer of nuclear power and is working to increase its use in the future.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in the United States

The United States has a vast network of roads, with millions of miles of highways connecting cities and towns. Many people drive cars, but there is also public transport in big cities. The country has many airports and airlines, and some train services, though most trains carry goods rather than passengers.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the United States

The United States has a large 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 their surrounding areas, 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 is home to 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 is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and customs. The country values individualism, personal autonomy, work ethic, and competitiveness. Americans also show strong support for charitable giving and altruism.

American culture is a blend of Western traditions from European immigrants, influences from African traditions, and more recent additions from Asia and Latin America. The country is known for its strong protections of free speech and press under the First Amendment. The United States is socially progressive with advanced LGBTQ rights. The American Dream—the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work—plays a key role in attracting immigrants.

The United States has significant influence worldwide 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 literature has deep roots in Enlightenment ideas and the writings of early leaders like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson. Key periods 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 broadly uncensored, with strong protections from the First Amendment. Major broadcasters include NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox. Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) provides non-commercial educational programming. The United States is home to major newspapers like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. American companies dominate the internet, with Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram leading global usage. 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 tradition influenced by British styles. By the 19th century, America developed unique forms like the Tom Shows and minstrel shows. Today, Broadway in New York City is the center of American theater, with Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway productions. Regional theaters across the country also thrive. The Tony Awards honor excellence in live Broadway theater.

Visual arts

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

Early American folk art grew from craftsmanship, distinct from European high art. The Hudson River School led to modern art movements 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 have gained worldwide recognition.

Music

Main article: Music of the United States

American folk music has roots in British, mainland European, and African traditions. Instruments like the banjo and electric guitar shaped popular music. Genres like jazz, country, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, punk, and hip hop originated in the United States. American artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Taylor Swift have become global stars. The U.S. has the world’s largest music market.

Fashion

Main article: Fashion in the United States

The United States has the world’s largest apparel market. American fashion is eclectic and informal, with sneakers, jeans, T-shirts, and baseball caps as iconic 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 a worldwide influence, centered in Hollywood. The major studios produce the most commercially successful movies globally. The Academy Awards (Oscars) and Golden Globe Awards honor film achievements. The industry experienced a “Golden Age” from the early sound period to the early 1960s, followed by the rise of New Hollywood in the 1970s and streaming platforms in the 21st century.

Cuisine

Main article: American cuisine

American cuisine combines foods introduced by Native Americans, such as turkey and corn, with foods brought by immigrants. Characteristic dishes include apple pie, fried chicken, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream. Mexican, Chinese, and Italian influences are also common. The United States has over 220 Michelin-star-rated restaurants, with many located in New York City. The fast-food industry developed alongside car culture, with chains like McDonald’s and Burger King operating worldwide.

Sports

Popular spectator 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 premier 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, attract large audiences. 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.