The United States of America is a federal republic in North America comprising 50 states, a federal district, and several territories. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and including Alaska and Hawaii, it is among the world’s largest and most influential nations, known for its economic, cultural, and political reach.
Key facts
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Population: ~343 million (2025 est.)
- Area: 9.83 million km² (3.8 million sq mi)
- Government: Federal constitutional republic
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Official language: None (English predominant)
Geography
The United States spans a vast and varied landscape that includes mountain ranges such as the Rockies and Appalachians, broad plains like the Great Plains, and extensive river systems including the Mississippi and Missouri. Its territory also encompasses arid deserts, temperate forests, and subarctic tundra in Alaska. Major lakes—the Great Lakes—form the world’s largest freshwater group by area, while Mount Denali in Alaska is North America’s highest peak.
History and Government
Founded with the Declaration of Independence (1776) and recognized by Britain in 1783, the United States grew from thirteen British colonies into a continental power through expansion, immigration, and industrialization. The Civil War (1861–1865) ended legal slavery and preserved the Union. The country’s Constitution (1789) established a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its democratic institutions have guided continuous governance since.
People and Society
The U.S. population is ethnically and culturally diverse, with communities tracing origins to every inhabited continent. English is the dominant language, and Spanish is widely spoken. Christianity is the largest faith, followed by other religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Urbanization exceeds 80%, with major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago serving as cultural and economic hubs.
Economy and Global Role
With the world’s largest economy, the United States is a leader in technology, finance, manufacturing, and agriculture. It holds a central role in global trade and diplomacy and is a founding member of institutions such as the United Nations, NATO, and the World Bank. Its cultural industries—film, music, and digital media—exert substantial international influence. The nation’s political model and innovation-driven economy continue to shape global trends.
