Overview of America, U.S., USA

Profile

A superpower with enormous influence in science, technology, military, economy, and culture worldwide. Expanded from thirteen colony independence through westward movement and immigration, resulting in diverse ethnic and cultural coexistence. A center for IT, finance, and entertainment with abundant natural resources and agricultural production capacity. The land ranges from tropical to arctic with diverse natural attractions including the Great Lakes and massive national parks.

Official name: United States of America
Common name: America, U.S., USA
Numeric code: 840
Alpha-3 code: USA
Alpha-2 code: US
Population: 339 million (2024)
Population density: 36 people/km²
Primary languages: English (de facto official), Spanish (widely used)
Major religions: Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)
National anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner
Calling code: +1
Internet TLD: .us

History

Since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, through the Civil War, two World Wars, and the Cold War, grew to become the sole superpower.

Beginning with 17th-century European colonies, the nation was established in the late 18th century through revolution and the Constitution. The 19th century saw territorial expansion and civil war, abolishing slavery. In the first half of the 20th century, it emerged as a military and economic superpower through victories in World Wars, leading the Western bloc against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. After the 1991 end of the Cold War, it led international order as the sole superpower, facing multipolarity, terrorism, and emerging powers in the 21st century.

Geography & climate

Rich terrain from Atlantic coastal plains through Appalachian Mountains, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, to Pacific coastal ranges. Alaska glaciers and Hawaii's volcanic islands are distinctive.

Diverse (humid temperate, continental, Mediterranean, desert, subarctic, tropical, etc.)

Area: North America / 9833517 km²
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Largest city: New York City
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Great Salt Lake
Bordering countries: Canada, Mexico

Natural resources

Oil, Natural gas, Coal, Shale oil, Iron ore, Gold, Copper, Uranium, Timber, Hydropower, Fertile prairie soil, Wind potential, Solar resources, Fishery resources, Rare earths

Politics

Government: Federal republic (Presidential system)

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 27 trillion dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 35 trillion dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English (de facto official), Spanish (widely used)

Time zone: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii-Aleutian

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

German, Irish, English, African American, Mexican, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Italian, Native American

Life expectancy

79.1 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

American Football, Baseball, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Golf, Tennis