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The United States of America (USA) is a federal republic with 50 states and one federal district. In addition, the United States owns a number of islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean. The total area of the republic is 9.36 million km, which gives it the right to be considered one of the largest countries in the world, the territory of which passes through almost all climatic zones. The population is about 261.7 million people, about 75% of which falls on the urban population. The official capital is Washington. The official language is English.

The United States of America is located in the center of North America and is washed by the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in the west and east, accordingly. In the north, the republic shares borders with Canada and in the south with Mexico.

The country's landscape is represented by flat, mountainous and hilly terrain. Mount McKinley, which is 6194 meters above sea level, is the highest point in the United States, and the point called Death Valley, which is 86 meters above sea level, is the lowest.

Since the country is located in several climatic zones, the climate in its regions differs significantly from each other.

Most of the country is located in a temperate climate zone, with hot summers and very cold winters. The coldest winter days fall on January. In the south of the country even in winter the sunny weather is preserved and the temperature reaches +20 degrees.

History and Culture

The history of the USA goes back only to the 15th century. The current U.S. territory was divided among some countries during 15-16 centuries. Part of the U.S. territory belonged to Britain (northern and western lands); southern parts (California, Florida, New Mexico, Texas) belonged to Spain, then - Mexico, the central part, the territory was called Louisiana - France, Alaska was in the possession of Russia, some areas remained under Indian control.

In the 18th century, there were only thirteen English colonies that broke up with Britain in 1776 and were later recognized by the new nation of the United States after the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded its borders across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas properties.

There were three most dramatic events in the nation's history: the Civil War (1861-1865), the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 1970s.

After victories in World Wars I and II and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the United States remains the most powerful state in the world. The economy is characterized by steady growth, low unemployment and inflation, and great technological progress.

The US is now the world's third largest (after Russia and Canada) and largest in terms of population (after China and India). It is about twice as small as Russia, or slightly larger than China or Brazil.

The United States is sometimes described as a "melting pot" to which different nations have added their own flavor or taste, forming one big American culture. Just as cultures around the world have influenced the U.S., now American culture affects the world. The term Western culture in a broad sense often refers to the United States and Europe.

As the third largest country in the world with a population of over 315 million people, the United States has the greatest cultural diversity in the world. North, South, West and East have different traditions and customs. Below is a brief overview of the culture of the United States.

Almost all known religions are practiced in the United States, as the country was based on the idea of religious freedom.

Over 75% of Americans consider themselves Christians. Approximately half of them are Protestants, about a quarter are Catholic, and a small percentage are Mormons. After Christianity, Judaism is the second most common religion, about 1.4 percent of the population. About 20 percent of Americans have no religious affiliation.

The sights of the United States of America include not only the Statue of Liberty and skyscrapers, the Dream Factory and the White House, but also thousands of other cultural sites and natural phenomena that are admirable.

There are a lot of national parks in the United States, but the most popular ones are at a decent distance from each other, that is why Americans go on a trip in cars. Another feature: in large parks and reserves tourist service is at a high level, it is easy to find routes for hiking, to engage in extreme sports.

Surreal landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley, the grand Niagara Falls on the border with Canada, rough rivers, deep caves, geysers, the rugged nature of Alaska, active Hawaiian volcanoes - legendary the natural treasures of the country, which along with the achievements of engineering - monuments, bridges and skyscrapers - annually inspire millions of tourists to travel independently.

America can also be considered a swimming or shopping destination. One of the best options for a family trip is a route through the world's best amusement parks. Excursion program in major cities - it is sure to have observation sites, parks, museums and galleries, theaters; for children - zoos and aquariums.

In the USA the first national park in the world - Yellowstone - was founded, famous for its geysers and non – terrestrial landscapes. It is home to rare birds and the largest population of bisons. The biosphere reserve covers parts of the three states, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park is protected by UNESCO and tourism in these areas is on stream: the park's campsites attract around two million visitors every year, and there are information centers and museums.

The picturesque Yosemite Park is set on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Ridge in California. The Yosemite Valley is one of the most visited American reserves, largely due to its convenient location and well-established routes from Los Angeles. The sights of these places are giant sequoias, vertical granite rocks, clear lakes and waterfalls.

Zion National Park in Utah is known for its red-bronze canyon of the same name. And in the northern site there is a Kolob Canyon, which differs from all other layers.

In each state of the country you can find interesting monuments, panoramic views and cinematic attractions. However, the capital and major cities of the East and West coasts remain the centers of attraction for tourists.

Presidents Day 3rd Monday of February

Memorial Day last Monday in May

Independence Day 4th of July

Labor Day 1st Monday of September

Columbus Day 2nd Monday of October

Halloweeen 31st of October

Veterans' Day November 11

Thanksgiving 4th Thursday of November

Christmas December 25

63% of US citizens can't find Iraq on the world map.

There is no officially approved language in the USA! The most common is the American version of English.

The US Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.

Mauna Kea is the highest mountain in the world! It is located in the U.S. in Hawaii. Mauna Kea is only 4205 m above sea level, but measurements of the entire altitude (from bottom to top) have shown that it is as much as 2,000 m higher than Jomolungma (8,850 m).

13% of the U.S. population believes that the Sun revolves around the Earth.

-57°C (Montana, January 20, 1954) is the lowest temperature ever recorded in the USA (not including Alaska). The highest temperature was recorded in California, July 10, 1913, at +56°C.

67% of the population is overweight.

Lake Crater is the deepest lake in the United States. It's located in the state of Oregon. The depth of the lake is 589 meters.

At the moment, more than 8% of able-bodied Americans are not working or looking for work! This high percentage of the unemployed is due to the huge government benefits.

Gerald Ford was the only person who held both the presidency and vice presidency, but was not officially elected.

The United States has a population of over 314 million.

9 out of 10 Americans can't find Afghanistan on a map of Eurasia - an interesting fact.

During the American Revolution (1775-1783), inflation was so high that bread prices rose by 10.000%, wheat prices by 14.000%, flour prices by 15.000% and beef prices by all 33.000%.

32% of all US land is owned by the federal government.

The nominal GDP in the United States is more than $15 trillion, and GDP per capita is $48,000! By these two indicators, the United States ranks first in the world.

An interesting fact about the USA: every 8th couple has met on the Internet!

The capital of 1% of the richest Americans exceeds 90% of the country's population combined!