United States

United States of America
National motto	"In God We Trust"
Capital	Washington, D.C.
Largest city	New York City
Official languages	None at federal level (de facto English)
Population estimate	331 million (2023)
Area	9,525,067 km² (3rd)
GDP (nominal)	$23 trillion (2023)
Currency	United States dollar (USD)

The United States of America (USA or U.S.), commonly known as the United States or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territories, and various possessions. With a population of over 331 million people, the United States is the third most populous country in the world. The capital is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York City.

Geography and Environment

The United States spans a vast geographic area and diverse landscapes, from the temperate forests in the East, the Great Plains in the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains in the West, to the deserts in the Southwest. It has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Its natural environment includes significant biodiversity, national parks, and protected areas.

History

The modern history of the United States began with European colonization in the 16th century. Thirteen British colonies were established along the East Coast, and tensions between these colonies and Britain eventually led to the American Revolution. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the United States was officially founded. The country expanded westward throughout the 19th century, often at the expense of Indigenous communities. Key conflicts include the Civil War (1861–1865), which ended slavery, and the two World Wars, where the United States played a significant role in shaping global affairs.

Government and Politics

The United States is a federal republic and a representative democracy with three branches of government: executive (led by the President), legislative (Congress), and judicial (Supreme Court). It operates under a Constitution that was adopted in 1789, and which has been amended 27 times. The two primary political parties are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

Economy

The United States has the world's largest economy by nominal GDP and is highly developed with a diverse and advanced economic structure. Key industries include technology, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. The United States dollar (USD) is the world's most widely used currency, and the country plays a central role in global trade, innovation, and financial markets.

Culture

The United States is known for its cultural diversity, resulting from centuries of immigration. American popular culture has a significant impact globally, especially through Hollywood films, music, fashion, and technology. Major contributions include advancements in science, literature, and sports, with widespread global influence.

Military

The United States has one of the world's most powerful militaries and a large defense budget. It is a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and has an extensive network of international military bases. The United States plays a key role in global security and is often involved in diplomatic and military interventions worldwide.

Education and Science

The United States is home to many prestigious universities and research institutions, and it leads in scientific research and technological innovation. It has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is a global leader in fields such as aerospace, medicine, and computing. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a symbol of American achievements in space exploration.

Society and Issues

The United States faces various societal issues, including racial inequality, healthcare access, income disparity, and environmental challenges. It has a high standard of living but also deals with significant issues related to healthcare costs and gun violence.

International Relations

The United States maintains strong relationships with many countries and is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. It holds influential positions in various international organizations and alliances, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Group of Seven (G7).