United States
Notice: The notability of this article is not clearly established.
Please add significant coverage from reliable and independent sources.
If notability is not proven within 48 hours, this article may be deleted or merged with a more relevant page as per Knowlepedia's content guidelines.
| United States of America | |
|---|---|
| Flag | Thirteen horizontal stripes and fifty white stars on a blue field |
| Motto | "In God We Trust" |
| Anthem | The Star-Spangled Banner |
| Official Languages | None at federal level (English widely used) |
| Capital | Washington, D.C. |
| Largest city | New York City |
| Government Type | Federal presidential constitutional republic |
| President | Joe Biden |
| Prime Minister | |
| Legislature | United States Congress |
| Area | 9,833,520 km² |
| Population | 339,000,000 (2023) |
| GDP (Nominal) | $27 trillion (2023) |
| Currency | United States Dollar ($) |
| Time zone | Multiple (UTC−5 to −10; DST observed) |
| Drives on | right |
| Calling code | +1 |
| Internet TLD | .us |
United States of America (USA), commonly known as the United States or America, is a federal republic comprising 50 states, a federal district, and several territories. Located in North America, it is one of the most influential nations globally in politics, economy, technology, and culture.
Etymology
The name "America" is derived from the Latin version of explorer Amerigo Vespucci's name. The country is officially called the "United States of America."
Historical Overview
The U.S. declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. Following the American Revolutionary War, it established a constitution in 1789. The 19th century saw territorial expansion, industrial growth, and the American Civil War. The U.S. emerged as a global power after World War I and became a superpower post-World War II.
Government and Politics
The United States operates as a **federal presidential republic**. The President is both head of state and government. The Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The U.S. follows a strict separation of powers among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Geography
The U.S. spans a vast territory, from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It includes varied landscapes such as the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Appalachian Mountains, and Mississippi River system. It also includes non-contiguous states like Alaska and Hawaii.
Economy
The U.S. has the world's **largest nominal GDP** and is a leader in:
- Technology and Innovation (Silicon Valley)
- Finance (Wall Street)
- Defense and Aerospace
- Entertainment (Hollywood)
- Higher Education and Research
Culture
American culture has global influence through music, film, fashion, and technology. The country is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and cultures, with significant contributions from immigrants across the world.
Religion and Society
The U.S. is constitutionally secular but religiously diverse. Major religions include:
- Christianity (majority)
- Judaism
- Islam
- Hinduism, Buddhism, and others
It is known for its civil rights movements, democratic values, and cultural pluralism.
See Also
- History of the United States
- U.S. Constitution
- Presidents of the United States
- States of the USA
- American Civil War