United States — map and facts

The United States is a federal republic in North America and the world's largest economy. Its capital is Washington, D.C., and the country covers about 9.8 million square kilometres with a population of roughly 335 million. The United States uses the US dollar as its currency.

About the United States

The United States is made up of fifty states and several territories, spanning a continent and beyond. It is a global power in economics, military strength, technology and culture. The country is known for its diversity, drawn from centuries of immigration. Its federal system gives individual states wide powers over many areas of daily life.

Geography and landscape

The United States borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with coastlines on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its landscape is enormously varied, from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains and the deserts of the south-west. The states of Alaska and Hawaii lie apart from the contiguous mainland. Climates range from Arctic in Alaska to tropical in Hawaii and Florida, with deserts, forests and prairies in between. Major rivers include the Mississippi and the Missouri.

History

The land was home to diverse Indigenous nations for thousands of years before European colonisation began in the sixteenth century. Thirteen British colonies declared independence in 1776 and won the Revolutionary War, forming a new republic. The nation expanded westward across the continent through the nineteenth century, a period also marked by slavery and a devastating Civil War in the 1860s. The twentieth century saw the United States become a leading world power through two World Wars and the Cold War. The civil rights movement reshaped American society in the mid-twentieth century. It remains a central force in global affairs today.

Economy and currency

The United States has the largest economy in the world, led by technology, finance, services, manufacturing and agriculture. It is home to many of the world's largest companies and leading universities. The currency is the US dollar, the most widely used reserve currency in the world. New York is its main financial centre.

Culture and language

There is no official language at the federal level, but English is the most widely spoken, alongside large Spanish-speaking communities. American culture has a vast global reach through film, music, technology and sport. The country's diversity is reflected in its food, religion and regional traditions. Hollywood, jazz, rock and hip-hop are among its best-known cultural exports.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of the United States? The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C., which is a federal district rather than part of any state. The largest city, however, is New York.

What currency is used in the United States? The United States uses the US dollar. It is also the most widely held reserve currency in the world.

How many states are in the United States? The United States is made up of fifty states. It also includes a federal capital district and several territories.