Overview
The United States of America is a vast and diverse nation made up of 50 states, each offering its own unique culture, landscape, and attractions. From the skyscrapers of New York City to the Grand Canyon, and from the tech hubs of California to the historical streets of Boston, the U.S. is a land of opportunity, innovation, and adventure. Known for its global cultural influence, the U.S. attracts millions of visitors every year.
Fun Facts or Highlights
- The U.S. is the 3rd largest country in both population and land area.
- Home to Yellowstone, the first national park in the world.
- The Mississippi River is one of the longest river systems in the world.
- Alaska is the largest state by area, while California is the most populous.
- Route 66 is a legendary American highway stretching across 8 states.
- The U.S. has over 60 national parks and thousands of state parks.
Capital City
- Washington, D.C.
Official Language
- None at the federal level, but English is the de facto language.
(Spanish is also widely spoken, especially in the southwest.)
Currency
- United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zones
The contiguous U.S. spans 4 major time zones:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST) – UTC -5
- Central Standard Time (CST) – UTC -6
- Mountain Standard Time (MST) – UTC -7
- Pacific Standard Time (PST) – UTC -8
Additional time zones include:
- Alaska Standard Time (AKST) – UTC -9
- Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST) – UTC -10
Most states observe Daylight Saving Time, with some exceptions like Arizona and Hawaii.
Area
- 9,833,520 km²
(approx. 3,796,742 square miles)
Climate Summary
The U.S. has a wide range of climates:
- Northeast & Midwest: Cold winters, hot summers (continental climate)
- South: Warm to hot year-round with humid summers
- West: Ranges from Mediterranean (California coast) to desert (Nevada, Arizona)
- Northwest: Cool, wet winters and mild summers
- Alaska: Subarctic to Arctic climates
- Hawaii & Florida: Tropical and subtropical climates
