One of the most powerful countries in the world, the United States of America is the third largest country in the world, with a total area of 3,794,066 square miles. USA lies between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. Washington D.C., the capital city of the country.
With a population of 308,745,538, the United States of America is also the third-most populous country in the world. Almost 79% of the entire American population lives in the urban areas. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Phoenix are the five most populated cities of America. More than 80% of the entire country's population consists of whites, with African Americans following at 12.8%.
The United States is a federal union of fifty states. The states compose the vast bulk of the U.S. landmass; the two other areas considered integral parts of the country are the District of Columbia, the federal district where the capital, Washington, is located; and Palmyra Atoll, an uninhabited but incorporated territory in the Pacific Ocean.
As shown in the political map of USA States and Capitals, the United States also possesses five major overseas territories: Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands in the Caribbean; and American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific. Those born in the major territories (except for American Samoa) possess U.S. citizenship.
Some of the major states of the USA are:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- California
- New York
- Ohio
- Arizona
- Pennsylvania
- Kentucky
- Illinois
- Texas
Alaska, separated from the contiguous United States by Canada, is the largest state at 365 million acres. Hawaii, occupying an archipelago in the central Pacific, southwest of North America, has just over 4 million acres. California is the most populous state of the USA with a population of 37,253,956. The country also possesses several territories in the Caribbean and Pacific.
United States was founded by thirteen British colonies. On July 4, 1776, they issued the Declaration of Independence, affirming their right to self-rule and their establishment of a cooperative union.
Las Vegas is the 28th most populous city in the United States and is branded as the Entertainment Capital of the world, famous for its casino resorts and associated entertainment.
The country accounts for 43% of global military spending, and is a leading economic, political, and cultural force in the world.
