Welcome to the US Fact Book

Your comprehensive educational resource for learning about the United States of America. Explore geography, history, government, economy, and culture through detailed information and interactive content.

50
States
331M
Population
3.8M
Square Miles
1776
Founded

Geography & Climate

Exploring America's diverse landscapes and natural features

Total Area

The United States covers approximately 3.8 million square miles, making it the third-largest country in the world by total area.

Highest Point

Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska stands at 20,310 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in North America.

Longest River

The Missouri River stretches 2,341 miles, making it the longest river in the United States.

Great Lakes

The five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) contain about 21% of the world's fresh surface water.

Climate Zones

The US spans multiple climate zones from arctic in Alaska to tropical in Hawaii and Florida.

National Parks

There are 63 designated National Parks, with Yellowstone being the first established in 1872.

American History

Key events that shaped the United States

1776

Declaration of Independence

The thirteen American colonies declared independence from British rule on July 4, 1776.

1787

Constitutional Convention

The US Constitution was drafted, establishing the framework for the federal government.

1803

Louisiana Purchase

The US doubled in size with the purchase of Louisiana Territory from France.

1861-1865

Civil War

A devastating conflict that ended slavery and preserved the Union.

1969

Moon Landing

Apollo 11 successfully landed the first humans on the Moon.

Government & Politics

Understanding the American political system

System of Government

Federal democratic republic with separation of powers among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Executive Branch

Led by the President, who serves as both head of state and head of government for a four-year term.

Legislative Branch

Bicameral Congress consisting of the House of Representatives (435 members) and Senate (100 members).

Judicial Branch

Headed by the Supreme Court with nine justices who serve life terms.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms.

Federalism

Power is shared between federal government and 50 state governments.

Economy & Industry

America's economic landscape and major industries

GDP

The US has the world's largest economy with a GDP of over $25 trillion as of 2023.

Technology Sector

Silicon Valley is home to major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Meta.

Agriculture

The US is a leading producer of corn, soybeans, wheat, and beef.

Manufacturing

Major industries include automotive, aerospace, machinery, and chemicals.

Stock Markets

Wall Street in New York City hosts the world's largest stock exchanges.

Innovation

The US leads in research and development, spending over $600 billion annually.

Culture & Society

American culture, traditions, and diversity

Diversity

America is known as a "melting pot" with people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Languages

While English is the primary language, over 350 languages are spoken in the US.

Sports

Popular sports include American football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey.

Entertainment

Hollywood is the global center of the film industry, producing movies and TV shows worldwide.

Music

America is the birthplace of jazz, blues, country, rock and roll, and hip-hop music.

Holidays

Major holidays include Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Memorial Day.

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