United States of America

The United States of America (USA) is a federal republic located primarily in North America, consisting of 50 states, a federal district (Washington, D.C.), and several territories. It is one of the world’s most influential countries politically, economically, and culturally.

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Geography

• Location: North America, bordered by Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
• States: 50 states, including Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii in the Pacific.
• Major Cities: Washington, D.C. (capital), New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
• Climate: Varies widely; ranges from arctic conditions in Alaska to tropical climates in Hawaii and Florida.

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History

Early History

• Indigenous peoples inhabited the Americas for thousands of years before European colonization.
• In the 16th and 17th centuries, European powers, primarily England, Spain, and France, established colonies in North America.

Independence and Formation

• The Thirteen Colonies declared independence from Great Britain on 4 July 1776 with the Declaration of Independence.
• The United States Constitution, adopted in 1787, established a federal government with separation of powers.

Expansion and Modern Era

• Expanded westward through purchases, treaties, and wars.
• Civil War (1861–1865) ended slavery and strengthened federal authority.
• Became a global power in the 20th century through participation in World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and international organizations like the United Nations.

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Government and Politics

• System: Federal presidential constitutional republic.
• Branches:
  1. Executive: President (head of state and government) and Vice President.
  2. Legislative: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).
  3. Judicial: Supreme Court and federal courts.
• Political Parties: Two dominant parties: Democratic Party and Republican Party.
• Elections: Held regularly for the presidency, Congress, and state offices.
• Constitution: Supreme law; outlines citizens’ rights and government powers.

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Economy

• Type: Mixed-market economy; one of the largest in the world.
• Sectors: Technology, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, services.
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD).
• Trade: Major trading partners include China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the European Union.

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Demographics and Society

• Population: Over 330 million people (2025 estimate).
• Language: No official language at the federal level; English is dominant; Spanish is widely spoken.
• Religion: Predominantly Christianity, with Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and non-religious groups.
• Culture: Diverse; influenced by immigration and regional traditions. Notable in music, film, sports, and technology.

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Foreign Relations and Defense

• Military: One of the largest and most technologically advanced in the world.
• Alliances: Member of NATO, UN, G7, G20, and other international organizations.
• Diplomacy: Active in global issues such as climate change, human rights, trade, and security.

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See Also

• Federal government of the United States
• United States Congress
• President of the United States
• History of the United States
• Politics of the United States