The USA, commonly known as the United States, is a federal republic comprising 50 states and a federal district.

• Located in central North America, it borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
• Alaska, situated in the northwestern part of North America, is separated from Russia by the Bering Strait.
• Hawaii, an archipelago, is located in the mid-North Pacific.
• The USA also has several populated and unpopulated territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean.
• It exercises international defense authority over three states through the Compact of Free Association with Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

Vast Size and Diversity

• Covering 3.79 million square miles, the USA is the fourth-largest country globally in total area.
• With a population of approximately 315 million people, it ranks third globally.
• The USA is known for its ethnic diversity, stemming from substantial immigration from various countries.
• Its geography and climate vary significantly, encompassing deserts, plains, forests, and mountains, supporting diverse wildlife.

Historical Timeline

• Paleo-Indians migrated to the USA around 12,000 years ago.
• European colonization began in the early 1600s, primarily from England.
• The USA emerged from 13 British colonies following the American Revolution and adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
• The American Revolutionary War secured independence from Britain.
• The current Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787, with 27 amendments, including the Bill of Rights, protecting fundamental civil rights and freedoms.

Expansion and Global Influence

• Driven by manifest destiny, the USA expanded across North America in the 19th century.
• This expansion involved displacing native tribes, acquiring new territories, and admitting new states.
• The American Civil War ended legalized slavery.
• By the late 19th century, the USA extended to the Pacific Ocean, becoming the world’s largest economy.
• Participation in the Spanish–American War and World War I affirmed its global military power.
• Following World War II, it emerged as a superpower, possessing nuclear weapons and permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

Economic and Military Power

• The USA boasts the world’s largest national economy, with a GDP of $16.2 trillion in 2013.
• It accounts for 39% of global military spending and is a dominant political, cultural, and scientific force worldwide.
• Known for its technological innovation and research leadership, the USA continues to influence various facets of global affairs.