THE UNITED STATES Facts
Geography The United States of America is the world's third largest country in size and nearly the third largest in terms of population. Located in North America, the country is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Along the northern border is Canada and the southern border is Mexico. There are 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than twice the size of the European Union, the United States has high mountains in the West and a vast central plain.
Nature The landscape varies across the large country from tropical beaches in Florida to peaks in the Rocky Mountains, from rolling prairie lands and barren deserts in the West to big wilderness areas in the Northeast and Northwest. There are also the Great Lakes, the Grand Canyon, the majestic Yosemite Valley, and the mighty Mississippi River.
The wildlife is as diverse as the landscape. Mammals such as bison once walked freely across the plains, but now live only in preserves. Black bears, grizzlies, and polar bears are the largest carnivores. There are over 20,000 flower species and most came from Europe. There are nearly 400 areas which are protected and maintained by the National Park Service. The bald eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States and is a protected species.
History For centuries native people lived across the big area that would become the United States. In the early 17th century, settlers moved from Europe to the New World. They made colonies, and displaced the native people. The settlers fought for their independence from Britain in the late 18th century and formed a union of states. The nation continued to expand westward and although the country is a relatively young nation, it has become a global power since declaring independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.
People and Culture Throughout its history, the United States has been a nation of immigrants. The population is diverse with people from all over the world seeking refuge and a better way of life. European settlers came to New England to get religious freedom and to own their own land. Many Swedes moved here because they were poor and didn’t own the land they lived on.
Government and Economy Citizens over the age of 18 years old vote to elect the President and Vice President of United States every four years. The president lives in the White House in the capital city of Washington, D.C. For the first time in the nation's history an African American, Barack Obama was chosen President of the United States in 2008. America is a world leader economically, militarily, and technologically.
Population: 300,000,000
Area: 8,5 times bigger than Sweden
Big Mountain areas: Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains
Major Rivers: Mississippi, Missouri, Colorado
Language: English, Spanish
Money: U.S. dollar 1 U.S. dollar about 6.7 Swedish kronor