The United States is the world's third-largest country by area, a federation of 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the world's largest economy and a global cultural and military superpower.
Geography & landscape
United States sits in Northern America, in the northern hemisphere of North America. With an area of approximately 9,833,520 km², it is one of the largest countries on Earth, set in the northern hemisphere and exposed to the temperate climate band typical of its latitude. Its capital, Washington, D.C., lies near coordinates 38°, -97°.
The country shares the cultural and geographic context of North America, with neighbouring states and trade routes shaped by its position in the wider Northern America region. Topography, watersheds and coastline (where present) define the practical realities of agriculture, settlement and transport across United States.
People & society
The population of United States is around 333M. Communities, dialects and customs vary by region, and the country’s sense of identity is shaped by its history, its borders and the everyday rhythms of its towns and cities.
The official language is English, used in government, education and most public life. Regional dialects, minority languages and immigrant communities add further linguistic texture.
Government & politics
United States is structured as a federal presidential republic. Political authority is exercised through institutions based primarily in Washington, D.C., with the head of state and head of government performing constitutional roles defined by the country’s legal framework. Domestic policy, foreign relations and the administration of public services all flow from this constitutional core.
Economy & currency
The official currency of United States is the US Dollar (USD). Monetary policy, banking, taxation and trade are managed nationally, often in coordination with regional and international institutions. Major economic activity tends to cluster around Washington, D.C. and other principal urban centres, with secondary economies built on the country’s natural resources, manufacturing capacity and service industries.
Culture & everyday life
The cultural footprint of United States shows up in cuisine, music, sport, religious life, festivals and design. National holidays mark the country’s historical pivots; family meals, café culture and street life follow patterns rooted in geography and tradition. International audiences usually meet United States through its sport, its music, its food, or the global diaspora that carries those things abroad.
Travel essentials
The capital, Washington, D.C., is the natural starting point for first-time visitors. International dialling uses the country code +1, and clocks are set to the Various (UTC-5 to UTC-10) time zone. ISO standards identify United States as US (alpha-2) and USA (alpha-3) — useful when booking flights, decoding number plates, or matching customs paperwork. The flag, 🇺🇸, appears at every border post and on every passport.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table below to compare key metrics at a glance.
| Metric | Value | Unit / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Capital city | Washington, D.C. | — |
| Continent | North America | — |
| Sub-region | Northern America | — |
| Population | 333M | people |
| Area | 9,833,520 | km² |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) | — |
| Calling code | +1 | international dialling |
| Time zone | Various (UTC-5 to UTC-10) | standard time |
| Government type | Federal presidential republic | — |
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | US | 2-letter code |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | USA | 3-letter code |
| Latitude | 38 | degrees |
| Longitude | -97 | degrees |
Did you know?
The United States has the world's largest economy by nominal GDP — over $25 trillion — and the most diverse range of climates of any country.
