The United States of America is a big

The United States of America is a big country in North America, often referred to as the "USA, " the "U. S. , " the "United States, " America. The population of the USA more than 300 million people.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France, conceived and designed as a monument to a great international friendship.

Grand canyon One of the deepest canyons in the world. The Capitol – a residence of the Congress of the USA on Capitol Hill in Washington

The contiguous United States or "Lower 48" (the 48 states other than Alaska and Hawaii) are bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with much of the population living on these two coasts. Its only land borders are shared with Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south. The U. S. also shares maritime borders with Russia, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The country has three major mountain ranges. The Appalachians extend from Canada to the state of Alabama, a few hundred miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. They are the oldest of the three mountain ranges and offer spectacular sightseeing and excellent camping spots. The Rockies are, on average, the highest in North America, extending from Alaska to New Mexico, with many areas protected as national parks. They offer hiking, camping, skiing, and sightseeing opportunities.

Climate The climate in USA varies across different parts of the country. USA can be divided into six climate regions, excluding Alaska, Hawaii and outlying territories. Midwest Northwest Pacific Northeast Mid/South Pacific Southwest Southeast

Northwest Pacific: (Includes states like Oregon and Washington to the crest of the Cascade Mountains) This is the perhaps the wettest part of the country. There are scattered rain showers all year round. Temperatures are mild averaging around 40 degree F. (32. 2 degree C). The summer months are pleasantly warmer but never too hot. You can see fogs along the coast during the warmer weather but the fog is less dense during mid-day. 2. Mid/South Pacific Rockies: (Includes states like California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Nevada) These states have generally dry and delightful summers. California has excellent weather all the year round. There are very few places in California that experience snow, and the state is known for its nice weather. Mostly all the cities have tolerable winters. The winter months in the other states like Montana, Idaho and Wyoming can be very cold, with temperatures dropping well below 0 degree C. Colorado, Utah and Nevada are known for their excellent skiing.

Midwest (Includes states like Dakotas, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana) This region is moderately dry. Summers are pleasant but winter time can be harsh, with lots of snow and heavy chilly winds. Extremes within the Midwest can drop down to -40 degree C. Northeast (Includes states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Maryland). This entire area is moderately rainy. In winter, the region experiences heavy snow and freezing rain. Summers are usually pleasant, sunny and warm. Southeast (Includes states like portions of Arkansas and Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia) Like the Northeast, this entire area experiences moderate rains fairly evenly throughout the year. The Spring, Summer and Fall seasons are all very pleasant. Some snow and freezing rain falls in winter but for the most part, the winters are quite mild and short lived. Southwest (Includes states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and western portions of Arkansas and Louisiana) This is the hottest and high rainfall region of the US. There are heavy rains accompanied with thunder storms, dangerous lightening and occasional tornadoes. The winters are generally short but some freezing rains do occur. The spring and fall seasons are quite long and temperatures are generally excellent. The summers are very hot.

Symbols of the USA There are many symbols that represent the United States of America. Some of the most popular ones are the Stars and Stripes (the US flag), the Great Seal of the USA, the bald eagle (our national bird), the White House, the Statue of Liberty (a gift from France) and many others.

Flag The flag of USA features 13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The flag is known as Old Glory, and no one knows for certain who designed it. Many historians believe that U. S. A Congressman, Francis Hopkinson was the original designer, while a few still think that Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, made the first one.

Great Seal of the United States The seal was developed by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson at the direction of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1776. A final design was approved in 1782, and today (both sides) are found on the back of the U. S. onedollar bill, and often stamped onto specific documents, including foreign treaties and presidential proclamations.

National Emblem The Bald Eagle was officially declared the National Emblem of the United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1782. It was selected by the USA's founding fathers because it is a species unique to North America. It has become the living symbol of the USA's freedoms, spirit and pursuit of excellence. Its image and symbolism have played a significant role in American art, folklore, music and architecture.

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States, recognized worldwide as a symbol of the prestige of the presidency. Built between 1792 and 1800, the sprawling 132 -room mansion has been used as a home by every President since John Adams. The East Wing of the White House principally serves as offices for the First Lady and her staff. The First Family's quarters, located on the second and third floor of the historic White House, provide them with privacy and comfort away from the public spotlight. The West Wing is home to the President's office and those of his top staff.

Politic of USA The United States is a federal constitutional republic. The executive branch is headed by the President and is independent of the legislature. Legislative power is vested in the two chambers of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The judicial branch (or judiciary), composed of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, exercises judicial power.