United States of America

Flag Flag Flag Great Seal

United States of America Motto - In God We Trust (official) E Pluribus Unum (traditional) Anthem – «The Star-Spangled Banner» Capital - Washington Motto - In God We Trust (official) E Pluribus Unum (traditional) Anthem – «The Star-Spangled Banner» Capital - WashingtonIn God We Trust E Pluribus UnumThe Star-Spangled BannerIn God We Trust E Pluribus UnumThe Star-Spangled Banner Largest city - New York City Largest city - New York CityNew York CityNew York City Official language - None at federal level Official language - None at federal level National language - English (de facto) National language - English (de facto)National languageEnglishde factoNational languageEnglishde facto Demonym - American Demonym - AmericanDemonymAmericanDemonymAmerican

Government - Federal presidential constitutional republic Government - Federal presidential constitutional republicGovernmentFederalpresidential constitutional republicGovernmentFederalpresidential constitutional republic President - Barack Obama President - Barack ObamaPresidentBarack ObamaPresidentBarack Obama Legislature - Congress Legislature - CongressCongress Upper houseSenateLower houseHouse of Representatives Upper houseSenateLower houseHouse of RepresentativesUpper houseSenateLower houseHouse of RepresentativesUpper houseSenateLower houseHouse of Representatives Independence - from the Kingdom of Great Britain Independence - from the Kingdom of Great Britain IndependenceKingdom of Great BritainIndependenceKingdom of Great Britain Area Total - 9,826,675 km2 3,794,101 sq mi; Water (%) Area Total - 9,826,675 km2 3,794,101 sq mi; Water (%) Area Population estimate313,252,000 Population estimate313,252,000Population

English is the official language of at least 28 states—some sources give a higher figure, based on differing definitions of "official". English and Hawaiian are both official languages in the state of Hawaii. HawaiianHawaiiHawaiianHawaii b. English is the de facto language of American government and the sole language spoken at home by 80% of Americans age five and older. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language. b. English is the de facto language of American government and the sole language spoken at home by 80% of Americans age five and older. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language. second most commonly spoken language second most commonly spoken language c. Whether the United States or the People's Republic of China is larger is disputed. The figure given is from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook. Other sources give smaller figures. All authoritative calculations of the country's size include only the 50 states and the District of Columbia, not the territories. c. Whether the United States or the People's Republic of China is larger is disputed. The figure given is from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook. Other sources give smaller figures. All authoritative calculations of the country's size include only the 50 states and the District of Columbia, not the territories.People's Republic of ChinadisputedCentral Intelligence AgencyWorld FactbookPeople's Republic of ChinadisputedCentral Intelligence AgencyWorld Factbook d. The population estimate includes people whose usual residence is in the fifty states and the District of Columbia, including noncitizens. It does not include either those living in the territories, amounting to more than 4 million U.S. citizens (most in Puerto Rico), or U.S. citizens living outside the United States. d. The population estimate includes people whose usual residence is in the fifty states and the District of Columbia, including noncitizens. It does not include either those living in the territories, amounting to more than 4 million U.S. citizens (most in Puerto Rico), or U.S. citizens living outside the United States.Puerto RicoPuerto Rico

Geography and environment The land area of the contiguous United States is approximately 1,900 million acres (7,700,000 km2). Alaska, separated from the contiguous United States by Canada, is the largest state at 365 million acres (1,480,000 km2). Hawaii, occupying an archipelago in the central Pacific, southwest of North America, has just over 4 million acres (16,000 km2). The United States is the world's third or fourth largest nation by total area (land and water), ranking behind Russia and Canada and just above or below China. The ranking varies depending on how two territories disputed by China and India are counted and how the total size of the United States is measured: calculations range from 3,676,486 square miles (9,522,055 km2) to 3,717,813 square miles (9,629,091 km2) to 3,794,101 square miles (9,826,676 km2). Including only land area, the United States is third in size behind Russia and China, just ahead of Canada. The land area of the contiguous United States is approximately 1,900 million acres (7,700,000 km2). Alaska, separated from the contiguous United States by Canada, is the largest state at 365 million acres (1,480,000 km2). Hawaii, occupying an archipelago in the central Pacific, southwest of North America, has just over 4 million acres (16,000 km2). The United States is the world's third or fourth largest nation by total area (land and water), ranking behind Russia and Canada and just above or below China. The ranking varies depending on how two territories disputed by China and India are counted and how the total size of the United States is measured: calculations range from 3,676,486 square miles (9,522,055 km2) to 3,717,813 square miles (9,629,091 km2) to 3,794,101 square miles (9,826,676 km2). Including only land area, the United States is third in size behind Russia and China, just ahead of Canada.contiguous United Stateslargest nation by total areaChinaIndiacontiguous United Stateslargest nation by total areaChinaIndia

Satellite image showing topography of the contiguous United Statestopographycontiguous United States

The coastal plain of the Atlantic seaboard gives way further inland to deciduous forests and the rolling hills of the Piedmont. The Appalachian Mountains divide the eastern seaboard from the Great Lakes and the grasslands of the Midwest. The Mississippi– Missouri River, the world's fourth longest river system, runs mainly north–south through the heart of the country. The flat, fertile prairie of the Great Plains stretches to the west, interrupted by a highland region in the southeast. The Rocky Mountains, at the western edge of the Great Plains, extend north to south across the country, reaching altitudes higher than 14,000 feet (4,300 m) in Colorado. The coastal plain of the Atlantic seaboard gives way further inland to deciduous forests and the rolling hills of the Piedmont. The Appalachian Mountains divide the eastern seaboard from the Great Lakes and the grasslands of the Midwest. The Mississippi– Missouri River, the world's fourth longest river system, runs mainly north–south through the heart of the country. The flat, fertile prairie of the Great Plains stretches to the west, interrupted by a highland region in the southeast. The Rocky Mountains, at the western edge of the Great Plains, extend north to south across the country, reaching altitudes higher than 14,000 feet (4,300 m) in Colorado.deciduousPiedmont Appalachian MountainsGreat LakesMidwestMississippi Missouri Riverfourth longest river systemprairieGreat Plainsa highland regionRocky MountainsColoradodeciduousPiedmont Appalachian MountainsGreat LakesMidwestMississippi Missouri Riverfourth longest river systemprairieGreat Plainsa highland regionRocky MountainsColorado

Farther west are the rocky Great Basin and deserts such as the Mojave. The Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges run close to the Pacific coast. At 20,320 feet (6,194 m), Alaska's Mount McKinley is the tallest peak in the country and in North America. Active volcanoes are common throughout Alaska's Alexander and Aleutian Islands, and Hawaii consists of volcanic islands. The supervolcano underlying Yellowstone National Park in the Rockies is the continent's largest volcanic feature. Farther west are the rocky Great Basin and deserts such as the Mojave. The Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges run close to the Pacific coast. At 20,320 feet (6,194 m), Alaska's Mount McKinley is the tallest peak in the country and in North America. Active volcanoes are common throughout Alaska's Alexander and Aleutian Islands, and Hawaii consists of volcanic islands. The supervolcano underlying Yellowstone National Park in the Rockies is the continent's largest volcanic feature.Great BasinMojave Sierra NevadaCascadePacific coastMount McKinleyvolcanoes AlexanderAleutian Islands supervolcanoYellowstone National ParkGreat BasinMojave Sierra NevadaCascadePacific coastMount McKinleyvolcanoes AlexanderAleutian Islands supervolcanoYellowstone National Park

The bald eagle, national bird of the United States since 1782 The bald eagle, national bird of the United States since 1782bald eaglebald eagle

The United States, with its large size and geographic variety, includes most climate types. To the east of the 100th meridian, the climate ranges from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south. The southern tip of Florida is tropical, as is Hawaii. The Great Plains west of the 100th meridian are semi-arid. Much of the Western mountains are alpine. The climate is arid in the Great Basin, desert in the Southwest, Mediterranean in coastal California, and oceanic in coastal Oregon and Washington and southern Alaska. Most of Alaska is subarctic or polar. Extreme weather is not uncommon—the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico are prone to hurricanes, and most of the world's tornadoes occur within the country, mainly in the Midwest's Tornado Alley. The United States, with its large size and geographic variety, includes most climate types. To the east of the 100th meridian, the climate ranges from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south. The southern tip of Florida is tropical, as is Hawaii. The Great Plains west of the 100th meridian are semi-arid. Much of the Western mountains are alpine. The climate is arid in the Great Basin, desert in the Southwest, Mediterranean in coastal California, and oceanic in coastal Oregon and Washington and southern Alaska. Most of Alaska is subarctic or polar. Extreme weather is not uncommon—the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico are prone to hurricanes, and most of the world's tornadoes occur within the country, mainly in the Midwest's Tornado Alley. 100th meridianhumid continentalhumid subtropicalFloridaalpineMediterraneancoastal California oceanicOregonWashingtonGulf of MexicohurricanestornadoesTornado Alley 100th meridianhumid continentalhumid subtropicalFloridaalpineMediterraneancoastal California oceanicOregonWashingtonGulf of MexicohurricanestornadoesTornado Alley

The U.S. ecology is considered "megadiverse": about 17,000 species of vascular plants occur in the contiguous United States and Alaska, and over 1,800 species of flowering plants are found in Hawaii, few of which occur on the mainland. The United States is home to more than 400 mammal, 750 bird, and 500 reptile and amphibian species. About 91,000 insect species have been described. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats, which are monitored by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. ecology is considered "megadiverse": about 17,000 species of vascular plants occur in the contiguous United States and Alaska, and over 1,800 species of flowering plants are found in Hawaii, few of which occur on the mainland. The United States is home to more than 400 mammal, 750 bird, and 500 reptile and amphibian species. About 91,000 insect species have been described. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats, which are monitored by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.megadiversevascular plantsflowering plants Endangered Species ActUnited States Fish and Wildlife Servicemegadiversevascular plantsflowering plants Endangered Species ActUnited States Fish and Wildlife Service

There are fifty-eight national parks and hundreds of other federally managed parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Altogether, the government owns 28.8% of the country's land area. Most of this is protected, though some is leased for oil and gas drilling, mining, logging, or cattle ranching; 2.4% is used for military purposes. There are fifty-eight national parks and hundreds of other federally managed parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Altogether, the government owns 28.8% of the country's land area. Most of this is protected, though some is leased for oil and gas drilling, mining, logging, or cattle ranching; 2.4% is used for military purposes.national parkswilderness protectednational parkswilderness protected

Languages Although the United States has no official language at the federal level, 30 states have passed legislation making English the official language and it is considered to be the de facto national language. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 97% of Americans can speak English well, and for 81% it is the only language spoken at home. There are more than 300 languages besides English which can claim native speakers in the United States—some of which are spoken by the indigenous peoples (about 150 living languages) and others which were imported by immigrants. Although the United States has no official language at the federal level, 30 states have passed legislation making English the official language and it is considered to be the de facto national language. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 97% of Americans can speak English well, and for 81% it is the only language spoken at home. There are more than 300 languages besides English which can claim native speakers in the United States—some of which are spoken by the indigenous peoples (about 150 living languages) and others which were imported by immigrants.official languagede facto2000 U.S. Censusindigenousofficial languagede facto2000 U.S. Censusindigenous

Spanish has official status in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the state of New Mexico; Spanish is the primary spoken language in Puerto Rico and various smaller linguistic enclaves. According to the 2000 census, there are nearly 30 million native speakers of Spanish in the United States. Bilingual speakers may use both English and Spanish reasonably well but code-switch according to their dialog partner or context. Some refer to this phenomenon as Spanglish. Spanish has official status in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the state of New Mexico; Spanish is the primary spoken language in Puerto Rico and various smaller linguistic enclaves. According to the 2000 census, there are nearly 30 million native speakers of Spanish in the United States. Bilingual speakers may use both English and Spanish reasonably well but code-switch according to their dialog partner or context. Some refer to this phenomenon as Spanglish.Puerto Rico New Mexicocode-switchSpanglishPuerto Rico New Mexicocode-switchSpanglish

The national dialect is known as American English. There are four major regional dialects in the United States: northeastern, south, inland north, and midwestern. The Midwestern accent (considered the "standard accent" in the United States, and analogous in some respects to the received pronunciation elsewhere in the English-speaking world) extends from what were once the "Middle Colonies" across the Midwest to the Pacific states. The national dialect is known as American English. There are four major regional dialects in the United States: northeastern, south, inland north, and midwestern. The Midwestern accent (considered the "standard accent" in the United States, and analogous in some respects to the received pronunciation elsewhere in the English-speaking world) extends from what were once the "Middle Colonies" across the Midwest to the Pacific states. American EnglishdialectsMidwestern accentreceived pronunciationMiddle Colonies American EnglishdialectsMidwestern accentreceived pronunciationMiddle Colonies

Native language statistics for the United States According to the CIA, the following is the percentage of total population's native languages in the United States: CIA - English (82.1%) - Spanish (10.7%) - Other Indo-European languages (3.8%) Indo-European - Other Asian or Pacific Islander languages (2.7%) AsianPacific IslanderAsianPacific Islander - Other languages (0.7%)

Religion Completed in 1716, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña is one of numerous surviving colonial Spanish missions in the United States. These were primarily used to convert the Native Americans to Roman Catholicism. Completed in 1716, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña is one of numerous surviving colonial Spanish missions in the United States. These were primarily used to convert the Native Americans to Roman Catholicism. Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de AcuñaSpanish missionsNative Americans Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de AcuñaSpanish missionsNative Americans

Brick Presbyterian Church in suburban East Orange, New Jersey East Orange, New Jersey

Modeling the provisions concerning religion within the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, the framers of the United States Constitution rejected any religious test for office, and the First Amendment specifically denied the central government any power to enact any law respecting either an establishment of religion, or prohibiting its free exercise. In following decades, the animating spirit behind the constitution's Establishment Clause led to the disestablishment of the official religions within the member states. Modeling the provisions concerning religion within the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, the framers of the United States Constitution rejected any religious test for office, and the First Amendment specifically denied the central government any power to enact any law respecting either an establishment of religion, or prohibiting its free exercise. In following decades, the animating spirit behind the constitution's Establishment Clause led to the disestablishment of the official religions within the member states.Virginia Statute for Religious FreedomUnited States ConstitutionFirst AmendmentEstablishment ClauseVirginia Statute for Religious FreedomUnited States ConstitutionFirst AmendmentEstablishment Clause

The framers were mainly influenced by secular, Enlightenment ideals, but they also considered the pragmatic concerns of minority religious groups who did not want to be under the power or influence of a state religion that did not represent them. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence said "The priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot." The framers were mainly influenced by secular, Enlightenment ideals, but they also considered the pragmatic concerns of minority religious groups who did not want to be under the power or influence of a state religion that did not represent them. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence said "The priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot."Enlightenment state religion Thomas Jefferson Declaration of IndependenceEnlightenment state religion Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence

Religious statistics for the United States It should be noted the following information is an estimation as actual statistics constantly vary. According to the CIA, the following is the percentage of followers of different religions in the United States: CIA - Christian: (80.2%) Christian Protestant (51.3%) Protestant (51.3%) Protestant Roman Catholic (23.9%) Roman Catholic (23.9%) Roman Catholic Roman Catholic Other Christian (1.6%) Other Christian (1.6%) Other Christian Other Christian - Mormon (1.7%) Mormon - Jewish (1.7%) Jewish - Buddhist (0.7%) Buddhist - Muslim (0.6%) Muslim - Other/Unspecified (2.5%) - Unaffiliated (12.1%) Unaffiliated - None (4%) None

Education Higher education in the US by race

Education in the United States is provided mainly by government, with control and funding coming from three levels: federal, state, and local. School attendance is mandatory and nearly universal at the elementary and high school levels (often known outside the United States as the primary and secondary levels). Education in the United States is provided mainly by government, with control and funding coming from three levels: federal, state, and local. School attendance is mandatory and nearly universal at the elementary and high school levels (often known outside the United States as the primary and secondary levels).federalstatelocalfederalstatelocal

Students have the options of having their education held in public schools, private schools, or home school. In most public and private schools, education is divided into three levels: elementary school, junior high school (also often called middle school), and high school. In almost all schools at these levels, children are divided by age groups into grades. Post-secondary education, better known as "college" or "university" in the United States, is generally governed separately from the elementary and high school system. Students have the options of having their education held in public schools, private schools, or home school. In most public and private schools, education is divided into three levels: elementary school, junior high school (also often called middle school), and high school. In almost all schools at these levels, children are divided by age groups into grades. Post-secondary education, better known as "college" or "university" in the United States, is generally governed separately from the elementary and high school system.public schoolshome school elementary schooljunior high schoolhigh schoolgradesPost-secondary educationpublic schoolshome school elementary schooljunior high schoolhigh schoolgradesPost-secondary education

In the year 2000, there were 76.6 million students enrolled in schools from kindergarten through graduate schools. Of these, 72 percent aged 12 to 17 were judged academically "on track" for their age (enrolled in school at or above grade level). Of those enrolled in compulsory education, 5.2 million (10.4 percent) were attending private schools. Among the country's adult population, over 85 percent have completed high school and 27 percent have received a bachelor's degree or higher. In the year 2000, there were 76.6 million students enrolled in schools from kindergarten through graduate schools. Of these, 72 percent aged 12 to 17 were judged academically "on track" for their age (enrolled in school at or above grade level). Of those enrolled in compulsory education, 5.2 million (10.4 percent) were attending private schools. Among the country's adult population, over 85 percent have completed high school and 27 percent have received a bachelor's degree or higher.kindergartengraduate schoolsbachelor's degreekindergartengraduate schoolsbachelor's degree

Government and Housing The west front of the United States Capitol, which houses the United States Congress The west front of the United States Capitol, which houses the United States CongressUnited States CapitolUnited States CongressUnited States CapitolUnited States Congress

The south façade of the White House, home and workplace of the U.S. president The south façade of the White House, home and workplace of the U.S. president White House U.S. president White House U.S. president

The west front of the United States Supreme Court Building The west front of the United States Supreme Court BuildingUnited States Supreme Court BuildingUnited States Supreme Court Building

Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, the world's largest bourse by dollar volume Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, the world's largest bourse by dollar volumeWall StreetNew York Stock ExchangeWall StreetNew York Stock Exchange

A middle-class suburban development in San Jose, California A middle-class suburban development in San Jose, California San Jose, California San Jose, California

Tract housing in Kentucky near Cincinnati, Ohio Tract housing in Kentucky near Cincinnati, OhioKentuckyCincinnatiOhioKentuckyCincinnatiOhio

The Texas Medical Center in Houston, the world's largest medical center The Texas Medical Center in Houston, the world's largest medical centerTexas Medical CenterHoustonTexas Medical CenterHouston

Culture The Statue of Liberty is a globally recognized symbol of both the United States and ideals such as freedom, democracy, and opportunity. The Statue of Liberty is a globally recognized symbol of both the United States and ideals such as freedom, democracy, and opportunity.Statue of LibertyStatue of Liberty

The United States is a multicultural nation, home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and values. Aside from the now small Native American and Native Hawaiian populations, nearly all Americans or their ancestors immigrated within the past five centuries. Mainstream American culture is a Western culture largely derived from the traditions of European immigrants with influences from many other sources, such as traditions brought by slaves from Africa. More recent immigration from Asia and especially Latin America has added to a cultural mix that has been described as both a homogenizing melting pot, and a heterogeneous salad bowl in which immigrants and their descendants retain distinctive cultural characteristics. The United States is a multicultural nation, home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and values. Aside from the now small Native American and Native Hawaiian populations, nearly all Americans or their ancestors immigrated within the past five centuries. Mainstream American culture is a Western culture largely derived from the traditions of European immigrants with influences from many other sources, such as traditions brought by slaves from Africa. More recent immigration from Asia and especially Latin America has added to a cultural mix that has been described as both a homogenizing melting pot, and a heterogeneous salad bowl in which immigrants and their descendants retain distinctive cultural characteristics.multicultural Native AmericanNative Hawaiian Western culture traditions of European immigrants traditions brought by slaves from AfricaAsia Latin America melting potsalad bowlmulticultural Native AmericanNative Hawaiian Western culture traditions of European immigrants traditions brought by slaves from AfricaAsia Latin America melting potsalad bowl

American culture is considered the most individualistic in the world. Though the American Dream, or the perception that Americans enjoy high social mobility, plays a key role in attracting immigrants, other developed nations offer greater social mobility. While the mainstream culture holds that the United States is a classless society, scholars identify significant differences between the country's social classes, affecting socialization, language, and values. American culture is considered the most individualistic in the world. Though the American Dream, or the perception that Americans enjoy high social mobility, plays a key role in attracting immigrants, other developed nations offer greater social mobility. While the mainstream culture holds that the United States is a classless society, scholars identify significant differences between the country's social classes, affecting socialization, language, and values. individualistic American Dreamsocial mobilityclassless societysocialization individualistic American Dreamsocial mobilityclassless societysocialization

The American middle and professional class has initiated many contemporary social trends such as modern feminism, environmentalism, and multiculturalism. Americans' self-images, social viewpoints, and cultural expectations are associated with their occupations to an unusually close degree. While Americans tend greatly to value socioeconomic achievement, being ordinary or average is generally seen as a positive attribute. The American middle and professional class has initiated many contemporary social trends such as modern feminism, environmentalism, and multiculturalism. Americans' self-images, social viewpoints, and cultural expectations are associated with their occupations to an unusually close degree. While Americans tend greatly to value socioeconomic achievement, being ordinary or average is generally seen as a positive attribute.American middle and professional classmodern feminism environmentalismordinary or averageAmerican middle and professional classmodern feminism environmentalismordinary or average

Times Square in New York City, part of the Broadway theater district Times Square in New York City, part of the Broadway theater districtTimes SquareNew York CityBroadway theater districtTimes SquareNew York CityBroadway theater district

Literature Mark TwainMark Twain is regarded as among the greatest writers in American history.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist. He is most noted for his novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), the latter often called "the Great American Novel." Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist. He is most noted for his novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), the latter often called "the Great American Novel."pen name humorist The Adventures of Tom SawyersequelAdventures of Huckleberry Finn Great American Novelpen name humorist The Adventures of Tom SawyersequelAdventures of Huckleberry Finn Great American Novel

Twain was born during a visit by Halley's Comet, and he predicted that he would "go out with it" as well. He died the day following the comet's subsequent return. He was lauded as the "greatest American humorist of his age, and William Faulkner called Twain "the father of American literature." Twain was born during a visit by Halley's Comet, and he predicted that he would "go out with it" as well. He died the day following the comet's subsequent return. He was lauded as the "greatest American humorist of his age, and William Faulkner called Twain "the father of American literature." Halley's CometWilliam Faulkner American literature Halley's CometWilliam Faulkner American literature

National Holidays FireworksFireworks light up the sky over the Washington Monument. Americans traditionally shoot fireworks throughout the night on the Fourth of July.Washington Monument

Martin Luther King Day memorializes the legacy of Dr. King, who is often regarded as the patriarch of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King is pictured above delivering his "I Have a Dream" speech. Martin Luther King Day memorializes the legacy of Dr. King, who is often regarded as the patriarch of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King is pictured above delivering his "I Have a Dream" speech.Martin Luther King DayDr. KingCivil Rights MovementI Have a DreamMartin Luther King DayDr. KingCivil Rights MovementI Have a Dream

Inauguration DayInauguration Day is the only Federal holiday that is not annual but rather occurs only once every four years. The day begins with the inauguration ceremony and ends with a military parade.Federal holiday

Halloween is often observed in the United States. It typically involves dressing up in costumes and an emphasis on the bizarre and frightening. Halloween is often observed in the United States. It typically involves dressing up in costumes and an emphasis on the bizarre and frightening.Halloween The United States observes holidays derived from events in American history, religious traditions, and national patriarchs. The United States observes holidays derived from events in American history, religious traditions, and national patriarchs.American historynational patriarchsAmerican historynational patriarchs

Thanksgiving has become a traditional American holiday which evolved from the custom of English pilgrims to “give thanks” for their welfare. Today, Thanksgiving is generally celebrated as a family reunion with a large afternoon feast. European colonization has led to many traditional Christian holidays such as Easter, Lent, St. Patrick’s Day, and Christmas to be observed albeit celebrated in a secular manner by many Americans today. Thanksgiving has become a traditional American holiday which evolved from the custom of English pilgrims to “give thanks” for their welfare. Today, Thanksgiving is generally celebrated as a family reunion with a large afternoon feast. European colonization has led to many traditional Christian holidays such as Easter, Lent, St. Patrick’s Day, and Christmas to be observed albeit celebrated in a secular manner by many Americans today.ThanksgivingEuropean colonizationLentSt. Patrick’s DayThanksgivingEuropean colonizationLentSt. Patrick’s Day

Independence Day (colloquially known as the Fourth of July) celebrates the anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. It is generally observed by parades throughout the day and the shooting of fireworks at night. Independence Day (colloquially known as the Fourth of July) celebrates the anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. It is generally observed by parades throughout the day and the shooting of fireworks at night.Independence DayDeclaration of Independence DayDeclaration of Independence Halloween is thought to have evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain which was introduced in the American colonies by Irish settlers. It has become a holiday that is celebrated by children and teens who traditionally dress up in costumes and go door to door trick-or-treating for candy. It also brings about an emphasis on eerie and frightening urban legends and movies. Halloween is thought to have evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain which was introduced in the American colonies by Irish settlers. It has become a holiday that is celebrated by children and teens who traditionally dress up in costumes and go door to door trick-or-treating for candy. It also brings about an emphasis on eerie and frightening urban legends and movies.HalloweenSamhainurban legendsHalloweenSamhainurban legends

Additionally, Mardi Gras, which evolved from the Catholic tradition of Carnival, is observed notably in New Orleans, St. Louis, and Mobile, Alabama as well as numerous other towns. Additionally, Mardi Gras, which evolved from the Catholic tradition of Carnival, is observed notably in New Orleans, St. Louis, and Mobile, Alabama as well as numerous other towns.Mardi GrasCarnivalSt. LouisMobile, AlabamaMardi GrasCarnivalSt. LouisMobile, Alabama

Federally recognized holidays are as follows: Federally recognized holidays are as follows:

Cuisine Main stream American cuisine is similar to that in other Western countries. Wheat is the primary cereal grain. Traditional American cuisine uses indigenous ingredients, such as turkey, venison, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, squash, and maple syrup, which were consumed by Native Americans and early European settlers. Slow-cooked pork and beef barbecue, crab cakes, potato chips, and chocolate chip cookies are distinctively American foods. Soul food, developed by African slaves, is popular around the South and among many African Americans elsewhere. Syncretic cuisines such as Louisiana creole, Cajun, and Tex-Mex are regionally important. Main stream American cuisine is similar to that in other Western countries. Wheat is the primary cereal grain. Traditional American cuisine uses indigenous ingredients, such as turkey, venison, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, squash, and maple syrup, which were consumed by Native Americans and early European settlers. Slow-cooked pork and beef barbecue, crab cakes, potato chips, and chocolate chip cookies are distinctively American foods. Soul food, developed by African slaves, is popular around the South and among many African Americans elsewhere. Syncretic cuisines such as Louisiana creole, Cajun, and Tex-Mex are regionally important.Soul foodSyncretic Louisiana creoleCajunTex-MexSoul foodSyncretic Louisiana creoleCajunTex-Mex

Characteristic dishes such as apple pie, fried chicken, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs derive from the recipes of various immigrants. French fries, Mexican dishes such as burritos and tacos, and pasta dishes freely adapted from Italian sources are widely consumed. Americans generally prefer coffee to tea. Marketing by U.S. industries is largely responsible for making orange juice and milk ubiquitous breakfast beverages. Characteristic dishes such as apple pie, fried chicken, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs derive from the recipes of various immigrants. French fries, Mexican dishes such as burritos and tacos, and pasta dishes freely adapted from Italian sources are widely consumed. Americans generally prefer coffee to tea. Marketing by U.S. industries is largely responsible for making orange juice and milk ubiquitous breakfast beverages.

The American fast food industry, the world's largest, pioneered the drive- through format in the 1930s. Fast food consumption has sparked health concerns. During the 1980s and 1990s, Americans' caloric intake rose 24%; frequent dining at fast food outlets is associated with what public health officials call the American "obesity epidemic". Highly sweetened soft drinks are widely popular, and sugared beverages account for 9% of American caloric intake. The American fast food industry, the world's largest, pioneered the drive- through format in the 1930s. Fast food consumption has sparked health concerns. During the 1980s and 1990s, Americans' caloric intake rose 24%; frequent dining at fast food outlets is associated with what public health officials call the American "obesity epidemic". Highly sweetened soft drinks are widely popular, and sugared beverages account for 9% of American caloric intake.fast fooddrive- throughobesity epidemicfast fooddrive- throughobesity epidemic

Representative American Foods Traditional Thanksgiving dinner with Turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner with Turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving A cream-based New England chowder, traditionally made with potatoes and clams. A cream-based New England chowder, traditionally made with potatoes and clams. chowder

A Caesar salad containing croutons, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire, and pepper. A Caesar salad containing croutons, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire, and pepper.Caesar saladCaesar salad Creole Jambalaya with shrimp, ham, tomato, and Andouille sausage.Jambalaya

Chicken Fried Steak (alternatively known as Country Fried Steak.) Chicken Fried Steak (alternatively known as Country Fried Steak.)Chicken Fried SteakChicken Fried Steak California club pizza with avocados and tomatoes.

A Chicago-style deep- dish pizza. A Chicago-style deep- dish pizza. A submarine sandwich which includes a variety of Italian luncheon meats.submarine sandwich

American style breakfast with pancakes, maple syrup, sausage links, bacon strips, and fried eggs. American style breakfast with pancakes, maple syrup, sausage links, bacon strips, and fried eggs. A hot dog sausage topped with beef chili, white onions and mustard.hot dog

A Barbecue pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw side dish. A Barbecue pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw side dish.Barbecue coleslawBarbecue coleslaw A meatloaf with a tomato sauce topping.meatloaf

An apple cobbler dessert. An apple cobbler dessert.apple cobblerapple cobbler A Hamburger, fries, and a soda from a fast-food restaurant.Hamburger friesfast-food

Sports A typical Baseball diamond as seen from the stadium. Traditionally the game is played for nine innings, but can be prolonged if there is a tie. A typical Baseball diamond as seen from the stadium. Traditionally the game is played for nine innings, but can be prolonged if there is a tie.Baseball diamond inningsBaseball diamond innings

A college football quarterbac k looking to pass the ball A college football quarterbac k looking to pass the ballcollege football quarterbac k passcollege football quarterbac k pass

The opening of College football season is a major part of American culture and tradition. Massive marching bands accompanied by cheerleaders and colorguard are almost universal at American football games, especially during halftime. Although high school bands tend to be much smaller, it is rare for a game not to feature a marching band at halftime. The opening of College football season is a major part of American culture and tradition. Massive marching bands accompanied by cheerleaders and colorguard are almost universal at American football games, especially during halftime. Although high school bands tend to be much smaller, it is rare for a game not to feature a marching band at halftime.College football marching bands cheerleadersAmerican footballhalftimeCollege football marching bands cheerleadersAmerican footballhalftime

Bowling is a popular pastime for Americans of all ages. Bowling is a popular pastime for Americans of all ages.Bowling

Baseball is the oldest of the major American team sports. Professional baseball dates from 1869 and had no close rivals in popularity until the 1960s. Though baseball is no longer the most popular sport, it is still referred to as the "national sport". Also unlike the professional levels of the other popular spectator sports in the U.S., Major League Baseball teams play almost every day from April to October. American football, known in the United States as simply "football", now attracts more television viewers than baseball, however, the National Football League season lasts from September to December, ending with the playoffs and Super Bowl in January and February. Baseball is the oldest of the major American team sports. Professional baseball dates from 1869 and had no close rivals in popularity until the 1960s. Though baseball is no longer the most popular sport, it is still referred to as the "national sport". Also unlike the professional levels of the other popular spectator sports in the U.S., Major League Baseball teams play almost every day from April to October. American football, known in the United States as simply "football", now attracts more television viewers than baseball, however, the National Football League season lasts from September to December, ending with the playoffs and Super Bowl in January and February.Baseballnational sportMajor League Baseball American footballNational Football LeagueSuper BowlBaseballnational sportMajor League Baseball American footballNational Football LeagueSuper Bowl

Basketball is another major sport, represented professionally by the National Basketball Association. It was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891, by Canadian-born physical education teacher James Naismith. College basketball is also popular, thanks in large part to the NCAA Tournament in March, also known as March Madness. Basketball is another major sport, represented professionally by the National Basketball Association. It was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891, by Canadian-born physical education teacher James Naismith. College basketball is also popular, thanks in large part to the NCAA Tournament in March, also known as March Madness.BasketballNational Basketball AssociationSpringfield, MassachusettsJames NaismithCollege basketballBasketballNational Basketball AssociationSpringfield, MassachusettsJames NaismithCollege basketball FootballFootball, known in many anglophone countries as "American football", is considered to be the most popular sport in the United States. The 32-team National Football League (NFL) is the most popular professional American football league. Its championship game, the Super Bowl has often been the highest rated television show, with an audience of over 100 million viewers annually. anglophoneNational Football LeagueSuper Bowl FootballanglophoneNational Football LeagueSuper Bowl

Ice hockey is the fourth leading professional team sport. Always a mainstay of Great Lakes and New England-area culture, the sport gained tenuous footholds in regions like the American South since the early 1990s, as the National Hockey League pursued a policy of expansion. Ice hockey is the fourth leading professional team sport. Always a mainstay of Great Lakes and New England-area culture, the sport gained tenuous footholds in regions like the American South since the early 1990s, as the National Hockey League pursued a policy of expansion.Ice hockeyGreat LakesNew EnglandNational Hockey LeagueIce hockeyGreat LakesNew EnglandNational Hockey League College footballCollege football throughout the autumn months, and basketball also attract audiences of millions. Some communities, particularly in rural areas, place great emphasis on their local high school football team. American football games usually include cheerleaders and marching bands, which aim to raise school spirit and entertain the crowd at half-time. basketballhigh school footballcheerleadersmarching bandshalf-time College footballbasketballhigh school footballcheerleadersmarching bandshalf-time

Boxing and horse racing were once the most watched individual sports, but they have been eclipsed by golf and auto racing, particularly NASCAR. Tennis and many outdoor sports are also popular. Boxing and horse racing were once the most watched individual sports, but they have been eclipsed by golf and auto racing, particularly NASCAR. Tennis and many outdoor sports are also popular.Boxinghorse racinggolfauto racing NASCARTennisBoxinghorse racinggolfauto racing NASCARTennis What is known in the rest of the world as "football", is called soccer in the United States. Though not a leading professional sport, it is played widely at the youth and amateur levels. A recent addition as an American pastime, it gained popularity in the later half of the 20th century. The creation of professional leagues such as MLS, and the success of US national teams has fueled its growth to sport, that is now widely played throughout all age groups. What is known in the rest of the world as "football", is called soccer in the United States. Though not a leading professional sport, it is played widely at the youth and amateur levels. A recent addition as an American pastime, it gained popularity in the later half of the 20th century. The creation of professional leagues such as MLS, and the success of US national teams has fueled its growth to sport, that is now widely played throughout all age groups.soccerMLSsoccerMLS