United States “Land of opportunity”

“Land of opportunity” A capitalist economic system Democratic Government Guaranteed rights “Bill of Rights” Attracted millions of Immigrants from all over the world.

Facts The United States is the world’s 3rd largest nation based on area. It is the 3rd largest nation based on population. 313,847,465 (July 2012 est.) 3,717,796 square miles

1China 1,343,239,923 July 2012 est. 2India 1,205,073,612 3United States 313,847,465 4Indonesia 248,645,008 5Brazil 199,321,413

Gross Domestic Product Gross domestic product (GDP) is the market value of all officially recognized final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. GDP per capita is often considered an indicator of a country's standard of living The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $48,100.

How did the US become wealthy? An abundance of natural resources. Some of the best farmland in the world Produces more food than it needs Vast forest Abundance of minerals such as fossil fuels, copper, uranium, and iron ore, has supported industries

How did the US become wealthy? 2. The ability to move resources, goods, and people quickly The US could not have turned it’s resources into wealth without an extensive transportation system. Seaports, railways, and highways allow quick movement to and from factories and markets.

How did the US become wealthy? 3. Improved Communication The development of new and better forms of communication (Phones, TV, Satellites Technology and the Internet.) Help spread ideas and products to markets

How did the US become wealthy? 4. Respecting the Individual The belief in Individual equality, opportunity, and freedom have allowed people to be creative. Capitalism rewards people who work hard and take risks. Free Enterprise- gives people the opportunity to own and profit from their own business.

US Population Patterns Traditionally the Northeast portion of the US has been the most densely settled part of the country.

US Population Patterns The western and southern states are now growing faster as people “follow” industries. Nevada is the fastest growing state with Las Vegas being the fastest growing city.

US Population Patterns (cont.) Companies are choosing these new locations for the following reasons: Quality of Life – new and growing cities with much to offer in terms of entertainment and quality of schools. Labor Force – A well trained pool of potential employees or low cost labor, (few unions). Climate – The invention of air conditioning has eliminated the concern of the hot climate, and winters are mild.

US Population Patterns (cont.) California is now our most populous state, (over 38 million). Texas is second, (about 26 million), and New York is a close third.

Population density New Jersey has the highest population density, about 1,189 residents per square mile. Rhode Island is a close second. South Carolina’s population density is about 119.

America’s most famous city. NYC and the 5 Themes of Geography

New York City A major seaport and rail center. Three major international airports. Nations commercial and financial center. The city is the site of stock exchanges, corporate headquarters, major banks, law firms, publishers, and advertising agencies. Center of the nation’s garment industry and an international fashion center Center of entertainment; theater, arts, as well as home to the major TV networks.

New York City (cont.) NY is divided into five boroughs, or administrative units. These are Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. The commercial heart is Manhattan Island Because of its port, New York was a major entrance point into the US. This is why NY is a city of great ethnic diversity.

The Southern States – The Sun Belt Because of its climate and good soils, this region has historically been agricultural. Most of the southern US has a humid-subtropical climate; long, hot, and humid summers and mild winters. For much of US history, the population of the southern states remained low. Today that is changing. The populations of all southern states are rising as more people move into the region. Texas is now our second most populous state in the south.

The Southern States – The Sun Belt (cont.) The southern states contain about 90% of the US textile industry, (cloth making). Many new industries are moving to southern states, to take advantage of milder climates, lower taxes and low-cost labor.

The Southern States – The Sun Belt (cont.) Tourism continues to be a major industry in the south. Warm winters have made many southern beaches and attractions year-round destinations. (Orlando, Myrtle Beach, etc.) Tourism is South Carolina’s largest industry, employing more people than any other business in the state.

The Southern States – The Sun Belt (cont.) Problems: The rapid growth of Sun Belt cities and the coastal areas have contributed to traffic congestion, air pollution, and the strain on public facilities such as schools, water supplies and public transportation.