United States | North America

The United States is situated in central North America, bordering Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. It is a federal republic comprising 50 states, with a geography that ranges from the Atlantic coastal plain to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific coastline. The capital is Washington, D.C.

History & Culture

The United States declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. Its history is marked by westward expansion, the Civil War (1861–1865), and its emergence as a global superpower following World War II. The culture is highly diverse due to centuries of immigration, often described as a "melting pot." Primary religious affiliations are Christianity (approx. 70%) and irreligious/secular (approx. 23%). Independence Day (July 4) is the preeminent national holiday.

Language & Communication

There is no official language at the federal level, though English is the de facto national language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Spanish is the second most common language. English proficiency is universal in professional and administrative sectors.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 343 million, with 83% urban and 17% rural distribution. The U.S. possesses the world's largest nominal GDP. Top export commodities include refined petroleum, aircraft/aerospace components, and integrated circuits. GDP per capita is approximately $92,800 USD. The economy is driven by technology, finance, healthcare, and consumer services.

Visa & Entry Policy

Citizens of the UK, EU, and other Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nations require an approved ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Most other international travelers require a B1/B2 visitor visa. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Security at ports of entry is high, with strict enforcement of customs regulations regarding food and agricultural products.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). The country has a dominant credit and debit card culture; "tap-to-pay" and mobile wallets are nearly universal in urban areas. Cash remains relevant for small-scale tipping, laundromats, and some rural vendors. ATMs are ubiquitous.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is primarily conducted via domestic aviation, with major hubs including Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), and Dallas (DFW). Personal vehicles are the standard for terrestrial travel via the Interstate Highway System. Amtrak provides passenger rail, with the highest frequency in the Northeast Corridor (Washington D.C. to Boston). Long-distance bus services are provided by Greyhound and FlixBus.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is widespread in metropolitan areas and along major highways. 4G LTE remains the standard in rural regions, though coverage is minimal in deep wilderness and national park interiors.

Climate & Seasonality

The U.S. contains nearly every major climate type. The East and Midwest feature humid continental or subtropical climates; the West is characterized by arid deserts and Mediterranean coasts; the Pacific Northwest is temperate and oceanic. Wet and dry seasons vary by region: the West Coast is wettest in winter, while the Great Plains and Southeast experience peak precipitation and storm activity in spring and summer.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for general entry, though proof of certain vaccinations may be required for long-term residents or students. Environmental risks include hurricanes (Atlantic/Gulf coasts), tornadoes (Central/Southeast), and wildfires (West). The universal emergency number for Police, Fire, and Ambulance is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Northeast Megalopolis (Finance/History): Hub city is New York City.

West Coast (Tech/Entertainment): Hub city is Los Angeles.

South/Gulf Coast (Energy/Space): Hub city is Houston.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.50 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $7.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Unlimited Data): $50.00 USD

Facts & Legends

A prominent American legend is that of "Bigfoot" (or Sasquatch), a purported ape-like creature said to inhabit the forests of the Pacific Northwest; while no scientific evidence confirms its existence, it remains a significant fixture in North American folklore and cryptozoology.