United States of America

Facts United States

• Declaration of independence from England on July 4, 1776.
• 13 former colonies: Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia
• At 9,834,000 square kilometers, the third largest country in the world after Russia and Canada.
• Varied landscape with deserts in the southwest, mountains such as the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians, fertile plains in the middle of the country and long coastlines on the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico.
• There are a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and cultural sites such as Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
• The USA is the third most populous country in the world with a variety of ethnic groups and cultures.
• American culture is characterized by cultural diversity, which is reflected in music, art, literature, film and culinary traditions.
• Federal system of government consisting of a federal government and constituent states as well as representative democracy with a president as head of state and a bicameral congress.
• A total of 50 states, with Alaska and Hawaii last added in 1959.
• Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States of America and, as the political center of the country, the seat of important government buildings and institutions. As a federal district, the District of Columbia (D.C.) is an independent political unit that reports directly to the federal government.
• By far the largest economy in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), with a wide range of industries including technology, finance, agriculture, automotive manufacturing and entertainment.
• The US dollar (USD) is the most widely used currency in the world and the US economy has a significant influence on the global economy.
• The USA is a leader in higher education and is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford and many others.

Travel time United States

The best time to travel to the USA depends heavily on the region in question, as the country has a wide range of climate zones and weather conditions due to its size and diversity.

Northeast

The Northeast, with states such as New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, has a temperate continental climate. Summers are warm to hot and winters are cold to very cold with frequent snowfall, especially in the more northern states. Autumn (September to November) offers mild weather and spectacular foliage colors. Spring (April to June) is also pleasant with landscapes in bloom.

Southeast

The southeast of the USA includes states such as Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. The climate in this region is generally subtropical to humid and varies depending on the season. The winter months (December to February) are mild and pleasant. Spring and fall are also good times to avoid the crowds.

Midwest

The Midwest, which includes states such as Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, has a temperate continental climate. The summers are warm to hot and the winters cold to very cold with a wide variation in precipitation. Summer (June to August) offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the city. Spring and fall are also good seasons to enjoy the mild weather and events.

South

The south, with states such as Florida, Texas and Georgia, has a subtropical to tropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms and mild winters, although some southern regions can have milder winters.

Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains, which run through several states such as Colorado, have a mountain climate. The altitude leads to cooler temperatures with cold winters and mild summers. Snowfall is frequent at higher altitudes. Summer (June to August) offers pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Autumn with clear weather and beautiful landscapes for mountain hikes.

Northwest

The Northwest, including the states of Washington and Oregon, has a temperate oceanic climate. It is known for its mild, humid winters and warm summers. Rain falls all year round, especially in the coastal areas.

West

The West, including the states of California, Nevada and Arizona, has a variety of climate zones. The coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate with mild, humid winters and dry, hot summers. Further inland there is a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are often more pleasant seasons.

Events United States

If New Year’s Day, Independence Day or Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also a public holiday. If one of these days falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is a public holiday.