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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

General Information United States of America (USA) and photos  our USA travels between 1975 and 2023. 

1. Geography & Location

• Located in North America, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
• Has 50 states, including Alaska (northwest of Canada) and Hawaii (in the Pacific Ocean).
• Diverse landscapes: mountains (Rockies, Appalachians), plains, deserts (Arizona, Nevada), and coastlines (Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico).

2. Population

• Approx. 335 million people (2024 estimate).
• Third most populous country after China and India.
• Highly diverse population: descendants of immigrants, Indigenous peoples, African Americans, Latinos, and more.

3. Capital & Major Cities

• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Major cities: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, San Francisco.

4. Government

• The U.S. political system is highly influential globally and features a complex blend of federalism, democracy, and checks and balances.

• 50 individual state governments with their own laws and governors.

5. Economy

• Major industries: technology, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, automotive, agriculture, finance.

6. Currency

• US Dollar (USD)

7. Language

• English is the de facto national language.
• Spanish is the second most spoken language due to a large Hispanic population.

8. Culture

• A global leader in music, film, TV, sports, and fashion.

9. Climate

• Ranges from arctic (Alaska) to tropical (Hawaii, Florida).
• Four-season climate in most parts, with harsh winters in the north and hot summers in the south.

10. Tourism in the USA

The U.S. is one of the most visited countries in the world, known for its diversity in geography, culture, and experiences. Travelers can enjoy everything from bustling cities to serene national parks.

• Top destinations: New York City, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Disney World, Los Angeles, and national parks.
• Major entry points: New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD).

✈️ Top Tourist Attractions

• New York City – Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, Statue of Liberty
• Los Angeles – Hollywood, Venice Beach, Universal Studios
• Las Vegas – Casinos, shows, nightlife
• Orlando – Theme parks (Disney World, Universal Studios)
• Washington, D.C. – White House, museums, monuments
• San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island
• Chicago – Architecture, museums, food scene

🌍 International Tourism Appeal

• Easy access for many travelers via major international hubs
• Huge variety: mountains, beaches, deserts, forests, cities

🏕️ Ecotourism & Adventure

• National Parks (more below)
• Hiking, skiing, kayaking, camping, 4WD/off-roading
• Wildlife spotting, including bears, elk, bison, alligators

🌲 2. Nature in the USA

The USA is a natural wonderland with some of the most iconic landscapes and ecosystems on Earth.

🏞️ National Parks

• Over 420 units managed by the National Park Service (NPS), including:
  • Yellowstone – geysers, wildlife, first national park (1872)
  • Grand Canyon – breathtaking geology
  • Yosemite – waterfalls, granite cliffs, sequoias
  • Zion, Bryce, Arches – dramatic desert landscapes in Utah
  • Everglades – wetlands and wildlife in Florida
  • Great Smoky Mountains – most visited park, Appalachian charm

🌵 Natural Landscapes

• Deserts: Mojave, Sonoran, Great Basin
• Forests: Pacific Northwest rainforests, Appalachian hardwoods
• Mountains: Rockies, Sierra Nevada, Alaska Range
• Coasts: California beaches, New England cliffs, Gulf Coast wetlands
• Lakes & Rivers: Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Colorado River

🐾 Wildlife

• Bears, wolves, moose, alligators, eagles, whales
• Protected areas across the country for conservation

Pictures below from previous trips to the USA between 1974 and 2023. 

The biggest surprise for us was to be told that in 1995 just 10% of the population had a passport which only grew to 40% in 2019. AMAZING.

PHOTO’s  UNDER CONSTRUCTION