us-policy-digest
Criminal Justice Economy Education Environment Government Health Foreign Policy Social Welfare
 



 

The United States of America

The United States is a country in North America that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and shares land borders with Canada and Mexico. The United States is a federal constitutional republic, with its capital in Washington, D.C. At over 3.7 million square miles, the United States is the third largest country by total area. It is the world's third most populous nation, with over 300 million people.

The United States was founded by 13 colonies that declared their independence from Great Britain, on 4 July 1776, under the name The United States of America, and were recognized by Britain as sovereign states in 1783. The United States has existed continuously as a united, sovereign, national state since it adopted the Articles of Confederation, on 1 March 1781.

The nation's form of government was significantly altered when it adopted the current Constitution, the Articles' replacement, on 17 September 1787. American military, economic, cultural, and political influence increased through the 19th and 20th centuries.

 

 Relates Articles, Sites and Resources

News

Web Directories

Internet Sites 

  • America's Library  - Discover the stories of America's past. Meet amazing Americans from the past and present, explore the states, and read about everyday life.
  • American Folklore - Retellings of American folktales, tall tales, myths and legends, weather folklore, and ghost stories from each of the 50 states.
  • BBC News - Country Profile: United States of America - Provides overview, key facts and events, timelines and leader profiles along with current news.

Articles