The United States is a federal union of fifty states. The original thirteen states were the successors of the thirteen colonies that rebelled from British rule. Most of the rest have been carved from territory obtained through war or purchased by the US Government. The exceptions are Vermont, Texas and Hawaii, each was an independent republic before joining the union. Apart from the temporary secessions of the southern states during the American Civil War, the number of states has never shrunk.
Early in the country's history, three states were created out of the territory of existing ones: Kentucky from Virginia; Tennessee from North Carolina and Maine from Massachusetts. West Virginia broke away from Virginia during the Civil War. Otherwise, state borders have been largely stable, the only major exceptions are cessions by Maryland and Virginia to create the District of Columbia (Virginia's portion was later returned); a cession by Georgia, and expansions by Missouri and Nevada. The most recent state "Hawaii" achieved statehood on August 21, 1959.
The states comprise the vast bulk of US territory, the only other areas considered integral parts of the country are the District of Columbia, the federal district where the capital, Washington, is located and Palmyra Atoll, an uninhabited but incorporated territory in the Pacific Ocean.
General Information
| Official Name: | United States of America |
| Abbreviations: | U.S. / U.S.A. |
| Capital: | Washington, D.C. |
| Size: | 9,529,063 km² (plus approximately 10,360 km² for outlaying territories and other politically associated areas) |
| Population: | 307 million |
| Borders: | North : Canada
East : Atlantic Ocean
South : Mexico and Gulf of Mexico
West : Pacific Ocean |
| Currency: | US Dollar / US$ / USD |
| Official Language: | English |
| Nationality / People: | A person of American nationality is an American |
| Demonym: | American |
| Largest City: | New York City |
Government: Federal Constitutional Republic
| President: | Barack H. Obama |
| Vice President: | Joseph Robinette Biden |
Speaker of the House: | John Boehner |
| Chief Justice: | John G. Roberts |
Independence from Great Britain
| Declared: | July 4, 1776 |
| Recognised: | September 3, 1783 |
Other Information
| Motto: | "In God We Trust" (since 1956)
" E Pluribus Unum" ("From Many, One"; Latin, tradit) |
| Anthem: | "The Star-Spangled Banner" |
| Flag: |  |
| Main colours of American Flag: | Red, White and Blue The flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice. |
Main Industries:
Petroleum, motor vehicles, aerospace, steel, telecommunications, electronics, food processing, chemicals, consumer goods, mining, lumbering.
Agricultural Products:
Wheat , corn, fruits, vegetables, cotton, beef, poultry, pork, forest products, dairy products, fish.
Entry Requirements:
For entering the United States of America all our programs require the J1-Visa. The required documents will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Immunisation / Health:
We recommend getting a check-up at your medical practitioner prior to your departure and turning to him for advice.
