United States Explore this region: Select a page Alaska Central United States Eastern United States Hawaii Southern United States Western United States 2023-2024 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA General Information United States of America (USA) and photos our USA travels between 1975 and 2023. 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). 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. Capital & Major Cities Capital: Washington, D.C. Major cities: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, San Francisco. 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. Economy Major industries: technology, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, automotive, agriculture, finance. Currency US Dollar (USD) Language English is the de facto national language. Spanish is the second most spoken language due to a large Hispanic population. Culture A global leader in music, film, TV, sports, and fashion. 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. 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