The United States of America

    The United States of America (also called the United States, the U.S., the USA, America, and the States) is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its forty-eight contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the capital district, lie between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The state of Alaska is in the northwest of the continent, with Canada to the east and Russia to the west across the Bering Strait. The state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific. The country also possesses several territories in the Pacific and Caribbean.

    At 3.79 million square miles (9.83 million km2) and with over 312 million people, the United States is the third or fourth largest country by total area, and the third largest by both land area and population. It is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, the product of large-scale immigration from many countries.[6] The U.S. economy is the world's largest national economy. 

    American Holidays 

    Learn more about holidays celebrated by many Americans, such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.

    Americans celebrate a variety of federal holidays and other national observances throughout the year. American holidays can be secular, religious, international, or uniquely American.

    With the wide variety of federal holidays, and the many levels of American government, it can be confusing to determine what public and private facilities are open on or around a given federal holiday. You can usually find such information in the daily newspaper or by calling the office you wish to visit.

    The following are American federal holidays and other common national observances. Federal holidays are indicated as such.

    New Year's Day is January 1. The celebration of this federal holiday begins the night before, when Americans gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous coming year. Many Americans make New Year's resolutions.

    Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was an African-American clergyman who is recognized for his tireless efforts to win civil rights for all people through nonviolent means.

    Groundhog Day is February 2, and has been celebrated since 1887. On Groundhog Day, crowds gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see if groundhog Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow after emerging from his burrow, thus predicting six more weeks of winter weather.

    Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. The day was named after an early Christian martyr, and on Valentine's Day, Americans give presents like candy or flowers to the ones they love. The first mass-produced valentine cards were sold in the 1840s.

    Washington's Birthday is a federal holiday observed the third Monday of February to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States. This date is commonly called Presidents' Day and many groups honor the legacy of past presidents on this date.

    Easter falls on a spring Sunday that varies from year to year. Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Easter is a day of religious services and the gathering of family. Many Americans follow old traditions of coloring hard-boiled eggs and giving children baskets of candy.

    Earth Day is observed on April 22. First celebrated in 1970 in the United States, it inspired national legislation such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Earth Day is designed to promote ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and highlight concern over pollution of the soil, air, and water.

    National Arbor Day was proclaimed as the last Friday in April by President Richard Nixon in 1970. A number of state Arbor Days are observed at other times to coincide with the best tree planting weather, from January and February in the south to May in the far north. The observance began in 1872, when Nebraska settlers and homesteaders were urged to plant trees on the largely treeless plains.

    Mother's Day celebrates mothers every second Sunday of May. President Woodrow Wilson, who issued a proclamation in 1914, asked Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers on this day. Carnations have come to represent Mother's Day, following President William McKinley's habit of always wearing a white carnation, his mother's favorite flower.

    Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed the last Monday of May. It originally honored the people killed in the American Civil War, but has become a day on which the American dead of all wars, and the dead generally, are remembered in special programs held in cemeteries, churches, and other public meeting places. The flying of the American flag is widespread.

    Flag Day, celebrated June 14, has been a presidentially proclaimed observance since 1916. Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, Americans are encouraged to display the flag outside their homes and businesses on this day to honor the history and heritage the American flag represents.

    Father's Day celebrates fathers every third Sunday of June. Father's Day began in 1909 in Spokane, Washington, when a daughter requested a special day to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised his children after his wife died. The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson.

    Independence Day is July 4. This federal holiday honors the nation's birthday - the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks. The flying of the American flag is widespread.

    Labor Day is the first Monday of September. This federal holiday honors the nation's working people, typically with parades. For most Americans it marks the end of the summer vacation season and the start of the school year.

    Columbus Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October. The day commemorates October 12, 1492, when Italian navigator Christopher Columbus landed in the New World. The holiday was first proclaimed in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

    Halloween is celebrated on October 31. On Halloween, American children dress up in funny or scary costumes and go "trick or treating" by knocking on doors in their neighborhood. The neighbors are expected to respond by giving them small gifts of candy or money.

    Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11. Originally called Armistice Day, this federal holiday was established to honor Americans who had served in World War I, but it now honors veterans of all wars in which the U.S. has fought. Veterans' organizations hold parades, and the president places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

    Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Many regard this event as the nation's first Thanksgiving.The Thanksgiving feast became a national tradition and almost always includes some of the foods served at the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

    Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is December 7. In 1994, Congress designated this national observance to honor the more than 2,400 military service personnel who died on this date in 1941, during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by Japanese forces. The attack on Pearl Harbor caused the United States to enter World War II.

    Christmas Day is a federal holiday celebrated on December 25. Christmas is a Christian holiday marking the birth of the Christ Child. Decorating houses and yards with lights, putting up Christmas trees, giving gifts, and sending greeting cards have become holiday traditions even for many non-Christian Americans. Find holiday tips to help you celebrate.

    Other Celebrations

    Various ethnic and religious groups in America celebrate days with special meaning to them even though these are not national holidays. Jews, for example, observe their high holy days in September, Muslims celebrate Ramadan, African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa, Irish Americans celebrate the old country's patron saint, St. Patrick, on March 17, and Mardi Gras is the day before the Christian season of Lent begins and is a big occasion in New Orleans, Louisiana, where huge parades and wild revels take place. There are many other such religious and ethnic celebrations in the United States.

    Famous places.

    1. New York City, New York

    Commonly known as the Big Apple, New York City, which is located in the state of the same name, is one of the most fascinating in the world. It’s a melting pot of cultures that’s filled with history and entertainment. This comes in the way of numerous museums, theatres, libraries, skyscrapers, parks, and unique neighbourhoods. It’s one of the most vibrant cities on the planet.

    2. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

    This canyon, carved out by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona is one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. It’s about 18 miles wide, 277 miles long and reaches a depth of about a mile. Much of the amazing canyon is situated in Grand Canyon National Park, which is one of America’s oldest parks.

    3. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington DC

    Washington is known as the political centre of America. It’s also filled with interesting museums and monuments that celebrate the country’s history. The Vietnam and Korean War Memorials are here as well as the Capitol Building, White House, and the Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson Memorial.

    4. Hawaii

    The beautiful and lush Hawaiian Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean to the west of the American mainland and make up one of the 50 American states. It’s known for its spectacular beaches, trails, mountains, and overall views. There are plenty of hotels, resorts, and fine restaurants.

    5. Niagara Falls, New York

    The famous Niagara Falls sits on the American-Canadian border between the province of Ontario and the state of New York. Surprisingly, the American side of Niagara Falls peaceful and quiet compared the glitzy Canadian side. However, all of the grandeur of the falls is still present along with the thunderous roar of the water and some beautiful local parks and greenery. The views are amazing, especially from the Maid of the Mist boat below the falls, and the town is fun to explore as well. It’s also a popular spot for honeymooning couples.

    6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

    This is generally regarded as the most popular park in the land as well as one of the oldest. Established in 1872, Yellowstone stretches over three American states, with the majority of it being located in Wyoming. The natural beauty is endless with its waterfalls, geysers, and lakes and it’s an ideal spot for activities such as camping, hiking, boating, and fishing.

    7. Disneyworld/Disneyland

    America is fortunate to host both of these famous theme parks. Disneyworld is located in Orlando, Florida, while Disneyland sits out on the west coast in Anaheim, California. The parks are ideal for people of all ages with their thrilling roller coasters, live fairy tales, and assortment of lovable Walt Disney characters.

    8. San Francisco, California

    This might surprise some people, but the charming west coast city of San Francisco has its own character. There’s plenty to see and do with the Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge being popular attractions along with the old-fashioned streetcars. The Pacific Ocean also supplies San Francisco with some of the best seafood in the nation.

    9. Hollywood, California

    The famous film Mecca of the world is a district in the city of Los Angeles. You’ll be able to see the historic Hollywood sign along with the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, wax museums, and tour Universal Studios. There’s something for everyone no matter what your movies tastes are.

    10. Las Vegas, Nevada

    This desert oasis in the state of Nevada is nicknamed Sin City. It’s filled with neon lights, 24-hour casinos and world-class golf courses, restaurants, entertainment, theme resorts and hotels. There’s always something going on here for people of all ages and there’s lots of interesting landscapes to see in the surrounding area.