Country Profile: United States

The United States of America is located in North America, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. It has a temperate climate with diverse geographical features, including vast plains, mountain ranges, and coastlines along both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The U.S. boasts a population of approximately 342 million, characterized by its cultural diversity and significant urbanization, with about 83% living in cities. The country has the largest economy in the world, primarily driven by its service sector, technological innovation, and natural resources. It operates as a constitutional federal republic with a rich history of democratic governance since declaring independence in 1776.

Geography

The U.S. covers an area of approximately 9.83 million square kilometers, making it the world's third-largest country. It features a variety of terrains, including mountains, plains, and coastlines stretching nearly 20,000 kilometers. The climate is mostly temperate, with variations such as tropical conditions in parts of Florida and Hawaii and arctic climates in Alaska. The nation experiences a range of natural hazards including earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.

19,924 km of coastline
12,002 km of land borders with Canada and Mexico
3,768 km Missouri River – the longest river in the U.S.
6,190 m elevation of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America
341,963,408 population estimate for 2024

People and Society

The U.S. has a diverse population of over 341 million individuals with a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including approximately 62% White, 12% Black or African American, and about 18.7% identifying as Hispanic. The country has a high level of urbanization, with major cities like New York and Los Angeles being significant cultural and economic centers. The median age is around 38.9 years, reflecting a balanced demographic with a notable elderly population.

18.5% of the population is aged 65 and older
93% internet penetration rate (2023)
4.6% growth in urban population from 2020 to 2025
80.9 years life expectancy (2024)

Economy

The U.S. holds the position of the world's largest economy, with a nominal GDP of approximately $29.19 trillion estimated for 2024. The economic structure is heavily service-oriented, with services accounting for nearly 80% of the GDP. The nation is characterized by strong consumer spending and high levels of public and private investment. Despite its financial strength, the country faces challenges such as high public debt and persistent inflation rates.

2.8% projected GDP growth (2024)
4.2% unemployment rate (2024)
$75,500 GDP per capita (2024)
67.9% of GDP is consumer spending

Government

The U.S. is a constitutional federal republic with a president serving as both the head of state and government. The capital is Washington, D.C., and the country is divided into 50 states and a federal district. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Congress, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate. The government operates under a legal system rooted in English common law, and the Constitution has been amended several times since its ratification in 1788.

50 states and 1 federal district (Washington, D.C.)
3 branches of government: Executive, Legislative, Judicial
18 years is the minimum voting age
35% of Congress members are women (combined chambers)

Military and Security

The U.S. maintains one of the world's most advanced military forces, with approximately 1.28 million active-duty personnel. Military expenditure accounts for about 3.4% of the GDP, reflecting the country's emphasis on defense. The military's global presence includes over 200,000 personnel stationed abroad, playing a crucial role in international security and defense initiatives.

3.4% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024)
450,000 personnel in the Army
94 operational nuclear reactors (2025)
200,000+ troops deployed overseas

Energy

The U.S. possesses a diverse energy portfolio, relying heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation. The electricity access rate is nearly 100%, and the country has significant production in coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Renewable energy sources are gradually increasing in contribution to the overall energy mix.

1,235 billion kW installed electricity generation capacity (2023)
20.307 million bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2024)
534.234 million metric tons of coal produced (2023)
100% electrification rate (2022)

Environment

Environmental issues in the U.S. include air and water pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. The country participates in various international environmental agreements aimed at mitigating climate change and protecting natural resources. Urbanization and industrialization have led to increased scrutiny of waste management and conservation efforts.

34.6% of municipal solid waste recycled (2014)
3.07 trillion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2020)
7.18 μg/m³ particulate matter emissions (2019)

Transportation

The U.S. has an extensive transportation network, including over 16,000 airports and a vast railway system. The infrastructure supports both passenger and freight movement, facilitating economic activities across the nation. Additionally, the country has numerous ports that serve as crucial hubs for international trade.

16,116 airports (2025)
293,564.2 km of railway tracks (2014)
3,533 merchant marine vessels (2023)

Communications

The communications landscape in the U.S. is highly developed, with widespread access to telecommunications and internet services. Nearly 100% of the population has access to improved drinking water sources, reflecting the country's advanced infrastructure.

386 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
87.987 million fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
93% internet user rate (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	341,963,408	2024 estimate
Area	9,833,517 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$29.185 trillion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption	278.474 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	12.2 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	80.9 years	2024 estimate