Summary
The United States is a country in North America made up of 50 states, plus the federal capital, Washington D.C. Forty-eight states are together between Canada and Mexico; the other two are apart: Alaska, in the north-west, and Hawaii, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.
It is one of the largest and most populated countries in the world. Its territory is very varied: the Rocky Mountains to the west, the great plains in the centre, the Great Lakes to the north and rivers such as the Mississippi. Each state has its own government and laws, within a federal system.
Key points
- The United States has 50 states; its capital is Washington D.C.
- 48 states are together, between Canada and Mexico.
- Alaska (north-west) and Hawaii (Pacific) are separate from the rest.
- It is one of the largest and most populated countries in the world.
- Varied relief: the Rocky Mountains, the great plains and the Great Lakes.
- The Mississippi is one of its great rivers.
- It is a federal country: each state has its own government and laws.