The United States: A Country Overview for Travellers

The United States of America is a vast federal republic in North America — the world’s third-most-populous country and, by most measures, the third or fourth largest by area. Made up of 50 states plus the federal District of Columbia, it stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and packs in almost every kind of landscape and climate on earth. Here is a quick traveller’s overview.

The capital is Washington, D.C.

Size and Location

Most of the country sits on the North American mainland, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the Pacific washing the west coast and the Atlantic the east. Beyond the “lower 48” lie two very different states: Alaska in the far northwest, and the Hawaiian islands out in the Pacific.

Government

The USA is a federal presidential republic, governed under a constitution adopted in 1787 — the world’s oldest still in use. The president is head of state and commander-in-chief; the Supreme Court leads the judiciary; and politics is dominated by two parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. Each of the 50 states has its own constitution and government too.

Landscapes and Climate

The geography is staggeringly varied. From the Atlantic coast, the land rises to the ancient Appalachian Mountains, then rolls west across the Great Plains before climbing into the Rockies and the wider Cordillera, and dropping again to the Pacific. Climates span the full range — Arctic in Alaska, desert in the Southwest, subtropical in Florida and Mediterranean in California — which is why the national parks, from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone, are so spectacular.

FAQ

How many states does the USA have?
Fifty states plus the federal District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), the seat of the national government.

What are the main gateways for visitors?
The busiest international airports include New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA) and San Francisco (SFO).

Do I need a visa to visit?
Many nationalities can travel visa-free under the ESTA (Visa Waiver) programme; others need a visa. Always check the current requirements for your passport before booking.