United States

The United States consists of 50 states: 48 that are connected and two that are separate from the others. Hawaii is one of the two geographically separate states and is the westernmost U.S. state. It consists of a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The other separate state, Alaska, is located northwest of the other states and is separated from them by Canada.

Country Background
The United States has been called a "crucible" or "melting pot" because many cultures coexist in this country. Over the last 200 years, many people have come to live in the United States from all around the world. Other people are native to the United States, for example Alaskan Eskimos and Native Americans.

The U.S. government is a democratic system that was created to represent the voice of the people. It is made of three branches -- the executive, legislative, and judicial -- each of which each have special responsibilities and powers.

Related Links

There is a lot more to learn about the United States!

• Explore these sites for facts and figures about the United States:
  • The World Factbook: United States
  • America's Story: Explore the States
  • Atlapedia Online: United States
  • Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids: Our Nation
  • The 50 States
• Use the Olympic Primer to take a look at the U.S. cities that have hosted past Olympic Games.
• Access fast facts about important events that happened during the Summer Olympic Games in St. Louis in 1904, Los Angeles in 1932, Los Angeles in 1984, and Atlanta in 1996.
• Let Atlapedia's "Click-A-Map" show you physical maps of the United States.
• Look at Oklahoma University's guide to State Flags.
• Find information about the U.S. government from The White House.
• Learn more about Native Americans by exploring the homes, food, clothing, and communities of five major Native American cultures.
• Print a word search quiz on U.S. state capitals.

More Countries (past hosts of Olympic Games)