Host 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 immigrated to the United States from all around the world. Other people are native or aboriginal 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 has 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: • 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 • Discovery School A-Z Geography: United States • The 50 States • United States Online Use the Olympic Primer to take a look at the U.S. cities that have hosted past Olympic Games. Access fast facts about previous U.S. hosting of the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid in 1932, Squaw Valley in 1960, and Lake Placid again in 1980. U.S. Nationwide Transportation got its start with the Transcontinental Railroad through Utah. Study America through historical documents. Discover who are and were the immigrants to America and the passage of some through Ellis Island. 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.

Past Hosts of the Olympic Winter Games

Austria 1964, 1976 Belgium 1920 Bosnia 1984 Canada 1988 France 1924, 1968, 1992 Germany 1936

Great Britain 1908 Italy 1956 Japan 1972, 1998 Norway 1952, 1994 Switzerland 1928, 1948

To learn more about the Winter Games visit the History of the Winter Games.

Not every participating country has had the honor of hosting the Olympic Games. To learn more about countries represented at the Olympics, browse the the Education Site for the Olympics 2002 Country List and the Salt Lake City Schools Creating Country Connections site.