The United States of

Geography position The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world (after Russia, Canada and China). It is situated in the central part of the North American Continent. It also includes Alaska and Hawaii. The USA borders on Canada in the north and on Mexico on the south. The total area of the country is more than nine million square kilometers.

Facts files: Official name: The United States of America Status: A federal republic, a union of 50 states Area: 9,364,000 squ. km. Population: about 250 mln. people (2006) Capital: Washington, D.C.

It is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico in the east.

The USA is a federal republic, a union of 50 states. Each state has its own state government and state law. The capital of the country Washington is situated in a special federal area called the District of Columbia.

Washington (D.C) was named in honour of the first American president ( ). The capital of the country, a state, a lake, an island, a mount, a canyon, some universities and colleges, streets and squares are named after him. In 1888 the Washington Monument was established in the capital (169 m. high) George Washington, “the father of his country”. He was an example of bravery and approved the fight against slavery. General Henry Li wrote : “Washington was first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen” 22nd of February – birthday of J. Washington, a national holiday in the USA.

Washington National Cathedral is officially dedicated as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington. Construction began on September 29, 1907, when the foundation stone was laid in the presence of President Theodore Roosevelt and a crowd of more than 20,000, and ended 83 years later when the last finial was placed in the presence of President George H. W. Bush in 1990foundation stonePresidentTheodore RooseveltfinialGeorge H. W. Bush

The beautiful home of every president of the USA, except the first president. This is the oldest public building in Washington, D.C, and has the most famous address in the USA – 1660 Pennsylvania Avenue. It consists of 132 rooms. Open for tours 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The Capitol T he tallest building in Washington, D.S., and the most famous building in the US, because this is where laws are made. The Capitol is surrounded by a beautiful garden with many trees and flowers. It is situated on Capitol Hill. The Capitol was built according to plans of William Thorton.

Who discovered America? The answer is: nobody knows. North America may have been discovered by Vikings under Leif Eriksson, but Europeans didn’t know about its existence until Columbus’ voyages. In 1492 three ships- the “Santa Maria”, the “Pinta”, the “Nine” under Columbus landed the continent. In 1507 Amerigo Vespucci explored the area of South America and introduced a new land to the world. This continent was called after him - “America”.

Some facts from the history of The USA: In 1620 the first people from England arrived in America. They left England because of religious problems. In 1776 after the war with Britain, America became an independent country. Americans wrote the Declaration of the Independence and designed a new flag – The Stars and Stripes. 4 th July – The Day of Independence (a national holiday) After the war in between the northern and the southern states (south lost) the government stopped slavery – the first people on the moon were three astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Ed Collins.

Nationalities: white Americans - 83,5 Africans - 12,4% immigrants from Asia - 3,3% native Americans (Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos) – 0,8 %

The flag of the USA is called "Stars and Stripes." There are three colours on the flag of the USA. They are red, white and blue. As there are fifty states in the USA, there are fifty stars on the American flag: one star for each state. The American flag has thirteen stripes. The stripes are red and white. The flag has seven red stripes and six white stripes. There is one stripe for each of the first thirteen colonies which in 1776 became independent of England.

The eagle became the official national symbol of the country in It holds an olive branch (a symbol of peace) and arrows (symbols of strength) in its paws. The USA has an official song. It is called The Star Spangled Banner.

The largest cities are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, San Francisco, Washington and others.

Chicago – the second economical center in the USA after New York. The biggest river port in the world. The biggest airport in the world. 200 colleges, 5 universities are situated here. The home of the first skyscrapers.

Natural sights of the USA The Niagara Falls – a waterfalls on the river Niagara (51 meters high). It is situated on the boarder between the USA and Canada. The waterfalls was discovered by the expedition of R. Lassal. There is always a rainbow over it.

A powerful and inspiring landscape, Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size.

Los Angeles (California) – the nation’s third largest city. It leads the USA in production of aircraft. This city is the world capital of filmed entertainment. The first cinema house in the country was opened here in Hollywood – the centre of the US film industry. In 1913 the first film was made there. The biggest film companies are here: MGM, Paramount, 20th century Fox, Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros.

“ America! Who has seen you once, will never forget ” J. London.