The United States

I. Culture American culture includes traditions, foods, and beliefs from all over the world. More than 99 percent of Americans are either immigrants or the descendants of immigrants. American Indians make up less than 1 percent of the population.

Most Americans are of European descent (Britain, Germany, and France). About 12 percent of Americans trace their origins to Africa. Hispanics and Asians are the most rapidly growing segment of the population. Many Spanish speakers are bilingual which means they are able to speak two languages.

Christianity is the major religion of the U. S Christianity is the major religion of the U.S. European settlers brought Christianity to North America. More than half of all Americans are Protestant Christians (Baptists, Lutherans, and Methodists.) About 25 percent of Americans are Roman Catholic Christians. Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam are other religions found in the U.S.

Education has been an important factor in the development of the U. S Education has been an important factor in the development of the U.S. economy. Basic education is free and required of all citizens. More than 80 percent of students graduate from high school and many go on to study at colleges and universities. More than 3,000 colleges and universities are located in the U.S.

American writers, musicians, filmmakers, and sculptors are internationally famous. American movies are shown all over the world and the first skyscraper was built in the United States. Music styles such as blues, country, rock ‘n roll, and rap originated in the U.S. People in the U.S. enjoy playing baseball, basketball, football and other sports.

II. Cities and Population Many people have moved from inner cities to the suburbs. The population of some large cities have dropped significantly. Because of these shifts in population, many cities are unable to collect as much money in taxes.

Immigration and changing population patterns have also greatly affected the U.S. In the past, most immigrants to the country came from Europe and settled in the Northeast. Today, most immigrants come from Asia and Latin America. These immigrants settle mainly in the West and South.

III. Economy and Trade When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 the U.S. became the world’s only superpower. A superpower is a huge powerful country. The U.S. has the world’s largest economy and is also the most powerful country politically and militarily.

The United States imports many raw materials and manufactured goods, the country has a trade deficit. A country has a trade deficit when the value of exports is less than the value of its imports. In 1992 the U.S., Canada, and Mexico signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

NAFTA eliminates many tariffs (taxes paid on imported goods) on products flowing between these countries. Supporters of NAFTA argue that free trade allows American companies to sell more products and create higher paying jobs. Opponents say free trade allows American companies to move factories to countries with lower wages, causing unemployment in the U.S.