The USA

The United States of America is one of the most important English-speaking countries. It is situated in the middle of the North American continent and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west.

It consists of fifty different states and the District of Columbia joined together under one government. At first it consisted of only 13 states of the Atlantic coast of America. That were English colonies, but they fought against England and in 1776 became an independent state. They won the victory and a new nation was born.

The USA has its own symbols: the flag, the hymn

and the crest – an eagle with an olive branch and arrows.

 

The flag of the United States is called “Stars and Stripes”. The 50 stars are for the 50 states and the 13 stripes means 13 original English colonies, which in 1776 became free and independent of England.

 

Another famous symbols of the USA is the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The capital of the United States is Washington. It is situated on the Potomac River not far from the Atlantic coast. There are many government offices and beautiful places where you think about history there. But this city is very busy too, though it is smaller than New York or Los Angeles.

 

The USA is divided into three areas: Eastern area — a highland. Central area — a plain, and the Western area which is mountainous. On the whole the USA has a continental climate.

The United States is a young country and sometimes called the “New World”. Over the last 400 years people have come to start a new life here. The people of the United States are from different countries. These different people brought to their new land a wonderful mixture of customs and traditions. The German brought Christmas trees, the Irish brought St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Scots brought Halloween. There also some national festivals: Thanksgiving Day, Independence Day.

America is a friendly country with friendly people. When Americans meet people for the first time they usually shake hands. Americans love to get together and to have parties.