The Fourth of July celebrates the United States' independence from Great Britain, declared on July 4, 1776. Parades, fireworks, and ceremonies mark the occasion nationwide. Americans traditionally dress in red, white, and blue. Discover fun facts about American history, traditions, and surprising aspects of this significant day, showcasing the nation's diverse culture and heritage.
1: List of states and territories of the United States
The United States of America is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district (Washington, DC, the capital city of the United States), five major territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands), and various minor islands.
2: The United States has had 45 former presidents. Joseph R Biden, Jr, sworn in on January 20, 2021, is the current and 46th president of the United States.
3: Does the US have an official language?
The United States does not have an official language. English is the most widely used language in the U.S., and some states designate it as their official language.
4: Languages spoken in the US
People in the US communicate in more than 350 languages. According to the US Census Bureau, some of the most widely spoken languages other than English are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic. People in the US also speak Native American languages such as Navajo, Yupik, Dakota, Apache, Keres, and Cherokee, among others. Learn more about the native languages of North America.
5: The United States is a melting pot of cultures
People from all over the world have immigrated to the USA, bringing their traditions, languages, and foods. This diversity is one of the things that makes the USA such a vibrant and interesting place.
6: The top host destination for international students worldwide
According to Statista, the United States is the top host country for international students, with around 950,000 students enrolled in higher education in 2022.
7: America": A Name Older Than You Think
The term "America" first appeared on a 1507 map, referencing South America. Human migration to North America began over 12,000 years ago, with ancestors of Native Americans, although evidence hints at even earlier arrivals.
8: Europe Meets America: First Documented Arrival in 1513
Juan Ponce de Leon, a Spaniard, landed in Florida in 1513, marking the first documented European arrival in North America. Alaska, now the largest US state, was purchased from the Russian Empire in 1867.
9: The US Hispanic population reached 62.1 million in 2020, accounting for 19% of all Americans and making it the nation's second largest racial or ethnic group, behind White Americans and ahead of Black Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
10: American football is the country's most popular sport. Walmart and Amazon are the biggest employers in the US.
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