United States: flag, capital, currency and history

United States, officially the United States of America, is a country in North America, the Americas. Its capital is Washington D.C.. The currency is the United States dollar. Languages spoken include English.

Quick facts about United States

Official name: United States of America
Capital: Washington D.C.
Region: Americas, North America
Currency: United States dollar (USD, $)
Languages: English
Calling code: +1
Internet domain: .us
Area: 9,372,610 km² (3,618,783 sq mi)
Land borders: Canada, Mexico
Demonym: American
National day: Independence Day, July 4

Flag of United States

Download the flag of United States as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇺🇸.

SVG (vector)

History of United States

Indigenous peoples lived across North America for millennia before European arrival. Spain, France and Britain established colonies from the 16th and 17th centuries, and Britain's thirteen colonies on the Atlantic coast declared independence in 1776. Independence was secured in the Revolutionary War, and the Constitution took effect in 1789. The country expanded westward through purchase, treaty and conquest during the 19th century. The Civil War of 1861 to 1865 ended slavery. The United States became a major world power in the 20th century and is a federal republic of fifty states.

Key dates

1607Jamestown is founded in Virginia as the first lasting English settlement.
1776The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Continental Congress.
1783The Treaty of Paris recognises American independence from Britain.
1789The Constitution takes effect and George Washington becomes the first president.
1803The Louisiana Purchase from France roughly doubles the country's territory.
1865The Civil War ends and the Thirteenth Amendment abolishes slavery.
1959Alaska and Hawaii become the 49th and 50th states.