The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C.. The 48 contiguous states are bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. asserts sovereignty over five unincorporated territories and several uninhabited island possessions. The U.S. is the third most-populous country in the world.
The U.S. is known for its diverse geography, which includes everything from arctic regions to tropics. Its major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami are cultural and economic hubs. Key attractions include natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. As of 2007, there were 2,462 registered National Historic Landmarks. Recent trends indicate a rise in international tourism to the U.S., with projections of 85.2 million visitors in 2025. However, concerns exist about a potential "Trump slump" affecting tourism due to policy changes.