History
Born from thirteen British colonies that declared independence in 1776, the United States grew across a continent to become the world's largest economy and a cultural superpower. From the Founding Fathers and the Civil War to the New Deal and the moon landing, its story is one of reinvention on a vast scale.
Now the lead host of the biggest World Cup ever, the US stages the bulk of the 104 matches — including the Final — three decades after USA '94 first lit the spark for the modern American game.
Landmarks
A few of the icons that say "America"
Statue of Liberty
New York CityThe world's most famous symbol of freedom, a gift from France in 1886.
Grand Canyon
ArizonaA mile-deep, 446 km gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Golden Gate Bridge
San FranciscoThe burnt-orange landmark spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay.
The White House
Washington, D.C.Home and office of every US president since John Adams in 1800.
Hollywood
Los AngelesThe hills-side sign and the global capital of film and television.
Times Square
New York CityThe neon-soaked "crossroads of the world" that never sleeps.
Language
The US has no official language at the federal level, but English is spoken by the vast majority. Spanish is the second most spoken — more than 40 million speakers — and the country is among the most linguistically diverse on earth, a melting pot of tongues from every continent.
Famous Faces
Voices, champions and pioneers
Martin Luther King Jr.
Civil rights leaderHis "I Have a Dream" speech reshaped the nation's conscience.
Muhammad Ali
Boxing legend"The Greatest" — three-time heavyweight champion and global icon.
Beyoncé
MusicianThe most-awarded artist in Grammy history.
Steven Spielberg
FilmmakerDirector of Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park and Schindler's List.
Serena Williams
Tennis champion23 Grand Slam singles titles — one of sport's all-time greats.
Neil Armstrong
AstronautThe first human to set foot on the Moon, in July 1969.