Overview
As the world’s third most populous nation and one of its superpowers from recent history to the present, the United States of America has
played a significant role in shaping the state of the world today.
A nation of immigrants, it remains predominantly populated by those of European descent — approximately 77% of the population — but Hispanic and Asian
populations have been the fastest growing groups in recent years. Ethnic diversity continues to be a defining characteristic of the country.
Geographically, at more than 9.8 million square kilometres and occupying 40% of the North American continent and several island territories, all told,
it is the third largest country worldwide. With so much territory, it’s renowned diversity extends to nature, as it is also one of the planet’s 17 mega-diverse
nations, hosting an astounding array of natural and geographical features.
While the U.S. has the second largest manufacturing sector in the world, its economy is now mostly focused on post-industrial service and knowledge economies.
GOOD TO KNOW
One of the most surprising facts about the U.S. is that it has no official language, though some states have established it.
English and Spanish are most widely spoken.
The U.S. measurement system doesn’t use the metric system but the Imperial system: feet and inches to measure length and pounds for weight.
Temperature is measured by the Fahrenheit.
It is important to know about tipping: a 15-20% tip is a social obligation in restaurants, salons and spas, food delivery, taxis, and other services.
Restaurants often automatically add gratuity for large groups. Tipping is also socially obligatory in bars, where a dollar tip per drink is the norm.
You may see communal tip jars in places like cafes, but these are optional.
Also important is arranging your health care. In the United States, medical services are extremely expensive — often cost-prohibitively so — without insurance.
What’s more, significant changes to U.S. healthcare laws by the government have been ongoing since 2010, creating additional complexities for those who must
obtain or change their health insurance or method of care. If your employer provides health insurance, the process may not be so difficult,
but if you must seek insurance on your own, you might want to do so with assistance from an expert.
