AMERICA

These are the important things you need to get in the province or country assigned to you.

1. Geographical Location

 38° 0′ 0″ N, 97° 0′ 0″ W

 is the contiguous United States, the state of Alaska, the island state of Hawaii, the five

insular territories of Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam,

and American Samoa, and minor outlying possessions.

 Area (Ranked 3rd/4th)

Total 9,826,675 km2 (3,794,100 sq mi)

Land 93.24%

Water 6.76%

 Climate

Diverse: Ranges from Temperate in the North to Tropical in the far south.

West: mostly semi-arid to desert,

Mountains: alpine, Northeast: humid continental,

Southeast: humid subtropical,

Coast of California: Mediterranean, Pacific Northwest: cool temperate oceanic,

Alaska: mostly subarctic, Hawaii, South Florida, and the territories: tropical

 Terrain
 -The eastern regions consist of hills and low mountains, while the central interior

is a vast plain (called the Great Plains region). The west has high rugged mountain

ranges (some of which are volcanic in the Pacific Northwest).

 Natural Resources

-coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, rare earth elements, uranium,

bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas,

timber, arable land

 Natural Hazards

tsunamis; volcanoes; earthquake activity around Pacific Basin; hurricanes

along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast;

mud slides in California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in northern

Alaska

 Environmental Issues

-severe water shortages, air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and

Canada

B. People

 As of 2020, the estimated population escalates at 329,877,505 (3 rd). With a growth rate

of .72%.

 Life expectancy of 78.7 years (2018)

 Race-

1. White: a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle

East, or North Africa. It includes people who indicate their race as “White” or report

entries such as Afghan, Iranian, Irish, German, Italian, Lebanese, Arab, Moroccan, or

Caucasian.
 2. Black or African American: a person having origins in any of the Black racial groups

of Africa. It includes people who indicate their race as “Black, African Am.” or report

entries such as African American, Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian.

3. American Indian or Alaska Native: a person having origins in any of the original

peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintains

tribal affiliation or community attachment. This category includes people who indicate

their race as "American Indian or Alaska Native" or report entries such as Navajo,

Blackfeet, Inupiat, Yup'ik, Central American Indian groups, or South American Indian

groups.

4. Asian: a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East,

Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Bangladesh,

Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands,

Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

5. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: a person having origins in any of the

original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.

C. Economy / Means of Living

 Agricultural products 10.7% Fuels and mining products 9.4% Manufacturers

74.8% Others 5.1%

 Main industries Petroleum, natural gas, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace,

chemicals, telecommunications, electronics, food processing, pharmaceuticals,

consumer goods, lumber, mining, defense equipment, healthcare, information

technology, construction, retail, real estate, financial services

D. Language
 Official – according to past data, there is no official language at national level. But

English is designated official in 32 of 50 states, in addition of other 5 U.S. territories.

• Hawaiian – is official in Hawaii. Also it is a Polynesian language that takes its name from

Hawaiʻi, the largest island in the tropical North Pacific archipelago where it developed.

Hawaiian, along with English, is an official language of the State of Hawaii. King Kamehameha

III established the first Hawaiian-language constitution in 1839 and 1840.

• Alaska- has 20 native languages

• Sioux- is official in South Dakota. It is a Siouan language spoken by over 30,000 Sioux

in the United States and Canada, making it the fifth most spoken indigenous language in the

United States or Canada, behind Navajo, Cree, Inuit languages and Ojibwe.

• Samoan- is the official language in American Samoa.

• Chamorro – is official in Guam.

• Carolinian and Chamorro- are the official languages in Northern Mariana Islands.

• Spanish – is official in Puerto Rico. Spanish or Castilian, is a Romance language that

originated in the Iberian Peninsula of Europe and today is a global language with more than 483

million native speakers, mainly in Spain and the Americas. It is the world's second-most spoken

native language, after Mandarin Chinese, and the world's fourth-most spoken language, after

English, Mandarin Chinese and Hindi.

E. Culture

1. Practices

a. greetings/ gestures in communicating with others

 Americans greets ‘’Good day!’’ ‘’Good morning/afternoon/ evening’’. They are also

known for using ‘’High Five’’ when they encounter peers. They also raise their hands or wave.

Another is arm- extending or shake hands, it is a formal way to greet. when greeting someone

within a distance. Some uses ‘’Hey’’, ‘’Yo’’ to greet friends.

thumbs up- to agree

crossing legs- comfortable

crossing arms- frustration, superiority

slouching- indicates laziness

cross fingers- American gesture means, to wish.

Middle finger- another common gesture, a very rude gesture means to disapprove.

b. ways of showing respect to elders, strangers

When approaching or greeting their elders, they always make eye contact. This shows

that they acknowledge their presence. A warm smile can make a person's, especially the elders,

otherwise dreary day much brighter. Not like in the Philippines, we say ‘’po’’ and ‘’opo’’ or do

‘’mano’’ to show our respect, in America they usually shake hands with the elders or strangers.

In addition, in U.S. you can call them first name basis, even if they are older than you.

They focus more on speaking in a professional manner with talking to strangers and elders. By

simply being polite to them in the way of talking and interacting.

c. Courtship, marriage, and other important events.

 Based on my gathered data and an interview with some people whom I know that

are living in the states, Courtship and marriage is something that they can easily get. Many of

the citizens in the US are broken family. Sadly, this type f relationship became typical to them.

That if they like them, they can just really get it on. If it didn’t work? The solution is to get

divorce. Because it is very accessible. Its like they say ‘’chivalry is dead.’’ But to few, marriage is

sacred and still believe in love and faithfulness.

Other important events;

 Independence Day (otherwise known as “4th of July”)

 Halloween (31 October)

 Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)

 Christmas Eve/Day (24/25 December)

 Martin Luther King Day (third Monday in January)

d. work ethics

Here are some of the main work ethics if the Americans that leads them economically:

 Criticism

 Media and Consumerism

 Teleworking- the use of internet

 ‘’Work more, want more.’’

 Puritan work ethic

 Work and family

  Job satisfaction

 Media

 Vacation and Holiday ‘’stress’’

 The future- they tend to look forward and set long term goals.

2. Signs and symbols

The American Flag; The bald eagle (national bird); The Statue of Liberty (its

formal title is Liberty Enlightening the World, given as a gift from France) ; national

anthem - “The Star-Spangled Banner”; and Uncle Sam, who appeared during the War of

1812.

3. Costumes

The United States is usually known for western wear, which includes denim

jeans, cowboy hats, and flannel shirts. These are long-sleeved shirts that are typically

made from wool, though cotton varieties are also available.

Men would wear a neat dress shirt, but with no tie, no jacket or a jacket that

contrasts with the trousers. Women may dress similarly, doing without a neck scarve,

certainly wearing an outfit less formal than a standard business suit, but still maintaining

a level somewhat more reserved than truly casual clothing.

4. Historical places

 Washington Monument

George Washington's military and political leadership were indispensable

to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he

rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain's superior

military force. As the first president, Washington's superb leadership set the

standard for each president that has succeeded him. The Washington Monument

towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder
 of George Washington's greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no

one's shadow.

The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually

completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and

memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation's capital. The

structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854)

and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking

the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies

the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding

Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in

the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

 Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic copper and steel statue in the

entrance to New York Habour and an enduring symbol of freedom and

independence. The Statue of Liberty’s total height from ground to torch is

a staggering 92.99 metres. Originally built in France in 1884, it arrived in

New York in June 1885 and was dedicated on 28 October 1886.

Situated on Liberty Island, there are numerous exhibits and tours

available both inside and outside the Statue of Liberty. Upon reaching

Liberty Island, visitors can go to the information station to watch a short

film about the statue’s history and check the schedule of events for one of

45 minute long ranger tours, which start at the Liberty Island Flagpole.

 Independence Hall
 Independence Hall in Philadelphia is one of the most important landmarks

in US history, being the site where the nation declared independence

from Great Britain on 4 July 1776. The hall is now part of Independence

National Historical Park, which also encompasses a myriad of important

sites such as Congress Hall and Liberty Bell Centre sprawled over 55

acres within the City of Philadelphia.

 Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park is a breathtaking Native American site dotted

with over 4,000 archaeological treasures, including 600 exceptionally well

preserved cliff dwellings dating back to 600 AD. Mesa Verde National

Park was once the home of the Pueblos, a Native American people who

lived there for over 700 years before migrating to New Mexico and

Arizona.

 Gettysburg Battlefield

Gettysburg National Military Park is brimming with approximately 1,328

monuments, markers and memorials relating to the American Civil War.

The Battle of Gettysburg raged from 1 to 3 July 1863, resulting in over

51,000 casualties and victory for the Unionists. It marked a significant

turning point in the war, followed twenty one months later by the

surrender of the Confederacy.

Visitors can follow the route of Battle of Gettysburg, from

Seminary Ridge and Culp's Hill to Cemetery Ridge and Devils Den as

well as visiting David Wills' house, a museum about the town. The

National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center is a good place to start
 as it contains a wide range of Civil War related information as well as a

plethora of guided tours and exhibitions.

 Historic Jamestowne

It was in Historic Jamestowne in 1607 that the English established their

first successful colony in America. Previous attempts, notably that of

Roanoke in 1587, had been made, but the colony the English formed in

Jamestowne was the root of what was to eventually become America.

Today, Jamestowne forms part of Colonial National Park, a

historic site which encompasses York Town Battlefield, Colonial Parkway

and the Cape Henry Memorial. Visitors can explore the history of the site

and that of the country as a whole. Amongst its many attractions, it is

worth seeing the Jamestown Glasshouse, a recreation of the first

industrial building of the Virginia Company, the London-based company

that founded the colony.

 Martin Luther King Jr. National Site

The Martin Luther King Jr National Site in Atlanta, Georgia is dedicated to

commemorating the life of the leader of the African-American civil rights

movement and chronicling his campaign for racial equality. People in the

Martin Luther King Jr Historic Site can visit Dr and Mr’s King’s crypt at the

King Centre, view his birthplace and see exhibitions and films about Dr

King’s life and the civil rights movement. There are also exhibits about

Gandhi, who inspired Dr King and about Rosa Parks, whose refusal to

give up her seat on a bus was an iconic event of the movement.

 Lincoln Memorial
 The Bunker Hill Monument is a memorial of the Battle of Bunker

Hill, which took place on 17 June 1775 between the British army and the

militias of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode

Island early in the American Revolution.

Bunker Hill Monument is an obelisk standing 221 feet high which visitors

can enter and even climb to the top for stunning views from its

observation deck. The only thing is, there are around 270 steps and no

lift/elevator. The nearby Bunker Hill Museum offers a detailed insight into

the war, the history of Charlestown and the monument itself, with

numerous exhibits and artefacts.