The United States of America
The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world after Russia, Canada and China. It is situated in North America and is bordered on Canada and Mexico. The history of the country dates back to the 17th century when the first English settlement was established in 1602. It was the beginning of New England colonies consisting of 4 states only.
The USA consists of 50 states and the District of Columbia which is home to the capital of the country – Washington D.C. Two states – Alaska and Hawaii – are separated from the mainland. The total area of the USA is around 9 mln square kilometers. More than 250 million people live in this country. Their national language is English, although a large part of current American residents are immigrants who speak their native languages.
Due to the fact, that the territory of the USA spreads from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, the climate of the country varies greatly depending on the geographical position. Moreover, winter temperatures in northern states may reach 40 degrees below zero. At the same time summer temperatures in southern states may increase up to 49 degrees above zero.
The territory of the USA is crossed by the Mississippi river which is the longest in the world. 5 Great lakes in the north of the country on the border with Canada are a popular tourist attraction. Western part of the country is bound by the Rocky Mountains or the Rockies. Central states are situated on the Great Plains.
A wide variety of landscape and climatic zones has determined the country’s industry and agriculture. In the USA farming is devoted to raising such plants as corn, sunflowers, tomatoes and many others. The major industrial fields are automobiles, oil and gas extraction and sustainable energy.
The United States of America is a democratic country with two ruling parties – the Democrats and the Republicans. Both parties propose a candidate for presidency. A president is elected once in four years and can serve no more than two subsequent terms. The highest legislative body of the country is the Congress which consists of two chambers – the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The judicial branch of the federal government consists of the Supreme Court and the system of federal courts.
The executive power is concentrated in the hands of the President, Vice-President and the President’s Cabinet. The President is elected for four years of service. The present day President of the USA is Baraq Obama, the representative of the Democratic Party.
If you travel to the USA it’s worth considering the following destinations: Washington D.C., Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. These cities present a wide range of attractions and entertainment, such as Hollywood, the Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, the Library of Congress, the White House and many others.
· SPEAKING
4. Answer the questions:
1. How large is America? 2. Where is it situated? 3. What countries does it border on? 4. How many states were there in 1602? 5. What is the climate of the country? 6. What is the main river of the USA? 7. What oceans wash the shores of the USA? 8. How many states are in the USA? 9. What is the national language? 10. What do you know about the political system of the country?