The United States is one of the most prominent and widely recognized countries globally. From its iconic fast food and blockbuster movies to its rich history and unique traditions, the USA offers a wealth of interesting facts. Discover 60 fascinating tidbits about the USA that you might not know!

1.      The official name of the USA is "The United States of America," though it's commonly referred to as the US, USA, the States, or simply America.

2.      The US comprises 50 states and a national government based in Washington, DC.

3.      Washington DC is not a state; there is ongoing debate about its potential statehood.

4.      The US has no official language or religion.

5.      The US governs several territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

6.      Known as a “melting pot,” the US prides itself on its diverse culture, where different ethnicities and traditions blend into a unified society.

7.      Independence Day, celebrated on July 4, commemorates the Declaration of Independence with fireworks, barbecues, and parades.

8.      Although the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 2, it was officially ratified on July 4.

9.      Americans use the Fahrenheit scale for temperature, where 0°C equals 32°F.

10.   The US date format is Month/Day/Year, reflecting the way dates are spoken aloud.

11.   The name “America” first appeared on a map in 1507, referring to South America.

12.   The first humans arrived in North America over 12,000 years ago, ancestors of today’s Native Americans.

13.   The earliest documented European arrival in North America was by Juan Ponce de León, who landed in Florida in 1513.

14.   Alaska, the largest US state, was once part of the Russian Empire before being purchased by the US.

15.   California is the leading dairy producer in the US.

16.   The lollipop was invented in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1908 by George Smith.

17.   Various styles of pizza are unique to different regions, including Chicago Deep-Dish, New York Style, and Detroit Pizza.

18.   KFC was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in Corbin, Kentucky, in 1957.

19.   Denali in Alaska is the tallest mountain in North America, standing at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).

20.   Harvard, established in 1636, is the oldest university in the US.

21.   Oberlin College in Ohio was the first university to award degrees to women, starting in 1841.

22.   The US is home to over 5,300 universities.

23.   The first traffic light in the US was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914.

24.   The US is the only country with all five major climate zones: tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar.

25.   Lake Superior, located in the Midwest, is the largest freshwater lake in the world.

26.   Americans are the only people to have walked on the moon.

27.   The US boasts 423 national parks.

28.   Additionally, there are 2,474 state parks across the country.

29.   The legal drinking age in the US is 21.

30.   Car rental is restricted to those 25 and older.

31.   The “Sweet Sixteen” birthday party is a major celebration for American teenage girls, with the 21st birthday also being a significant milestone.

32.   English is the most widely spoken language in the US.

33.   Spanish is the second most common language.

34.   Areas marked in red and orange on population maps often have equal populations.

35.   Texas, California, and Florida are considered the most disliked states.

36.   Texas and Florida are among the fastest-growing states due to their favorable weather and affordable living.

37.   In the US, “soccer” refers to what is known as “football” elsewhere, while American football is a distinct sport.

38.   American football is the most popular sport in the country.

39.   Walmart and Amazon are the largest employers in the US.

40.   Americans are often perceived as direct, arrogant, friendly, and individualistic.

41.   Despite stereotypes, Americans are complex individuals.

42.   Avoiding eye contact is considered rude in the US.

43.   Standing too close to someone can be seen as intrusive.

44.   Tipping and engaging in small talk are customary and polite.

45.   Massachusetts is recognized as the healthiest state in the US.

46.   North Dakota is known as the happiest state.

47.   There are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the US.

48.   The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe.

49.   Approximately 9.7 million Americans identify as Native American or Alaska Native.

50.   Hispanics/Latinos are the largest racial group in the US after White Europeans.

51.   Protestant Christianity is the predominant religion in the US.

52.   The King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia is the largest shopping mall in the US, with over 450 stores.

53.   The top five largest theme parks in the US are all Disney parks, including Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

54.   Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida is the largest theme park in the US, attracting over 20 million visitors annually.

55.   Disneyland in California ranks as the second largest theme park.

56.   The first movie filmed in the US was "Dickson Greeting" in 1891, lasting only three seconds.

57.   "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is the most popular movie in the US, followed by "Avengers: Endgame" and "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

58.   Christmas is celebrated by 90% of Americans.

59.   The White House had its first Christmas tree in 1856.

Americans send 3 billion Christmas cards annually, reflecting a cherished holiday tradition.