Table of Contents
Overview
The United States is a federal republic of 50 states and Washington, D.C. It remains one of the world’s largest economies and a major global power in technology, finance, trade and defense. Its population reached 341.8 million in 2025, although growth slowed sharply as net international migration declined. The country’s size, economic influence and political reach make its domestic trends globally significant.
Agriculture
The U.S. is one of the world’s largest agricultural producers and exporters. Its farm sector is highly mechanized and produces major volumes of corn, soybeans, wheat, livestock, dairy, and poultry. Farm cash receipts are forecast to reach $514.7 billion in 2026, down 2.7% from 2025. Animal and animal-product receipts are expected to decline more sharply than crop receipts.
Crime
U.S. crime data shows a recent decline in violent offenses. The FBI estimated that violent crime fell 4.5% in 2024, while murder declined 14.9% from the previous year. Preliminary figures indicate a further decline in violent crime during 2025. However, crime levels differ widely across states and cities, so national trends may not reflect local experiences.
Demographics
The U.S. population is large, diverse, and aging. Population growth slowed to 0.5% between July 2024 and July 2025, compared with 1.0% in the previous year. The slowdown was largely linked to lower net international migration. The country continues to experience major demographic differences by age, race, ethnicity, and region.
Economy
The U.S. has the world’s largest national economy by nominal GDP. Real GDP grew 2.1% in 2025, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Growth slowed during the final quarter of the year but remained positive. Consumer spending, investment, government activity, trade and productivity continue to shape economic performance, while inflation, interest rates and trade policy remain important risks.
Education
The U.S. has one of the world’s largest higher-education systems, with thousands of colleges and universities. About 62% of recent high-school completers enrolled in college immediately after graduation in 2022. The rate has changed little over the past decade, while total undergraduate enrolment is projected to rise over the longer term.
Geography
The United States covers about 9.8 million square kilometers and stretches across North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Alaska and Hawaii add Arctic and tropical environments. The country has major mountain systems, extensive plains, large river networks and varied coastlines. Despite its large population, the average population density was only about 37 people per square kilometer in 2023.
Health
U.S. life expectancy recovered in 2024 after several years of disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Life expectancy at birth rose from 78.4 years in 2023 to 79.0 years in 2024. Declines in deaths from unintentional injuries, COVID-19, heart disease, cancer, and homicide contributed to the improvement.
Military
The United States has the world’s largest military budget and maintains a global network of military bases and alliances. U.S. military expenditure reached $997 billion in 2024, rising 5.7% from 2023. Spending supports personnel, operations, weapons systems, nuclear forces, research and development, and overseas deployments.
Miscellaneous
The United States is a global leader in technology, entertainment, scientific research and financial markets. It hosts many of the world’s largest companies and remains a major centre for artificial intelligence, aerospace and innovation. Its influence extends through the U.S. dollar, global investment, universities, digital platforms and popular culture. Economic and technological developments in the country often have international effects.
Religion
Christianity remains the largest religious tradition in the United States, but religious affiliation has become more diverse. The share of Americans identifying as religiously unaffiliated has grown over recent decades. Religious beliefs and practices vary considerably by age, region, ethnicity and political outlook. The country’s constitutional framework protects religious freedom and prohibits an official national religion.
Weather
The United States has one of the world’s widest ranges of climates. Conditions include Arctic weather in Alaska, tropical conditions in Hawaii and Florida, deserts in the Southwest, and cold continental climates in the North. The country also experiences hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, floods, wildfires and heatwaves. Climate change is increasing the frequency or intensity of some extreme-weather risks.
