The United States of America covers 3,618,765 square miles (9,372,558 square kilometers).  It has a population of approximately 281 million, most of whom live in metropolitan areas.

The main language in the USA is English.   Because of their diverse national, cultural, and social origins, Americans speak a hundreds of languages and practice a wide variety of religions.

When greeting each other, men and women shake hands and smile.  Friends and relatives also frequently greet each other by hugging.  Adults call each other by their given name after being introduced for the first time.  When one has guests over, the guest is not expected to bring a gift, but they sometimes bring a small gift such as wine or flowers.

Like most countries, the USA has a public school system.  Each state is responsible for its own educational system.  Children ages 5-16 are required to attend school, and most students choose to finish high school.  After high school, students either enter the work force, attend a vocational school, or go to a college or university.
   
Web Resources: United States

The Library of Congress, U.S. History and Culture: http://memory.loc.gov/
Information USA: http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/
Welcome to California: http://www.ca.gov/state/portal/myca_homepage.jsp
California State Parks: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21491
California History: http://www.learncalifornia.org/default.asp
City of Los Angeles: http://www.ci.la.ca.us/
Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com

 
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