The United States of America is world's third-largest country after Russia and Canada with an estimated population of 295,734,134 (July 2005). Also known as the United States, U.S., USA, America, it is a federal republic of 50 states, which are primarily located in Central North America. The official founding date of the United States is the July 4, 1776 when 13 British colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. Since then many states have been added to the United States. In the last century the United States emerged as the world power in almost every sphere of life including industry, science, sports, medicine, space technology, agricultural, and nuclear energy. The sound economic systems of the United States are based primarily on the Capitalist Model, with some government regulations in industries. The country is rich in mineral resources and it has extensive gold, oil, coal, and uranium deposits. The United States is a net exporter of food, and its rich wheat fields have been referred to as the breadbasket of the world, thus making its farm sector a one of the largest. The currency of the United States is the American Dollar and it has a relatively strong value in the financial markets. Although there is no official language, American English is believed to be the predominant language of America with Spanish coming in a close second.

For the tourist the USA has something to offer everyone – the beaches and theme parks of Florida, the 24 hour entertainment and gambling of Las Vegas - the New York sky-line and shopping – the west coast style and laid back living of San Francisco and Los Angeles – skiing in Aspen – the mountains of the Rockies and the dramatic landscapes of the Grand Canyon - the diverse cultures of it’s people from the Creoles to the Native American Indians - the problem you will have is simply what to choose.

Air: The principal US airlines operating international services are American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. Many other airlines operate services from all over the world to the USA. Sea: Numerous cruise lines sail from ports worldwide to both the east and west coasts.

Trains: The US and Mexican rail networks connect at Yuma, El Paso and Del Rio, with limited scheduled passenger services. There are several connections with the Canadian network, including New York - Montréal, Chicago - Toronto and Seattle - Vancouver services.

Road: There are many crossing points from Canada to the USA. The major road routes are New York to Montréal/ Ottawa, Detroit to Toronto/Hamilton, Minneapolis to Winnipeg and Seattle to Vancouver/Edmonton/Calgary. There are road links to Mexican destinations from El Paso, San Diego, Tucson and San Antonio.