About the U.S.A.

General Information

The World Factbook: United States
CIA publication
Basic facts about the country.

Fundamental Documents in U.S. History

Constitution of the United States of America
On this page, you will find historical background and links to the text of the Constitution and explanatory notes.
Declaration of Independence
A comprehensive web site by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is at once the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson's most enduring monument. Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people. (Source: NARA)
The Star-Spangled Banner
The words, the sheet music, and the tune of the National Anthem of the United States.

History

Outline of U.S. History
An authoritative, engaging account of how the United States grew from 13 Atlantic coast colonies into a diverse, continent-spanning nation.
USA History in Brief, Learner English edition
This is the first in a planned series of books to help readers improve their English skills. Each book will teach you something about the United States. This book is about U.S. history. You can read the text or listen as a native-speaker reads it aloud.
American Memory
Historical Collections for the National Digital Library (Library of Congress)
American Treasures of the Library of Congress
Online presentation of the exhibition.

Government

USA.gov
Official Web Portal of the U.S. Government
Outline of U.S. Government
Explains the U.S. Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of “checks and balances,” and the decentralized roles of state and local governments.
Outline of the U.S. Legal System
Covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems.

Society and Politics

American Citizenship
This book depicts American citizens exercising the many rights and privileges that empower them to participate fully in the nation's political, economic, and cultural life.

Arts, Literature and Culture

My Town
My Town: Writers on American Cities features 12 American authors describing how the U.S. cities where they live contribute to their creativity.
Pop Culture versus Real America
U.S. television and cinema promote images of Americans that are … well … wrong! Pop Culture versus Real America will contrast those pop culture images with profiles of real Americans in every walk of life.
The National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases.

Economy

USA Economy in Brief
This 2011 revised edition shows how competition shapes the U.S. economy and reflects the never-ending debate through history about the proper role of government in the economy.
Outline of the U.S. Economy
From the contents: The Challenges of This Century; The Evolution of the U.S. Economy; Geography and Infrastructure; Government and the Economy; A U.S. Economy Linked to the World

Geography

National Parks in the United States
Web site of the National Park Service
World Heritage Sites in the U.S.
This Home Page is a joint effort between the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Committee, International Council on Monuments and Sites (US/ICOMOS).

Further Information

Travel to the United States (major cities, tourist attractions, practical information and more)
eJournal USA (published by the U.S. Department of State)
The eJournals highlight key policy issues, offering a blend of authoritative policy statements by key U.S. government officials, commentary and background by official and private specialists, and a variety of print and electronic sources.
Frequently Asked Questions about the United States