America

The USA is the world’s foremost economic and military power, with global interests and an unmatched global reach.

America’s gross domestic product accounts for close to a quarter of the world total, and its military budget is reckoned to be almost as much as the rest of the world’s defence spending put together.

The country is also a major source of entertainment: American TV, Hollywood films, jazz, blues, rock and rap music are primary ingredients in global popular culture.

The United States originated in a revolution that separated it from the British Crown. The constitution, drafted in 1787, established a federal system with a division of powers that has remained little changed since its inception.

One of the world’s most developed countries, the US economy accounted for over 15% of the global economy in 2023, and its hard power and cultural influence have worldwide impact.

In recent years, the US has seen increasing political polarisation, most notably in January 2021 when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington DC in a bid to prevent the peaceful transfer of power, following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.

• Read more country profiles, external – Profiles by BBC Monitoring, external

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: FACTS

• Capital: Washington DC
• Area: 9,833,520 sq km
• Population: 340 million
• Language: English
• Life expectancy: 74 years (men) 80 years (women)

LEADER

President: Donald Trump

Republican Donald Trump beat Democrat Kamala Harris to win a second term as president in the 2024 election, in what was seen as one of the most turbulent campaigns in recent American history.

Harris had only become the Democratic Party candidate months before, after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race under pressure from within the party.

In his first address as President, Donald Trump said “the golden age of America begins right now,” and that the country would “flourish and be respected” under his leadership.

He started his presidency with a blitz of executive orders – directives from the President.

He signed orders to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement – the landmark international deal designed to limit rising global temperatures.

Trump first withdrew from the Paris accord in 2017, before Biden re-entered it in 2021.

Domestically, he declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border.

President Trump’s other announced plans include a move towards a large-scale deportation of undocumented migrants, new tariffs on foreign imports, slashing government spending and cuts to the federal workforce.

MEDIA