America is one of the most famous and well-known countries in the world. From its iconic landmarks to its captivating culture, the United States has captured the world’s imagination. However, there are many surprising facts that you may not know about this great country. So, without further ado, here are 10 interesting facts about the USA that may surprise you.
1. The United States was not always called the United States
Before it was known as the United States of America, the country was called the Thirteen Colonies. It was not until the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 that the name “United States of America” was adopted.
2. The USA’s National Bird Was Almost the Turkey
The national bird of the United States is the impressive Bald Eagle, but it was almost the Turkey. Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers, believed the Turkey was a more respectable bird and lobbied for it to be the national bird but lost out to the fierce Bald Eagle.
3. The USA was the First Country to Land a Man on the Moon
The USA has a proud history when it comes to space exploration and, on July 20th, 1969, it became the first country to put a man on the moon. This historic achievement was achieved by the Apollo 11 mission, with Neil Armstrong’s now-famous words “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
4. The USA is Home to More Forests than Any Other Country
Despite its urbanization, the United States still boasts more forests than any other country in the world. The country’s dense forest covers approximately 30% of the United States land area.
5. The Tallest Mountain in the USA is Mount Denali
Mount Denali is the highest peak in North America, standing at a whopping 20,310 feet tall. Situated in Alaska, it was previously known as Mount McKinley but was officially changed to its Native American name in 2015.
6. American is a language, not just ‘English’
Most people know that the primary language spoken in the United States is English. Still, it may come as a surprise to know that there is another language native to the country- American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is used by around 500,000 people in the USA.
7. The USA Has the World’s Best Universities
The United States has the most sought-after universities globally, as many students dream of studying at famous institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. Furthermore, America invests more in research and development than any other country- almost $500 billion annually.
8. The USA has Produced More Nobel Prize Winners Than Any Other Country
The Nobel Prize is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of science, literature, peace, and more. The USA has produced the most Nobel laureates in history, with over 350 having won the award.
9. The USA Has More Self-Made Millionaires Than Any Other Country
The United States is often referred to as the Land of Opportunity, which holds true when it comes to creating millionaires. The country has more than 18 million millionaires, with the majority of them being self-made.
10. The USA Has the Largest Gold Reserves in the World
The United States has the world’s highest reserves of gold, with Fort Knox being the most well-known repository of the precious metal. The U.S. government’s vaults hold roughly 261.5 million troy ounces of gold, with a market value of around $335 billion.
In Conclusion
From the country’s fascinating history to its current state of innovation and development, these ten facts show how important and unique the United States is. Whether you’re a history buff or a modern entrepreneur, the USA truly has something for everyone.
