THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world in both area and population. The United States covers the entire midsection of North America, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It also includes Alaska, in the northwest corner of North America; and Hawaii, far out in the Pacific.

The United States has an area of 3,618,770 square miles (9,3 72,571 square kilometers). The country, excluding Hawaii and Alaska, can be divided into seven major land regions. They are: (1) the Appalachian Highlands, (2) the Coastal Lowlands, (3) the Interior Plains, (4) the Ozark-Quachita Highlands , (5) the Rocky Mountains , (6) the Western Plateaus, Basins, and Ranges; and (7) the Pacific Ranges and Lowlands .

The Appalachian Highlands extend from the northern tip of Maine southwestward to Alabama. This region has many mountain ranges, such as the White Mountains and the Green Mountains of northern New England. Several mighty rivers, including Hudson, and Potomac, cut through the mountains.

The Coastal Lowlands extend from southeastern Maine to eastern Texas. Forests of hickory, oak, pine, and other trees are common throughout the lowlands. The region has many orchards and dairy farms. Many resort areas flourish around the beautiful sandy beaches that line much of the Atlantic shore from New England to Florida.

The Interior Plains occupy a huge expanse of land that stretches from the Appalachian Highlands in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. Today, much of this area is heavily forested. The five Great Lakes - Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Superior - are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. The Mississippi River is the region's other great waterway.

The Ozark-Quachita Highlands form a scenic landscape. The region is named for the Ozark Plateau and the Quachita Mountains. The region includes forested hills, artificial lakes, and many underground caves and springs.

The Rocky Mountains form the largest mountain system in North America. Many important rivers, including the Colorado, Missouri, and Rio Grande, begin in the Rockies.

The Western Plateaus, Basins, and Ranges lie west of the Rocky Mountains. It is the driest part of the United States. The region includes the Grand Canyon, one of the world's great natural wonders. The Great Salt Lake is also there. Bathers cannot sink in it because of the high salt content.

The Pacific Ranges and Lowlands are famous fir their evergreen forests and active volcanoes. Deep bays that jut into the coast include the famous San Francisco Bay.

The climate of the United States varies greatly from place to place. Average annual temperature range from 9°F (-13°C) Barnow , Alaska , to 78,2°F (25,7°C) in Death Valley , California . The Midwest , the Middle Atlantic States , and New England experience warm summers and cold, snowy winters. In the South, summers are long and hot, and winters are mild. Along the Pacific Coast the climate is mild all year. Mountains also affect the climate. In the West, for example, the mountainous areas are cooler and wetter than the neighboring plains, parts of the West and Southwest have a desert climate.

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