The United States of America is a land of vast landscapes, rich diversity, and cultural contrasts. From towering skyscrapers to charming small-town traditions, the USA offers more than just popular tourist attractions. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or exploring again, these important facts about the USA reveal what makes the country truly unique.
This guide highlights 25 key points, including historical, cultural, and geographical insights. Discover historical facts about the USA that shaped its identity, interesting facts in the USA that surprise even seasoned travelers, and cool facts about the USA that showcase its quirky charm. You’ll also learn amazing facts about the USA related to innovation, food, and everyday life, helping you appreciate the country in a fresh way.
These facts provide a deeper understanding of the USA before your next adventure, making your trip more engaging and memorable.
- Before You Visit: 25 Facts About the USA That Will Change How You See It
- 1. The USA Is the Third-Largest Country in the World
- 2. Americans Eat About 3 Billion Pizzas a Year
- 3. The U.S. Has No Official Language
- 4. Alaska Has More Coastline Than All Other States Combined
- 5. The U.S. Flag Has Been Changed 27 Times
- 6. Yellowstone Was the First National Park in the World
- 7. The USA Invented the Internet
- 8. The Library of Congress Is the Largest in the World
- 9. Americans Spend More on Pets Than Baby Toys
- 10. There Are More Guns Than People in the U.S.
- 11. The U.S. Has Over 10,000 Craft Breweries
- 12. The Dollar Is the Most Traded Currency
- 13. The Mall of America Has Its Own Zip Code
- 14. New York Was Once Called New Amsterdam
- 15. The USA Has the World’s Largest Air Force
- 16. Route 66 Is Known as the “Mother Road.”
- 17. The Country Is Home to 60+ Billionaires
- 18. American Football Isn’t Played Outside the U.S. Much
- 19. More Tornadoes Occur in the U.S. Than Anywhere Else
- 20. The U.S. Has a Town Named “Boring”
- 21. NASA’s First Astronauts Were Military Test Pilots
- 22. The Hollywood Sign Once Said “Hollywoodland”
- 23. The U.S. Consumes the Most Ice Cream Worldwide
- 24. More Than 1 in 8 Americans Have Worked at McDonald’s
- 25. The United States Has a “Moon Tree” Planted by Apollo Seeds
- FAQs
Before You Visit: 25 Facts About the USA That Will Change How You See It
The United States is a land of vast contrasts, where skyscrapers rise beside national parks, and centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. From Hollywood to historic Route 66, every corner of the country offers something surprising. These interesting facts about the USA will help you explore its culture, quirks, and hidden gems.
1. The USA Is the Third-Largest Country in the World
The United States covers over 9.8 million square kilometers, ranking as the third-largest country by area after Russia and Canada. From Alaska’s Arctic climate to Hawaii’s tropical beaches, the country’s diverse landscapes span 50 states and 6 time zones, offering interesting facts in the USA about its vast geography and natural variety.
Location: Nationwide
Best Time to Visit: Varies by region—spring and fall are ideal for most areas
Ticket: Not applicable (geographic fact)
Suggested Read: USA Visa for Indians
2. Americans Eat About 3 Billion Pizzas a Year
Pizza is a beloved American staple, with around 3 billion pizzas eaten each year. From foldable New York slices to hearty Chicago deep-dish, this iconic dish is a favorite comfort food across all 50 states, making it one of the cool facts about the USA and a fun example of American culinary culture.
Where to Try: Joe’s Pizza (NYC), Lou Malnati’s (Chicago), Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix)
Average Price: $3–$8 per slice (₹250 – ₹670 approx.)
3. The U.S. Has No Official Language
Although English is the most commonly spoken language, the United States has never declared an official language at the federal level. Due to its rich immigrant history, many regions have significant Spanish, Chinese, and other language communities, making this one of the interesting facts in the USA about its cultural diversity.
Where to Experience: Multilingual neighborhoods in Miami, Los Angeles, and Queens
Ongoing Cultural Feature
Ticket: Not applicable
Suggested Read: USA Visa Appeal for Indians
4. Alaska Has More Coastline Than All Other States Combined
Alaska boasts over 34,000 miles of coastline—more than all the other 49 states combined. Its rugged shores, islands, and fjords create a scenic paradise for cruise-goers and adventurers, making this one of the amazing facts about the USA and a highlight of the country’s natural beauty.
Location: Alaska
Best Time to Visit: May–September (cruise season)
Ticket: Cruise packages from $500–$2,500 (₹41,750 – ₹2,08,750 approx.)
5. The U.S. Flag Has Been Changed 27 Times
Since its first version in 1777, the American flag has been updated 27 times to represent new states. The current 50-star flag, adopted in 1960 after Hawaii joined, has endured the longest, making this one of the historical facts about the USA that reflects the nation’s growth and evolution.
Where to See: Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.
Flag Day: June 14 annually
Ticket: Free museum entry
6. Yellowstone Was the First National Park in the World
Established in 1872, Yellowstone became the world’s first national park. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it features geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife like bears, bison, and elk. This pioneering park is one of the cool facts about the USA, highlighting the country’s leadership in nature conservation.
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Best Time to Visit: May–October
Ticket: $20–$35 per vehicle for 7-day access (₹1,670 – ₹2,925 approx)
Suggested Read: USA Visa Extension for Indians
7. The USA Invented the Internet
The internet traces its roots to ARPANET, a U.S. Department of Defense project launched in 1969. The first message was transmitted from UCLA to Stanford, paving the way for the modern internet we rely on today.
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, California
Historic Milestone: October 29, 1969
Ticket: Not applicable (historical tech development)
8. The Library of Congress Is the Largest in the World
The Library of Congress holds more than 170 million items across three buildings, including rare manuscripts, photographs, maps, and sound recordings. It’s a public research institution and a historic treasure trove for visitors.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timings: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Ticket: Free admission
9. Americans Spend More on Pets Than Baby Toys
The U.S. pet industry is booming, with Americans spending over $140 billion each year—more than what’s spent on baby toys. From pet spas to organic treats, pets are considered family members in many households, making this one of the interesting facts in the USA about modern lifestyles.
Where to See: Pet expos, upscale pet boutiques in New York, Los Angeles
Year-Round Trend
Ticket: Varies by event/store
10. There Are More Guns Than People in the U.S.
With over 390 million civilian-owned guns, the United States has more firearms than people. This fact highlights the country’s unique gun culture and ongoing debates surrounding gun rights and regulations.
Where to Learn More: The National Firearms Museum (Fairfax, Virginia)
Timings: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Ticket: Free entry
11. The U.S. Has Over 10,000 Craft Breweries
The craft beer movement has exploded in the United States, with over 10,000 independent breweries nationwide. Each region offers unique flavors—from West Coast IPAs to Midwest stouts—making beer tasting a cultural experience of its own.
Where to Try: Portland (Oregon), Asheville (North Carolina), Denver (Colorado)
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; fall for Oktoberfest events
Ticket: Brewery tours range from free to $25
Suggested Read: USA Famous Food
12. The Dollar Is the Most Traded Currency
The U.S. dollar is the world’s leading reserve and trading currency, involved in nearly 90% of global foreign exchange transactions. It plays a key role in international trade, investment, and tourism, making this one of the important facts about the USA in the global economy.
Where to See in Action: Wall Street, NYC; Federal Reserve Museum, Chicago
Cultural Feature: Year-round relevance
Ticket: Most Federal Reserve museums are free
13. The Mall of America Has Its Own Zip Code
Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the U.S., so massive it has its own ZIP code (55425). With over 500 stores, an aquarium, and an indoor theme park, it’s one of the cool facts about the USA showcasing American entertainment and retail culture.
Location: Bloomington, Minnesota
Timings: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily
Ticket: Entry is free; attractions vary in price ($20–$50 or ₹1,660–₹4,150 appox)
14. New York Was Once Called New Amsterdam
Before the British renamed it New York in 1664, the city was a Dutch colony called New Amsterdam. Many neighborhoods and place names, especially in Lower Manhattan, still reflect this heritage, making it one of the historical facts about the USA that highlights its colonial past.
Location: New York City, New York
Historical Fact: Colonial era (1609–1664)
Ticket: Not applicable; learn more at the Museum of the City of New York
15. The USA Has the World’s Largest Air Force
With more aircraft than any other nation, the U.S. Air Force is the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world. It plays a key role in national defense, space exploration, and international missions.
Where to Visit: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (Dayton, Ohio)
Timings: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
Ticket: Free admission
Suggested Read: Beaches in the USA
16. Route 66 Is Known as the “Mother Road.”
Running from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is one of America’s original highways and a symbol of freedom and road-trip culture. Dubbed the “Mother Road,” it spans over 2,400 miles through eight states and countless Americana landmarks.
Route: Illinois to California
Best Time to Visit: April–October for optimal driving weather
Ticket: No tolls; costs vary by stops along the way
17. The Country Is Home to 60+ Billionaires
The United States has the world’s highest number of billionaires, with over 700 according to recent rankings. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Austin serve as hubs of tech, finance, and entrepreneurship, making this one of the amazing facts about the USA highlighting its economic power and innovation.
Where to Spot the Impact: NYC, Silicon Valley, Miami
Updated Annually: Forbes Billionaires List
Ticket: Not applicable (economic statistic)
18. American Football Isn’t Played Outside the U.S. Much
While American football is extremely popular in the United States, it has a smaller global following compared to soccer. The NFL dominates national sports culture, culminating in the Super Bowl, one of the largest annual TV events, making this one of the cool facts about the USA in sports.
Where to Watch: NFL stadiums across the U.S.
Season: September–February
Ticket: $50–$500 ( ₹4,150–₹41,500 approx) depending on the game
19. More Tornadoes Occur in the U.S. Than Anywhere Else
The U.S. experiences more tornadoes than any other country, with over 1,000 occurring annually. Many hit “Tornado Alley,” which stretches across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, making this one of the cool facts about the USA showcasing its extreme weather.
Location: Central United States (Tornado Alley)
Tornado Season: March–June
Ticket: Not applicable (natural phenomenon)
Suggested Read: Churches in the USA
20. The U.S. Has a Town Named “Boring”
Yes, Boring is a real town in Oregon, named after early resident William H. Boring. In a delightful twist, it has partnered with Dull, Scotland, and Bland, Australia, to promote tourism through their amusing names.
Location: Boring, Oregon
Quirky Event: International Dull, Boring & Bland Day (August 9)
Ticket: Free to visit; local businesses participate in themed events
21. NASA’s First Astronauts Were Military Test Pilots
The first NASA astronauts, called the Mercury Seven, were all military test pilots. Their experience in high-risk aviation helped shape America’s early space missions during the Cold War, making this one of the historical facts about the USA in space exploration.
Where to Learn More: Kennedy Space Center (Florida), Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (D.C.)
Highlight Visit: During rocket launches or anniversary exhibitions
Ticket: $35–$75 (₹3,024–₹6,480 approx), depending on the center and package
22. The Hollywood Sign Once Said “Hollywoodland”
Originally erected in 1923 to promote a real estate development, the sign read “Hollywoodland.” It was only intended to last 18 months, but it became a permanent cultural icon. The “-land” was dropped in 1949 during restoration.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November
Ticket: Viewing is free; guided hikes/tours $10–$30 ( ₹865–₹2,595 approx)
Suggested Read: Best Island in the USA
23. The U.S. Consumes the Most Ice Cream Worldwide
From soft-serve to artisan scoops, Americans lead the world in ice cream consumption. Classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate dominate, but quirky creations like bacon or avocado ice cream are increasingly popular too.
Where to Try: Ben & Jerry’s (Vermont), Salt & Straw (West Coast), Jeni’s (nationwide)
Peak Season: Summer months (June–August)
Ticket: $3–$8 per scoop (₹258–₹689 approx)
24. More Than 1 in 8 Americans Have Worked at McDonald’s
Over 20 million Americans—more than 1 in 8—have worked at McDonald’s at some point. The fast-food chain is one of the largest employers in the country and often a first job for teenagers.
Locations: Nationwide
Cultural Insight: Ongoing employment trend
Ticket: Not applicable
25. The United States Has a “Moon Tree” Planted by Apollo Seeds
In 1971, NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa carried hundreds of tree seeds aboard Apollo 14. After the mission, they were planted across the U.S. as “Moon Trees,” symbolizing space exploration and environmental care, making this one of the cool facts about the USA in science and nature.
Where to Find: Washington Square (Philadelphia), Kennedy Space Center (Florida), various arboretums
Special Anniversary: Moon Tree Day (April 24)
Ticket: Free to view
FAQsÂ
What makes the USA unique compared to other countries?
The USA stands out for its diversity—geographically, culturally, and socially. From vibrant cities like New York and Los Angeles to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, these interesting facts in the USA highlight the country’s wide range of experiences. It also leads in technological innovation, pop culture, and global influence.
Is it true that the U.S. has no official language?
Yes, the United States has no federal official language. While English is most widely spoken, multilingual communities thrive across the country, making this one of the cool facts about the USA reflecting its cultural diversity.
Why does the U.S. have so many national parks?
The U.S. pioneered the national park concept, starting with Yellowstone in 1872. With over 60 designated parks, the aim is to preserve the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity while providing public access for education and recreation.
Are tipping and taxes included in U.S. prices?
No. In most places in the U.S., the price you see does not include sales tax or tips. It’s customary to tip 15–20% at restaurants, and taxes vary by state.
What are some fun facts about American culture?
Some interesting facts include: Americans eat about 3 billion pizzas a year, the country consumes the most ice cream globally, and over 1 in 8 Americans have worked at McDonald’s. The U.S. also has towns with quirky names like “Boring” and celebrates uniquely American traditions like Thanksgiving and the Super Bowl.
What are some must-visit quirky landmarks in the U.S.?
Some offbeat attractions include the Hollywood Sign (which once said “Hollywoodland”), the Moon Trees planted from Apollo 14 seeds, and the massive Mall of America with its own ZIP code. Route 66 also offers tons of roadside Americana charm.
Is the USA a safe place to travel?
Generally, yes. Like any country, safety depends on where you go and your awareness. Major tourist destinations are well-patrolled and visitor-friendly. Always research specific cities and neighborhoods and follow local guidance.
Why is the U.S. dollar so important worldwide?
The U.S. dollar dominates global currency markets, used in around 90% of forex transactions. It’s also a primary reserve currency, which is one of the historical facts about the USA highlighting the strength and stability of its economy.
