The United States of America is an interesting object for studying the general picture of the world. The industry, territory, economic and transport interchange of the state, relief, minerals and other features of the United States of America affect our entire planet.

Geographical position of the country

USA is one of the most developed countries in the world, which is the merit of a favorable geographical location. Regarding the geography of America, most of the states are located in North America. The main regions of the country are 48 states that are connected to each other, as well as two states that do not border - Alaska and Hawaii. The state also includes a federal administrative unit - the District of Columbia.

Due to the fact that the country is washed by the waters of three oceans, it has an advantageous transport interchange with a large number of countries, which also affects the level of the economic and geographical characteristics of the state (egh / egp).

Note that until 1959, Hawaii and Alaska were not part of the country, until that year they were colonies.

Main watershed of the state located on the eastern part of the largest mountain system of the Earth Cordillera. The main part of the lakes is located in the northern edge of the country. The waters are actively used by the country for the development of hydropower, water supply of the states of the state, and in the water movement of goods.

There are also large physiographic regions in the USA. So, the Appalachians are located near the Atlantic Ocean. Approaching the western part, the highlands give way to the Great Plains. The mountain ranges majestically stretch closer to the west of the country, and then rapidly break off off the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Main river system the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

Coordinates: 38° N latitude, 97° W D., the length of the coastline is about 19,924 kilometers, the capital of the United States is Washington. The country has six time zones.

US borders and area

The United States occupies an honorable position in the top five largest countries in the world. The size of the country is approximately estimated at 9,500,900-9,800,630 sq km.

The southern part is close to Central America - its neighbor is the United Mexican States, the north is adjacent to Canada, there is also a border with Russia, the sea. The state is washed immediately by three largest water bodies - oceans:

• Alaska is located near the waters of the Arctic Ocean.
• The east of the United States of America is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
• From the west of the country you can see the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

State climate

One of the characteristics of the US You can safely call the presence of a variety of climatic characteristics. The length does not allow to clearly define the climatic conditions, however, most of the state is classified as a subtropical climate, at the same time, a temperate climate occurs in the south of Alaska, it is interesting that a polar climate is encountered in the north of the same state. The south of Florida and Hawaii are referred to as the tropics, there is also a semi-desert - the Great Plains. Areas of California have a Mediterranean climate, while areas near the Great Basin have an arid climate.

Also, a distinctive climatic feature of the United States is the frequent tornadoes. March-August is the peak season for eddies in the central region of the country. The main reason for their appearance is the collision of air masses with different temperatures.

Another climate disaster - hurricanes, the season of which falls on June-December. Especially the southern states and the coast in the eastern region are exposed to them.

Moreover, part of the country is subject to earthquakes. The most dangerous zone is the mountainous region of the west coast. The zone of high volcanic activity is quite long - it stretches from Alaska to the south of California. The Cascade Mountains are endowed with a particularly large concentration of volcanoes.

Natural resources

Main part of the USA recognized as favorable for economic activity and for the life of the population. Of course, the length and large area of ​​​​the state conceals in its bowels a wide variety of industrial resources. The country is endowed with large reserves of mining and chemical raw materials, oil, natural gas and ores. The largest gas reserves are concentrated in the state of Alaska, as well as in the south of the country. By the way, in terms of oil and gas production, the United States ranks second in the world, which opens up great economic horizons.

Iron ore, for the most part, is concentrated near Lake Superior, and precious metals are located near the mountain macroregion. Lead reserves allow the state to be one of the world leaders.

Nevertheless, the security of the country still involves the import of some raw materials, for example: cobalt, potassium salts, tin, manganese and others.

United States population

A large territory also affects the fact that the United States is one of the three most populated states in the world. There are about 270 million people who are US residents. But the population density per 1 km averages only 28 people, which is much less than in most developed countries. The average life expectancy in the country is 80 years for women and 73 for males. The main number of residents, and this is eighty percent, are Americans of European origin.

Immigration plays a significant role in the actual population of the country. To date, the main immigrants are residents of Asian countries.

It is also important that the United States is included in the list of the most urbanized countries in our world. About 75% are citizens. In terms of cities, there are approximately ten thousand in the United States, eight of which are cities with a population of one million.

The top three most populated regions are:

• California (about 31 million people).
• New York (approximately 18.4 million).
• And also Texas (about 18 million).

It is in the United States of America, which is not expected by many, more snow falls than anywhere else on the planet. To be more precise - in the western states of the state.

Mount Denali is the highest point of the state (its height is 6194 meters), the lowest point on the US map is Death Valley (it is 86 meters).

Minimum temperature, which was recorded in Alaska, dropped to minus 62 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature rose in California - up to 56.7 degrees.

South America: geographical location. Two continents - South and North America - form a single part of the world under the common name America. These continents are interconnected by the Isthmus of Panama, through which in 1920 the navigable Panama Canal was dug, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. South America is located in the Western Hemisphere and is washed by the waters of the Pacific (in the west) and Atlantic (in the north and east) oceans. Mainland area approx. 18 million sq. km. In its shape, South America is similar to a triangle, tapering to the south. The length of South America from north to south along 70 degrees W. — 7350 km, and from west to east along the 10th degree north latitude. — 4655 km.

Extreme points of South America:

• Northern - Cape Galinas 12°25′ N, 71°39′ W
• Western - Cape Parinas 4°40′ S, 81°20′ W
• Eastern - Cape Cabo Branco 7°10′ S, 34°47′ W
• South - Cape Froward 53°54′ S, 71°18′ W

In the east, the mainland is washed by the waters Pacific Ocean, in the north and west - Atlantic. The coastline is very poorly indented. Only in the southeast there are several not very large bays: La Plata, San Matias, San Jorge and Baia Grande. To the north is the only Caribbean Sea.

Relief and geological structure.

The relief of South America is represented by plains and plateaus in the east and mountain ranges in the west of the mainland. The relief of the eastern part is based on the ancient South American platform. Large low-lying plains formed on it - the Amazonian, Orinokskaya, La Platskaya, composed of strata of marine and continental sediments. The Brazilian and Guiana highlands, 500 to 2500 m high, are confined to the shields (raised sections of the platform).

In the west of the mainland, the Andes, or Andean Cordillera, stretch for 9000 km from north to south, separating the rest of the continent from the Pacific Ocean. This is a folded region of Alpine age; is a continuation of the North American Cordillera and consists of parallel ranges. Between the ridges are the Central Andean highlands and plateaus. The mountain-building processes in the Andes have not ended, so earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent here.

The largest peaks : Aconcagua – 6960m(Argentina), Ojos del Salado- 6880m (Chile), Tupungato- 6800m (Argentina-Chile), Huascaran - 6768m (Peru), Ankouma - 6550m (Bolivia), Illimani - 6402m (Bolivia).
The largest volcanoes : Lullaillaco – 6723m(Argentina-Chile), Sajama- 6520m (Bolivia), Koropuna- 6425m (Peru), San Pedro - 5974m (Chile).

Climate.

The geographic location and configuration of the mainland determine how much heat it receives throughout the year. South America - the wettest continent on the ground. A lot of moisture is brought from the Atlantic Ocean trade winds. The Andes block the way for air masses from the Pacific Ocean.

South America is located in equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and moderate climatic zones.

Most of the Amazonian lowland and the northeast coast of the mainland are located in equatorial belt. The air temperature during the year is +25-28 °C. The amount of precipitation is from 1500 to 3500 mm, in the foothills of the Andes - up to 7000 mm.

subequatorial belt The northern and southern hemispheres are connected on the east coast, fringing the equatorial climatic zone. There is a seasonality in the distribution of precipitation. A large number of them - 2000 mm - falls in the summer. The rainy season in the Northern Hemisphere is from May to December, in the Southern Hemisphere from December to May. Air temperature +25 °С. Winter comes with the advent of tropical continental air. Precipitation is practically non-existent; air temperature +20 °C.

Tropical climate zone.

Located only in the Southern Hemisphere. Air temperature +20 °С. It is divided into two types of climate. Humid tropical climate formed in the east and southeast of the Brazilian Highlands under the influence of trade winds that bring moisture. Precipitation is less than in the subequatorial zone. To the west, precipitation decreases and forms dry tropical climate. The cold Peruvian current has a great influence here. There is an inversion of temperatures: the air is saturated with moisture, but it is very cold, as a result of which precipitation does not fall. Here is the coastal desert Atacama.

subtropical belt located south of 30º S. sh., within its limits three types of climate are formed. On the west coast subtropical mediterranean climate with dry, cool summers (+20°С) and humid warm winters (+10°С, cloudy rainy weather prevails). As we move deeper into the mainland, the climate becomes continental subtropical. Precipitation falls only 500 mm. Formed on the east coast subtropical humid climate: summer temperature in January +25 °С, and winter temperature in July +10 °С, precipitation falls up to 2000 mm per year.

temperate climate zone located south of 40º S. Formed on the west coast maritime temperate type climate: warm humid winter (+5 °С), humid cool summer (+15 °С); precipitation - up to 2000 mm and more. In the eastern part of the belt - temperate continental type climate: winter is colder (0 °С), summer is warm (+20 °С). Precipitation - 300 mm.

formed in the Andes mountain type climate. Here, climatic zones replace each other according to the law of vertical zonality. At the foot of the mountains, the climate does not differ from the surrounding areas. As you rise, the temperature and precipitation change.

Land waters.

South America is rich in inland waters. Most of the rivers are fed by rain, some get water from the melting of snow and ice in the mountains. The largest river Earth Amazon(6400 km). The area of ​​its river basin is 7 million km2- This is almost 40% of the mainland. Being in a zone of high humidity, the river is full of water all year round. The river floods twice a year: in May during rains in the Southern Hemisphere and in October-November in the Northern Hemisphere.

Unlike the Amazon River Orinoco(2730 km) and Paraná(4380 km) have a pronounced seasonal runoff. The flood period on the rivers falls on the summer wet season. Flowing down from the Andes rivers in the upper reaches form waterfalls. On one of the tributaries of the Orinoco is the highest waterfall in the world - Angel (1054 m); On one of the tributaries of the Parana is the Iguazu Falls.

USA.

The name of the country comes from the mainland America.

The capital of the USA. Washington.

US area. 9629091 km2.

US population. 321.2 million people ()

US GDP. $17.42 trillion (

US location. The United States is the fourth largest state, located on the territory from to, from in the east to and the Rocky Mountains in the west. The United States includes Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, and a number of islands in the western Pacific Ocean. In the north it borders on, in the south - on, Alaska is separated from the strait, has borders with Canada.

Administrative divisions of the United States. The state consists of 50 states (48 contiguous states, as well as Alaska and Hawaii) and a federal (capital) district.

United States form of government. Republic with a federal state structure.

US head of state. President elected for a term of 4 years.

Supreme legislature of the United States. Congress, consisting of two chambers: the Senate (elected for 6 years) and the House of Representatives (term of office - 2 years).

Supreme executive body of the United States. Government - the Cabinet of Ministers, appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate.

Major US cities. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Miami, Detroit, Dallas, San Diego, Boston, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, St. Louis, Buffalo, Cleveland.

State language of the USA. English.

Religion USA. They practice Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism.

Ethnic composition of the United States. 84% - immigrants from, 12% - African Americans, 3% - immigrants from Asia, 0.8% - Indians.

US currency. US dollar = 100 cents.

USA climate. in the United States for the most part and continental. In Alaska (climate), the average temperature in January is -25 °С, on the Florida peninsula -+20 °С. The average July temperature on the western coast ranges from + 14°С to + 22°С, on the eastern coast - from + 16°С to + 25°С. In American resorts, summer reigns almost all year round. Temperatures below 0°C in winter are observed throughout the territory, except for California, Florida and the Hawaiian Islands. The largest falls on the Hawaiian (10000 mm per year), the smallest - Mojave (less than 100 mm).

US flora. a third of the country's territory is occupied. Thus, vast coniferous forests grow in the south of Alaska, the rest of the state is covered mainly with mosses and lichens. The central part of the country is characterized by mixed vegetation (spruce, pine, oak, ash, birch, sycamore). Cedar, pine, and deciduous forests are typical for the north of the east coast. To the south, the vegetation acquires a subtropical character - magnolias and rubber plants appear here. The Gulf Coast is covered with mangroves. The western part of the country is a region of deserts and, which are characterized by yucca, shrubs and semi-shrubs. In the desert areas, many cacti and succulents grow. In California, citrus fruits, various palm trees are common. The Sierra Nevada is considered the land of giant sequoias.

US fauna. The fauna also differs depending on the region. So, bears, lynxes, deer, ground squirrels live in the northern regions. There are walruses and seals on the coast of Alaska. In the east, there are grizzly bears, deer, foxes, wolves, skunks, badgers, a large number of birds, including pelicans, flamingos, kingfishers, there are also alligators, a lot of snakes. On Velikiy, there are mainly ungulates, herds of bison. Elk, pronghorn, mountain goat, fat-horn, bears, wolves live in mountainous regions. In desert areas - reptiles, small mammals, rodents.

and US lakes. The main rivers are, Missouri, Columbia. Colorado. The largest lakes are the Great Lakes bordering Canada: Erie, Ontario.

sightseeings of USA. In New York - Rockefeller Center (15 skyscrapers), British Empire Building, Radio Corporation of America Building, St. Patrick's Cathedral (XIX century), New York Public Library, Central Station building, Headquarters, Empire skyscraper State Building (102 floors), Immigration Museum, New York State Theater, Metropolitan Opera House, Cleopatra's Needle Obelisk, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the American Indian, Museum of African Art, Museum of the City, Museum of the Sea and much more. Natural attractions include mountain ranges, coasts of bays.

Useful information for tourists

Americans pride themselves on being citizens of the best country in the world, and they don't like stiffness in dress or manners. A European may be surprised by the simplicity of their appearance - they prefer comfortable clothes, address each other simply, informally, even if there is a difference in age and social status between the interlocutors.

Americans are very concerned about their health and the health of others, so special places are reserved for smoking in restaurants and bars. Do not smoke in taxis, airports, train stations, and even on some streets they can be fined for smoking a cigarette.

As for communication in an informal setting, receptions in the United States are a common thing. This is a good opportunity to talk about family and hobbies. As a gift, it is better to bring a bottle of good wine. In the US, tips are a legal form of additional pay in the service sector. It is distributed in taxis, airports, hotels, restaurants. The porter is paid extra 0.25-0.5 dollars for one place. A bellboy ("beltooy") in a hotel gets a little more (0.5-1 dollar per seat). It is customary to tip the head waiter, porter, maid. Tipping the waiter, taxi driver is equal to 10-15% of the amount on the bill.

You should never offer money to a police officer or official. This attempt can be qualified as a criminal offence.

Territory– 9.4 million km

Population- 263.2 million people (1995)

Capital— Washington

Geographical position, general overview

USA- the most economically developed country in the West. In terms of area, the United States surpasses all of Europe, but is inferior to Russia. The country is made up of 50 states and the District of Columbia. 48 states are located in the southern half of the North American continent and are washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The state of Alaska occupies the northwestern part of the continent, bordering Canada in the east. The Hawaiian Islands are a separate state in one of the archipelagos of the Pacific Ocean.

The US access to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans promotes, on the one hand, transport and economic ties with many countries, and, on the other hand, isolates the country from the hotbeds of wars and tensions in Europe and Asia.

The development of the territory of the United States took place from the 16th century, when the first English, Dutch, Swedish colonies (on the Atlantic coast) and Spanish ones on the Pacific coast were founded here. Initially, the United States included 13 British colonies. AT

In 1776 their independence was proclaimed and their separation from England took place. The United States took its modern shape in 1959, when the states of Alaska and Hawaii, which were previously colonies, officially became part of them.

The United States is currently a federal republic.

The head of state is the president. Legislative power is vested in Congress. The country has a constitution adopted in 1787.

Natural conditions and resources of the United States

A significant part of the country's territory, according to natural conditions, is favorable for life and economic activity. The United States is distinguished by its diversity and richness of natural resources. The territory of the country is divided into a mountainous and predominantly arid western part and a flat, fairly humid, eastern part.

The United States stands out for its rich and diverse mineral resources. The fuel and energy resources are especially large. There are also large reserves of ores of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, mining and chemical raw materials.

Coal-bearing areas occupy 1/10 of the country's territory. Coal reserves - 1.6 trillion. The US is rich in oil and natural gas. In terms of their production, the United States ranks second in the world. The largest oil and gas reserves are located in Alaska, in the south of the country and on the Pacific coast.

The main resources of iron ore are located in the area of ​​Lake Superior; significant resources of molybdenum, tungsten, precious metals in the deposits of mountainous states. In terms of lead reserves, the United States is among the world leaders. Lead-zinc ores are concentrated in the states of Idaho, Utah, Montana, Missouri.

Despite the presence of a rich mineral resource base, the United States is still forced to import nickel, manganese, cobalt, bauxite, tin, and potassium salts.

The climate in the United States is varied. Most of the territory lies in the temperate and subtropical climate zone, only the south of Florida is in the tropical climate. Alaska is located in the subarctic and temperate zones, and Hawaii is in the marine tropical zone. The continentality of the climate increases in the central and western regions. In general, climatic conditions allow growing in the United States a diverse composition of both temperate and subtropical crops and promote pastoralism.

Abundant and diverse water resources are distributed territorially very unevenly: 60% of the flow falls on the east of the country. The largest lake system in the world, the Great Lakes, is located here.

The main river system of the country is the Mississippi and its tributaries. Its left tributaries have significant water resources, while the right ones are used for irrigation.

US population

By population US occupied 3rd in the world. The population of the country is up to 270 million people.

Immigration has played a huge role in shaping the US population. Until the end of the last century, these were mainly immigrants from Western Europe, later from the agrarian countries of Eastern Europe. In recent years, immigrants from America and Asia have dominated among immigrants.

Average annual - 16%, - 9%. Life expectancy is 73 years for men and 80 years for women.

In the modern population of the United States (over 100 ethnic groups in general), three main ethnic groups are distinguished - US Americans, immigrant groups and aboriginal groups. In general, in the United States, European Americans make up 80% of the population, blacks - 12%.

Various ethnic groups do not have specific territories to live in, however, certain parts of the country are distinguished by an increased proportion of representatives of certain groups, for example, Mexicans in the southwestern states, etc.

In terms of average population density, the United States lags behind many economically developed countries (28 people per 1 km). But the distribution of the population across the territory

very uneven: almost 70% of the inhabitants live in an area that occupies 12% of the area. The differences between the coastal (lakeside) and mountain states are especially great: from 350 to 2-3 people per 1 km2. Most populated states - California

(31.2 million people, 1993), New York (18.2 million), Texas (18.0 million), Florida

(13.7 million). The leading of the three main economic regions of the USA is the Industrial North (almost 1/2 of the population).

The USA is one of the most urbanized countries in the world (75% are city dwellers). There are about 10 thousand cities in the USA, 8 of them are millionaire cities. As in all economically developed countries, suburbanization is widespread in the United States.

The rural population of the United States lives mainly on separately located farms, but living conditions there are almost the same as in urban areas.

US economy

The United States has a powerful economic, scientific, technical and military potential. In many ways, the country determines the politics of the modern world.

The modern GNP of the country is unparalleled. The US is the world's largest producer of industrial and agricultural products. In terms of oil, natural gas, coal and steel production, the country is among the top three world leaders, and in terms of electricity production, the level of development of the chemical industry, the smelting of non-ferrous metals, the production of cars and aircraft, the level of development of electronics, electrical engineering and the aerospace industry is the leader.

The branches of international specialization of the United States are electrical and electronic, aerospace, military, nuclear industry, etc.

The share of the mining industry, ferrous metallurgy, textile and clothing industries has significantly decreased in the country's economy. The share of the chemical industry, mechanical engineering and metalworking increased.

In general, under the influence of scientific and technological revolution in the sectoral structure of GNP, the share of material production decreases and the non-production sphere increases.

Energy

The basis of the US energy industry is its good supply of energy resources - coal, oil, natural gas. In addition, oil and gas are partially imported. In terms of the total capacity of power plants and the production of electricity (3215 billion kW / h, 1990), the United States ranks first in the world. The structure of electricity generation is dominated by its production at thermal power plants operating on coal, gas, fuel oil - 70%, the rest is produced by hydroelectric power plants and nuclear power plants.

Ferrous metallurgy

As in other economically developed countries, the share of this basic industry is declining both in terms of the number of employees and in terms of output.

The United States is trying to restore the competitiveness of the industry by intensifying production, reducing its energy and material consumption. In connection with the reorientation of the industry to imported high-quality iron ore, along with the old centers and regions of metallurgy (for example, in the Great Lakes region), the Atlantic Metallurgical Region (Baltimore, Mauriceville) arose and is developing.

The industry is developing along the path of creating new consumer-oriented mini-factories.

Non-ferrous metallurgy

Non-ferrous metallurgy relies on a powerful energy, both domestic and imported, raw material base. The main areas for the location of enterprises are the Mountain States, where most of the deposits are located, the Pacific Northwest, and the Atlantic region.

Mechanical engineering and metalworking

Mechanical engineering and metalworking is the largest branch of American industry. It employs 40% of the population and produces 40% of the manufacturing industry. US engineering is heavily monopolized.

The most important industry is the automotive industry, with 75% of the country's needs for cars provided by the corporations General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler. Automotive is common in 20 states, but the main area is the Lake District, especially the state of Michigan.

The aviation industry is often referred to as the aerospace industry. The largest monopolies are Boeing, United Technologies, McDonell Douglas. There are centers in many states, but the Pacific states and, above all, Los Angeles and Seattle stand out in particular.

US shipbuilding is much inferior in importance to other branches of engineering, it cannot compete with other countries of the world. The main enterprises are concentrated in the northeast.

The electrical engineering and electronics industry produces products for both industrial and domestic purposes. In the field of household products, the United States is experiencing strong competition from foreign (especially Japanese) firms.

In mechanical engineering, the process of cooperation between industry and science was very clearly manifested, scientific and industrial territorial complexes arose, for example, "Silicon Valley" in California.

Chemical industry

The United States is one of the world leaders in terms of production of chemical products. Despite the fact that the industry is represented in dozens of centers, its increased concentration in certain areas is also very typical. The main areas of the chemical industry are the states of the North, where chemistry is associated with metallurgy, the automotive industry, the textile industry, and agriculture (New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan).

The main region of the US petrochemistry has developed within the oil and gas basin of the Gulf of Mexico.

Textile industry

Recently there has been a "migration" of this industry from the North Atlantic states to the South Atlantic, closer to areas of cheaper labor, areas of production of cotton and synthetic fiber, and markets.

food industry

The US food industry is on a par with large industries and surpasses the textile, clothing, and footwear industries. It relies on developed agriculture. The main food industries are located in the north (meat canning plants), west (milk processing), California and Florida (fruit and vegetable canning).

In the United States, several important areas of concentration of the manufacturing industry have developed: the "Industrial Belt" in the north (specializes in metallurgy, engineering, chemical and other industries), the Gulf Coast region of Mexico (petrochemistry, oil refining, mechanical engineering, food, clothing and other industries have been developed). etc.), in the valley of the river. Tennessee (energy-intensive industries of chemistry, metallurgy, and the military industry have been developed), in the Mountain States (mainly non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises are represented), in the Pacific states (aero-rocket and radio-electronic enterprises, petrochemicals, etc.)

Agriculture

Despite the fact that only 3% of the population is employed in this sector and its share in the country's GDP is about 2%, agriculture is a very important industry for the United States. In terms of agricultural production, the United States is vastly superior to any other country in the world. The United States was the first to move to agribusiness. Labor productivity in the agro-industrial complex is growing even faster than in industry. Diversified agriculture provides not only the needs of the country, but also provides significant products for export.

The basis for highly developed agriculture was large land and climate resources. Cultivated land, meadows, pastures occupy almost 1/2 of the main territory of the United States.

The crop production profile in the USA is primarily determined by grain crops (2/3 of all areas). The main food crop is wheat, but much more fodder crops are harvested. An important role is played by oilseeds, fibrous, sugar-bearing crops, fruits and vegetables.

Livestock in the United States primarily determines the breeding of dairy and beef cattle, as well as poultry farming.

On the territory of the United States, a kind of specialized agricultural regions have developed - wheat, corn and soy, dairy farming, and cotton. However, on the site of the former "cotton" region, new livestock and crop growing regions have emerged, where cotton growing is developed along with grain farming and animal husbandry, vegetable growing and fruit growing.

Transport

Transportation in the United States ranks first in the world in most indicators. The network of communications makes up about 1/3 of the global network. The United States accounts for about 40% of the transport capacity and about 30% of the transport capacity of the capitalist world.

The great importance of transport in the United States is determined by the vastness of the country's territory, the peculiarities of settlement and the process of suburbanization, as well as the mutual location of the main areas of production and consumption, etc.

Almost the same value in terms of freight turnover is currently played by all the main types of transport in the United States (railway - 27%, road - 24%, water - 27%, pipeline - 21%). Moreover, the share of automobile, pipeline, as well as air modes of transport is growing.

The backbone of the US transport network is formed by transcontinental highways stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and from the Canadian to the Mexican border. It seems to be superimposed on a network of inland waterways. At the intersection of land and water highways and air lines, large transport hubs were formed.

Foreign economic relations of the USA

The US plays a very prominent role in world trade. But, although the country surpasses all other economically developed countries in terms of foreign trade turnover, the dependence of the US economy on foreign trade is less than in Europe.

The share of exports in the US GDP is about 10%, and in European countries - 20-30%. The US has a huge domestic market. The export of the economy is great in the coastal and border states of the United States. In US foreign trade, the role of neighbors is great: Canada, Mexico, and Japan (they account for 40% of foreign trade turnover).

On average, about 15% of US industrial output is exported. Export plays an important role in agricultural production.

Internal differences

At the macro level since the 1980s. American statistics began to distinguish four macroregions, differing in historical and cultural characteristics and in the nature of modern socio-economic development.

1. Northeast. This is the smallest of the macro-districts, but its favorable economic and geographical position, richness in coal, colonization features turned it into a "workshop of the nation", although its significance in the second half of the 20th century decreases somewhat.
2. Midwest. This is an area of ​​large-scale industry and agriculture, rich in coal, iron ore and having exceptionally favorable agro-climatic conditions. It gives about 1/2 of agricultural production.
3. South. For a long time it developed slowly, which was facilitated by the slave-owning plantation economy and the agrarian-raw material profile of the economy. But now the region has taken first place in the country in the production of coal, oil, natural gas, phosphorites, and in the production of fabrics. But the level of development of the individual states of the South is not the same.
4. The West is the youngest and most dynamic macro-district of the United States, the largest. The contrasts within it are especially pronounced. The West includes Alaska - the main resource area for new development, Hawaii - the islands of pineapples and tourism. The Far West is the prairies of the Great Plains, the land of ranches and cowboys. The Mountain West is the land of the Rocky Mountains and deserts, the Pacific West, which includes the "golden state" of California.

Geography of North America
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North America, the third largest continent in the world, includes 6 countries (some sources include the countries of Central America and the Caribbean in North America, but in our guide they were placed in a separate section for clarity). In addition, North America includes the world's largest island - Greenland.

Located in the northern and eastern hemispheres, the region is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

Mountains, foothills, and plains of North America

alaska range

These mountains of south-central Alaska extend from the Alaska Peninsula to the border with the Yukon Territory (Canada). Here is the highest point in all of North America - Mount McKinley (height - 6,194 m.).

coast range

Mountains located along the coast of the Pacific coast of California, Oregon, Washington. They also extend along the western border of British Columbia in Canada, and the southern tip of Alaska, all the way to the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island.

great plains

The Great Plains of North America slope eastward from the Rocky Mountains, and extend to the border of the Canadian Shield, and the western limits of the Appalachians. The land is generally flat, with large treeless areas and valleys with shallow rivers. Small hills and mountains are found in the Ozark (Missouri) plateau, as well as in the Boston and Washita mountains northwest of Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. Sand hills and remnants cover the territories of north-central Nebraska.

Appalachian mountains

The Appalachians, which are approximately 2,600 km long, stretch from central Alabama (USA) all the way through the states of New England and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Quebec.

Significant Appalachian mountain chains include: Cumberland (Tennessee), Blue Ridge (Virginia), Allegheny (Pennsylvania), Catskill (New York), Green Mountains (Vermont), White Mountains (New Hampshire) .

The highest point is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina (height - 2,037 m.).

Canadian shield

A plateau region found in eastern and northern Canada and the Great Lakes region of North America, consisting mainly of uneven and rocky terrain, and large areas of coniferous (evergreen) forests. In addition, the northern regions, located along the Arctic Circle, are represented by rocky frozen tundra. The highest elevation, presumably, is 500 meters.

cascade mountains

A mountain range stretching from northeastern California through Oregon and Washington. Major peaks include Mount Hood, Rainer, and St. Helens.

continental divide

In North America, the Western Continental Divide is an imaginary line running through a series of mountain peaks across North America that divides the continent into two major drainage areas.

Atlantic lowlands

This large area in the southern and southeastern United States extends to the continental shelf, and is generally characterized by plains with forests of various types. Coastal regions contain estuaries and rivers, swamps, swamps, etc.

Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are approximately 3,000 km long, stretching from the US state of New Mexico, across the western United States, and on to the northernmost borders of British Columbia in Canada.

The major mountain ranges in this chain include: Absaroka, Bear River, Beaverhead, Big Belt, Big Horn, Biterroots, Canadian, Clearwater, Columbia, Frant, Guadalupe, Laremy, Lemley, Lewis, Lost River, Medicine Bow, Monashi, Auhi, Purcell , Sacramento, Samon River, San Andres, Sangre de Cristo, Southwatch, Shawshawn, Stins, Stillwater, Swan, Tetons, Unita, Wallowa, Wasatch, Wind River, Wyoming, Zuni.

The highest point in the Rocky Mountains is Mount Elbert, located 15 kilometers from Leadville, Colorado. Its height is 4399 meters.

Sierra Madre

The Sierra Madre includes two large mountain ranges and one smaller one. The Western Sierra Madre runs parallel to the Mexican ocean coast, with some of its peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. The Eastern Sierra Madre runs parallel to the Gulf Coast, with some peaks also exceeding 3,000 meters. The southern Sierra Madre is located in the southern Mexican states of Guerrero and Oaxaca.

Brooks Ridge

Mountains in northern Alaska. The highest point is Mount Isto (height - 2,760 m.).

Rivers of North America

Hundreds of rivers and their tributaries flow through North America. Some of the largest and most significant of them will be listed and described below.

Brazos

This Texas river rises upstate in Stonewall County and flows south into Brazoria County and on to the Gulf of Mexico. Its length is 1,351 km.

Colorado

Originating in the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado, this river flows southwest to the Gulf of California. Its length is 2,333 km. Over the centuries, the river has carved many canyons along its meandering path. The most famous of them is the Grand Canyon, in northern Arizona. Along the entire path of the river there are 30 power plants, as well as dozens of dams and reservoirs.

Colombia

This broad, fast-flowing river originates in the Canadian Rockies in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, then flows south through Washington state, then forms a natural border between Washington and Oregon. It ends in the Pacific Ocean, its length is 1,857 km. The development of hydroelectric power in the river basin has brought inexpensive electricity to the people of the Pacific Northwest, but has greatly affected salmon spawning and the migration of native fish.

Mackenzie

It is Canada's longest river and separates the Northwest Territories. It flows mainly to the northwest into Mackenzie Bay and the Beaufort Sea. This river of historical significance was discovered by Alexander Mackenzie, and dense green forests grow along its path, and there are dozens of lakes. Its length is 1,800 km. When connected to its tributaries, the Slave, Peace, and Finlay, its total length is 4,240 km, making it the second longest river in North America, behind the Mississippi/Missouri river system (whose length is 6,236 km.) .

Mississippi

It is the main river of North America and the United States, with a length of 3,765 km. It flows from northwestern Minnesota south to the Gulf of Mexico, near the city of New Orleans. It is an important transportation artery, and if connected to its main tributaries (the Missouri and Ohio rivers), it will become the third largest river system in the world, with a length of 6,236 km.

Missouri

This river originates in southern Montana in the Rocky Mountains and flows first north, then southeast through the heart of the United States, ending in the Mississippi River, north of St. Louis, Missouri. It is the longest river in the United States (4,203 km).

Ohio

Formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahila Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Ohio River flows generally to the southwest. It forms a natural border between Ohio and West Virginia, between Ohio and Kentucky, and part of the border with Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. It ends in the Mississippi River in Illinois and is 1,569 km long.

Saint Lawrence River

This river flows northeast from Lake Ontario, and flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is 1,225 km long and can be used by deep sea vessels between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. It includes several artificial canals, castles and dams and is considered one of the most important trade routes on the planet.

Rio Grande

This is one of the longest rivers in North America (3,034 km long), it starts in the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado, then flows south through New Mexico. It forms a natural boundary between the state of Texas and Mexico as it flows southeast to the Gulf of Mexico. In Mexico, the river is known as the Rio Bravo del Norte. The waters of this river, used by both countries as drinking water, are becoming increasingly polluted as the settlements surrounding the path of the river's waters grow in size, and dump more and more sewage and pesticides into the water.

fraser

This river in British Columbia, Canada, starts in the Canadian Rockies, then flows in different directions (mainly south), then finally turns west, and ends in the Strait of Georgia, south of Vancouver. Its length is 1,368 km.

Churchill

This river, flowing in central Canada, originates in northwestern Saskatchewan, then flows east into Manitoba, and on to Hudson Bay. It flows through a series of lakes and is known for its fast currents. Its length is 1,609 km.

Yukon

This river originates in the southwestern part of the Yukon Territory of Canada, and then flows northwest across the border into Alaska. This massive river then continues southwest through central Alaska, ending in the Bering Sea. Despite its length (2,035 km.), and the fact that, for the most part, this river is navigable, it freezes from October to mid-June.