United States of America Travel Guide

Promotional Features

Club Med offers premium all-inclusive holidays

With Club Med all-inclusive you can expect stunning locations, superb accommodation, gourmet food, endless snacks and drinks from the barRead more

Your holiday starts at the airport

Plan, pre-book and be prepared. Read our top tips for a headache free start to your holiday.Read more

Luxury for Less: Award Winners & Overseas Opulence

Read this weeks hand-picked exclusive 'pure opulence' deals. Hurry, book before they are gone! Read more

Travel Partners

All Inclusive Summer Holidays with Club Med

Gourmet cuisine, endless fun, lasting memories. Choose Club Med's Dream Destinations this summer.

Travel Deals

Image gallery

Mount Rushmore, USA

United States of America Travel Guide

Key Facts

Area:

9,826,630 sq km (3,794,083 sq miles).

Population:

301 million (official estimate 2007).

Population density:

32.5 per sq km.

Capital:

Washington, DC. Population: 581,530 (2006). Over 25 other cities have a population larger than that of Washington, DC. New York is the largest city, with a population of 8.3 million (2006). Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio and San Diego had populations ranging from 1.2 - 3.8 million in 2005.

Government:

Federal Republic since 1789. Gained independence from the UK in 1776. The USA has 50 States and the District of Columbia (as in 'Washington, DC'), which lies between Maryland and Virginia.

Head of state:

President Barack Obama since 2009.

Electricity:

110 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the flat two-pin type. European electrical appliances not fitted with dual-voltage capabilities will require a plug adaptor, which is best purchased before arrival in the USA.

From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a collage of extremes.

Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan's unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.

The USA is a huge country to explore, with 50 states to choose from, flanked by two oceans and covering an incredibly varied terrain. For five centuries, since the discoveries of Christopher Columbus, people from every corner of the globe have come here in search of 'the American Dream'.

Between them, they have created the richest, most powerful country on earth, and a fascinating melting pot of cultures and traditions.