America is vast, complicated, and steeped in history. From the breathtaking landscapes of the National Parks to the populous cities that span the coasts, the country is filled with surprises. These interesting facts about the United States show just how diverse and unique it truly is.
- The United States Is Home to More Than 3,000 Counties
The U.S. is large, but did you know exactly how large? The answer is over 3,000 counties. The number is so massive that if you were to take a casual stroll around all of the county lines, you’d cover over 28,000 miles–which is more than twice the circumference of the Earth.
- The U.S. Has More Than 19,500 ZIP Codes
Beyond the thousands of counties, America is also home to more than 19,500 ZIP codes. Each unique code helps the postal service correctly locate any given address and ensure packages arrive where they should.
- The Population Makes Up 4.3% of the World
Though the country might feel somewhat small from time to time, the fact of the matter is that more than 327 million people call the United States home. In total, this makes up about 4.3% of the world’s entire population.
- The United States Borders 8 Countries
Many know that the United States shares a border with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, but what some forget is that the country also shares maritime boundaries with several Caribbean nations. In total, the U.S. is bordered by 8 different countries.
- Yellowstone National Park is the World’s First National Park
The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. One of these sites is Yellowstone National Park, the first national park to ever be established in the world.
- The United States is Home to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
From Yellowstone National Park to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. is home to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This means the sites are lauded for their global significance and have been deemed important enough to be added to the list of locations maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- The United States is Home to the World’s Largest Sandwich
If you’re a fan of food, then you’ll love this fact. The world’s biggest sandwich was created in the United States. Dubbed the “Mazzio’s Italian Eatery Monster Calzone”, the massive meal weighed in at 104 pounds and stretched 10 feet in diameter.
- The United States is the World’s Largest Internet Retailer
With millions of online shopping sites and millions more customers patronizing them, it’s no surprise that the U.S. is the world’s largest online retailer. In 2019, internet sales totaled around 422.8 billion dollars, which is more than 7 times the size of e-commerce sales in China.
- The United States is Home to the Largest Marathon Course
Officially known as the ‘Quad Cities Marathon’, the race’s course circles through the four cities of Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and Davenport. Those who complete the course cover a total of 26.2 miles.
- The United States is Home to the Largest Religious Gathering in the World
The United States is also home to the largest religious gathering in the world. Each year, over 6 million Hindu pilgrims come to the small town of Katyayani in Rhode Island to take part in a massive religious festival called ‘Kumbh Mela’.
- The United States is Home to the Largest Swimming Pool in the World
Would you believe that the largest swimming pool in the world is located in the United States? Despite its nickname, the massive pool in San Alfonso del Mar in Chile measures in at an impressive 3,322 feet in length and holds an incredible 66 million gallons of seawater.
- The United States is Home to the Largest Cannon in the Western Hemisphere
The “Big Bertha” is a massive cannon located in Fort Adams, Rhode Island. The cannon measures in at an impressive 28 feet long and weighs 97,000 pounds. The cannon is considered to be the largest cannon in the Western Hemisphere.
- The United States is Home to the World’s Biggest Office Building
The Pentagon in Virginia is the world’s largest office building. Located in Washington D.C., the building covers a whopping 6.5 million square feet. The impressive building has a staggering 17 1/2 miles of corridors.
- The United States is Home to More than 20 Major Mountain Ranges
You’d be surprised to know that the US has more than 20 major mountain ranges. From the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachian Mountains, these ranges stretch up and down the Country. From the highest peaks to the strongest valleys, the Mountain Ranges of the United States are full of surprises and unexpected beauty.
- The United States is Home to More than 40 National Parks
The United States is scattered with natural wonders. From strip-sandy deserts to densely forested mountain tops, the country boasts 40 national parks. AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS system includes thousands of trails, scenic drives, and mountainous landscapes that millions come to see every year.
The United States of America is a land of surprising facts and figures. This list of little-known facts about the US reveal an incredible amount of information about the country and its many wonders. From the largest cities to the picturesque wilderness areas, from the vast retail sector to the massive religious gatherings, the US is a remarkable place and a real example of diversity.
