Do you consider yourself knowledgeable about the United States? Surprisingly, there are numerous fascinating facts about the U.S. that even Americans may not be aware of.
Alaska Coastline
Alaska is the biggest state in the United States, and its coastline is longer than the coastlines of the other 49 states put together.
Its long, rough coastline stretches for thousands of miles and has many different ecosystems, from icy Arctic shores to temperate rainforests. This long stretch of coast is a haven for wildlife and has some of the most beautiful views in the world.
The Real Heroes
Americans stand out when it comes to helping their communities. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council fact sheet, 65% of firefighters in the United States are volunteers.
These brave people give their time and energy to protecting their communities even though they aren’t paid for it.
President of the U.S. Is One of the Most Dangerous Jobs
Holding the position of the U.S. President is not without its perils. It’s startling to realize that among all the occupations in the United States, the presidency is considered one of the most hazardous.
Thus far, 46 individuals have assumed the presidential role, out of which four have tragically been assassinated, and four died due to natural causes. In total, eight presidents have died in office.
Three Towns Are Named Santa Claus
In a strange turn of events, three locations in the United States are called Santa Claus.
These towns, which are in the states of Georgia, Indiana, and Arizona, celebrate Christmas all year long. Their holiday-themed attractions and events bring in tourists. It’s a fun fact that shows how much the country likes traditions and holidays.
Apple Net Worth
Apple, the tech giant best known for its iPhones and Macs, has reached a fantastic financial milestone.
In 2020, Business Chief revealed that Apple had more money in the bank than the U.S. government. They estimated that the government had an operating cash balance of $73.8 billion, while Apple had $76.2 billion in cash and marketable securities.
Pizza Lovers
People in the United States like pizza. Even though it seems like a lot to say that Americans eat around 100 acres of pizza daily, there’s no doubt that pizza is a big part of the diet!
Pizza places are all over the country and serve everything from pepperoni to gourmet toppings. Many people turn to it when they need a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a late-night snack.
24 states derive from indigenous languages
Nearly half of the names of U.S. states are linguistically connected to the Native American tribes that historically occupied the land.
Flag Design
The story behind how the current American flag was made is fascinating. In 1958, Robert G. Heft, then 17 years old, made it for a school project.
He was surprised to get only a B- for his work. But his flag design was later used as the official flag of the United States.
Weird Coincidence
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the two founding founders of the United States, both died on July 4, 1826. Even more amazing is that this happened exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
One of The Worst Places for Raising a Family
According to Asher & Lyric survey, which created the “Raising a Family Index” in 2020, the US ranked 34th place. Their rankings were based on the grades of safety, happiness, cost, health, education, and time of the nations.
Iceland gained the top place, followed by the Scandinavian countries.
No Driver’s License Needed for NASCAR Racing
You might not believe it, but you don’t need a driver’s license to race in the well-known NASCAR circuit. You can still rev up and race in NASCAR events even if your license has been removed for traffic violations.
New York City’s Population
The “Big Apple,” as New York City is often called, is home to approximately 8.5 million people.
It’s hard to believe that this one city has twice as many people as 39 other states. This fact becomes even more critical when you consider how big New York City is, just under 467 square miles.
Independence Day Wasn’t on July 4
Even though the Fourth of July is known as Independence Day in the U.S., the real story is slightly different.
Congress voted for independence from British rule on July 2, 1776. But the fourth of July is a holiday because it is the day that John Hancock, one of the famous people who signed the Declaration of Independence, signed his name.
Then, 56 delegates signed the document to show they wanted to be free of British rule.
The Empire State Building Stands Out in The World of Architecture
The Empire State Building is a well-known symbol of New York City. It is so big that in 1980, it got its zip code. If you need to find an address with the zip code 10188, you’re going to the Empire State Building.
American English is Not The Official Language
People often think that English is the official language of the U.S., but the truth is more complicated. Even though most people speak English, there are more than 350 languages. The federal government has never made one language the national standard.
The Sibling Connection of Barbie and Ken
Ever since her debut in 1959, Barbie has captured the hearts of millions of children, solidifying her status as an American icon.
Created by Ruth Handler and named after her daughter Barbara, this well-known toy has become synonymous with imagination and play.
Interestingly, Ruth Handler also had a son named Ken, adding an intriguing dimension to the story. In a fascinating twist, Barbie and Ken were not just fictional counterparts but actual siblings in the Handler family.
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Conclusion
In short, the lesser-known facts about America show a hidden layer of complexity and interest in the story of the country. These exciting details make the rich tapestry of American history and culture even more enjoyable.
This article was produced and syndicated by TPR Teaching
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.