United States: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About United States

The United States is a large country in North America, between Canada and Mexico, with Alaska in the far northwest and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. Its landscapes range from deserts and canyons to snowy mountains, forests and tropical islands. It is known for its national parks, movies, music and space exploration.

About Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., stands on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia and is a federal district that is not part of any state. It is known for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall and the free Smithsonian museums.

Fun facts about United States

1. North America's highest mountain, in Alaska, rises about 6,190 metres and is known as both Denali and Mount McKinley.
2. Death Valley in California sits 86 metres below sea level, the lowest point in North America.
3. Yellowstone, created in 1872, is often called the world's first national park.
4. Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the longest known cave system in the world, with more than 650 kilometres of passages.
5. Measured from its base on the ocean floor, Mauna Kea in Hawaii rises about 10,200 metres, taller than Mount Everest.
6. The flag's 13 stripes stand for the original colonies, and its 50 stars stand for the 50 states.