United States

At a Glance

The United States is a continental country of enormous geographic and cultural variety, from the national parks of the west and the bayous of Louisiana to the bright density of New York and the quietness of small-town New England. The culture is outwardly open and optimistic, with a generosity and directness in everyday interaction that makes it easy to connect. Those who travel beyond the major cities and allow the country's actual scale and diversity to register will find an experience far richer than the familiar image suggests.

• Only developed country in the world without universal healthcare.
• Has more private guns than people — roughly 120 firearms per 100 residents.
• Spends more on its military than the next 10 countries combined.