The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or the USA, is a large and diverse country located in North America. As a global superpower, the United States holds significant influence in various spheres, including politics, economics, culture, and technology. With its capital in Washington, D.C., and its largest city being New York City, the United States covers a vast land area of approximately 3.8 million square miles, making it the third-largest country by land area. The United States has a federal presidential constitutional republic, where power is divided between the federal government and individual states. With a population of over 331 million people, the country is known for its cultural diversity, as people from all around the world have migrated to the United States, contributing to its rich multicultural makeup. The United States has been a global leader in technological innovation and scientific research for over a century. It has a history of large-scale manufacturing and has been pivotal in the development of industries such as automotive, aviation, information technology, and biotechnology. As a melting pot of cultures and a symbol of freedom and opportunity, the United States continues to influence the world through its economic power, military strength, and cultural exports.