America is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. It boasts no shortage of well-known interesting stories and facts. Yet, some facts about America may surprise even those who thought they knew all there is to know about this great nation. Here are 15 weird facts about America, each more interesting than the last!
The US Doesn’t Have an Official Language
Though many people assume that English is the official language of the United States, it isn’t. The US. does not have an officially recognized language at a federal level, but English is considerably more popular than other languages in America and by far the most widely spoken.
The Government Owns Almost All of Nevada
The United States government owns an astonishing amount of land in the United States, but none more so than Nevada. The federal government owns more than half of Nevada, making it one of the most largely federally managed states.
This ownership is due to a historic agreement between America and Nevada that allowed for reserving vast swathes of the state for military or public use, like national parks, Indian reservations, and conservation areas.
Alaska Was Originally a Part of Russia
The US famously bought Alaska from Russia in 1867. At the time, it was part of an even larger territory known as Russian America. It was a sprawling area that included Alaska and parts of the Pacific Northwest, encompassing large swaths down to modern-day California. The purchase saw this vast expanse become officially part of the United States.
Hawaii Was Once an Independent Kingdom
Hawaii is unique among the states in that it was once a fully independent kingdom. It transitioned from this status to officially becoming a part of the United States territory in 1898. In 1959, Hawaii became a US state, with its leaders citing the economic and political benefits of joining the union as their main reason.
Washington, DC, Was Not Always the Capital of the US
Washington, DC, has been the capital of the United States since 1800, but it wasn’t always so. Before then, Philadelphia served as the American seat of power, followed by a brief stint in New York City and several other cities before finally settling on Washington, DC, designed from scratch to serve as the federal government center.
There Are More Libraries Than McDonald’s Locations
The United States is home to more libraries than McDonald’s locations, with over 119,000 library buildings and 13,000 McDonald’s restaurants in 2023. Considering how many fast-food restaurants dot the American landscape, this fact may come as a surprise.
The US Bought Alaska at 2 Cents Per Acre
When the United States bought Alaska from Russia in 1867, it did so at an astonishingly low price. The cost was a mere two cents per acre of land! This historic purchase saw Russia give up nearly 586,000 square miles of land, opening up vast new opportunities for the US. The total purchase price amounted to $7.2 million, a fraction of the land’s estimated value today.
Americans Eat About 100 Acres of Pizza Every Day
Americans are major fans of pizza, and the numbers prove it. On average, they eat about 100 acres of pizza every single day! That comes to about 350 slices per second and is enough to cover nearly 90 football fields! Unsurprisingly, there are more than 75,000 pizzerias in the United States alone.
There Are More Guns Than People in America
America is home to a staggering number of firearms, with estimates suggesting that there are more guns in the country than people. About 393 million firearms are in the US, amounting to approximately 120 firearms for every 100 citizens! This fact may be concerning for some — but it also serves as evidence of Americans’ enduring commitment to their Second Amendment rights.
The US Uses About 17% of the Earth’s Energy
The US is no stranger to energy use, and the numbers prove it. Americans consume nearly 17% of the world’s energy, making it one of the world’s largest energy consumers. This number is even more striking, considering the US makes up just about 4.25% of the global population. This high consumption has both positive and negative impacts on society, from powering technological advancements to contributing to environmental degradation.
More People Live in New York Than in 38 of 50 US States
New York City is one of the most populated cities in the world, and it’s also home to more people than the population in 38 out of 50 US states. Over 8 million people call New York home, which is especially impressive considering New York’s land area!
The Water in Lake Superior Can Cover America
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes in North America and one of the world’s most impressive bodies of water. It contains enough water to cover the entirety of both South and North America by several feet! This fact may come as a surprise, but it shows how large Lake Superior is.
Hunting Unicorns? You Can Get a License at a University in Michigan
It may sound like something out of a fairytale, but it’s true: you can obtain a license to hunt unicorns in Michigan. The Lake Superior State University in Michigan offers the opportunity to get a permit to hunt unicorns. While it doesn’t entitle the holder to go on a unicorn hunting expedition, it is a unique and fun way to show off your unicorn pride!
America Has Modified its Flag 27 Times
The American flag has undergone many revisions, with 27 official changes since it was first adopted. These modifications have included adding and removing stars to represent the different states in the union and other details like changing the arrangement of stars within the flag’s design. The current version of the American flag consists of 13 red and white stripes and 50 white stars on a blue field.
Some States Have More Cows Than Humans
It may seem hard to believe, but it’s true: some US states have more cows than humans. For example, states like South Dakota and Montana are home to far more bovines than people. This fact serves as a reminder of just how vast and diverse the United States is — from cities full of people to rural areas with abundant livestock.
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