Introduction to the United States

Information USA
Web portal by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP)
Information USA is an authoritative resource for foreign audiences seeking information and informed commentary on American society, culture, and politics.

The World Factbook: United States
CIA publication
Basic facts about the country.

Portrait of the USA
Electronic publication by the U.S. Department of State
Brief reviews of the following topics: people; geography; history; government; business; education; science and medicine; religion; social services; the arts; sports and entertainment; and the media.

Fundamental Documents in U.S. History

Basic Documents and Writings
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs
A compilation of important documents from the Mayflower Compact to the Truman Doctrine.

Basic Readings in U.S. Democracy
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs
A collection of documents, including speeches, letters, court decisions and presidential decrees, that define the American quest for democracy.

Constitution of the United States of America
On this page, you will find historical background and links to the text of the Constitution and explanatory notes. 

Declaration of Independence
A comprehensive web site by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is at once the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson's most enduring monument. Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people. (Source: NARA)

Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were a series of articles written under the pen name of Publius by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The purpose of the Papers was to gain popular support for the then-proposed Constitution.

The Star-Spangled Banner
The words, the sheet music, and the tune of the National Anthem of the United States.

History

Historians on America
Historians on America is a series of individual essays that selects specific moments, decisions, and intellectual or legislative or legal developments and explains how they altered the course of U.S. history.

An Outline of American History
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

USA History in Brief
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

American Memory
Historical Collections for the National Digital Library (Library of Congress)

American Treasures of the Library of Congress
Online presentation of the exhibition.

Government

USA.gov
Official Web Portal of the U.S. Government

The U.S. Congress
A comprehensive web portal by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs with news, in-depth information, and publications.

About America: How the United States Is Governed
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

An Outline of American Government
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

The Structure of the U.S. Government
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

Outline of the U.S. Legal System
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

Democracy in Brief
An introduction to the origins, history, and basic values of democratic systems of government, including sections on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, elections, and the role of a free media.

Society

U.S. Life & Culture
Web portal by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs, which contains materials on education, volunteerism, holidays, the performing arts, sports and more.

U.S. History, Population and Geography
Web portal by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs, which includes sections on civil rights, population and diversity, and geography. Also contains materials on the civil rights movement in the United States, along with sections on the rights of the disabled, women's rights, and Native Americans.

The United States in 2005: Who We Are Today
Electronic journal by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

Writers on America
U.S Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs pamphlet

Zoom In On America
An electronic publication of the Embassy on U.S. history, culture, and everyday life.

Hi International
A monthly web magazine for young people about families, friends, careers, beliefs, sports, music, technology, education, relationships and, most of all, the future.

The Arts and Culture

USA Literature in Brief
USA Literature in Brief pinpoints and describes the contributions to American literature of some of the best-recognized American poets, novelists, philosophers and dramatists from pre-Colonial days through the present.

An Outline of American Literature
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

The National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases.

Art on the Edge: 17 Contemporary American Artists
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

Economy

USA Economy in Brief
This mini-publication discusses the factors that make the U.S. economy the world's most productive, competitive, and influential. It focuses on workers and productivity, small and large business, the service economy, goods and services, and the role of government.

Trade and Economics
Web portal by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

An Outline of the American Economy
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

Geography

USA Map with Facts in Brief
This brochure features a full-color map of the United States. It includes plenty of facts and statistics about the United States -- its government, geography, environment, sports and entertainment, the economy and employment, education, transportation, and population.

An Outline of American Geography
Publication by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs

U.S. Maps
From National Geographic

World Heritage Sites in the U.S.
This Home Page is a joint effort between the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Committee, International Council on Monuments and Sites (US/ICOMOS).