In God We Trust is the motto of the United States of America, a proud and fascinating nation that evolved from the democratic ideal that each individual is entitled to free election and the pursuit of a better life. Winning its fight for freedom from Britain officially in 1783, America developed as a federal republic. The civil war ending in 1865 was another turning point, giving black slaves their freedom.

The mainland United States is located between Mexico on the south and Canada on the north, and between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Two of its 50 States are removed from the continental core: Hawaii lies in the Pacific Ocean and Alaska is in the northwestern corner of North America.

The nation's tremendous population of more than 265 million people is of diverse nationalities and faiths. The kaleidoscope of people are largely of European, British, Irish, Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian descent. English is the official language.