PIXEL VISA

Global Influence

The United States plays a pivotal role in global affairs, often acting as a mediator in international conflicts and as a significant member of organizations like the United Nations and NATO.

Innovation and Technology

The U.S. is a hotbed for startups and technological advancements, contributing significantly to fields like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and biotechnology.

Entertainment Industry

Hollywood sets global trends in filmmaking and is the birthplace of various film genres, while American music forms like jazz, rock, and hip-hop have had a lasting impact on global music culture.

Higher Education

American universities attract students from around the world due to their cutting-edge research facilities and diverse academic programs, making the U.S. a global leader in education and research.

Cultural Diversity

The U.S. is a mosaic of cultures, with large communities of immigrants who have brought their traditions, languages, and cuisines, enriching American society and making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.

National Parks

The U.S. National Park Service, established in 1916, manages 63 national parks that showcase the country's diverse landscapes, from the geysers of Yellowstone to the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon.

January 1

New Year's Day Celebrated with fireworks, parties, and the famous ball drop in Times Square, New York City. It marks the beginning of the new calendar year.

Date Varies

Super Bowl Sunday The championship game of the NFL, celebrated with parties, gatherings, and, of course, watching the game. It's one of the most-watched television events in the United States.

Date Varies

Chinese New Year Celebrated with parades, dragon dances, and special foods. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is especially significant in Chinese communities.

Third Monday in January

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorates civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with parades, educational events, and community service. It's a federal holiday, so many schools and businesses are closed.

February 14

Valentine's Day Celebrated with the exchange of gifts, cards, and romantic dinners. It's a day dedicated to love and affection between intimate companions.

Date Varies

Mardi Gras Celebrated with parades and parties, especially in New Orleans. It's the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar.

Third Monday in February

Presidents' Day Celebrates all U.S. presidents and often features retail sales. It's a federal holiday, so many schools and businesses are closed.

March 17

St. Patrick's Day Celebrated with parades, the wearing of green, and Irish-themed events. It commemorates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Date Varies

Easter Celebrated with church services, egg hunts, and family gatherings. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Last Friday in April

Arbor Day Celebrated by planting trees and promoting environmental awareness. It's a day dedicated to public tree-planting.

May 5

Cinco de Mayo Celebrated with Mexican food, music, and dancing. It commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla.

Second Sunday in May

Mother's Day Celebrated with gifts and special attention to mothers and mother figures. It's a day to honor the maternal bonds and influence of mothers in society.

Last Monday in May

Memorial Day Honors fallen military personnel and is often marked by ceremonies and barbecues. It's a federal holiday, so many schools and businesses are closed.

June 14

Flag Day Celebrates the adoption of the U.S. flag. It's often marked with ceremonies and educational events.

Third Sunday in June

Father's Day Celebrated with gifts and special attention to fathers and father figures. It's a day to honor the paternal bonds and influence of fathers in society.

July 4

Independence Day Celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, and parades to commemorate America's independence. It's a federal holiday, so many schools and businesses are closed.

First Monday in September

Labor Day Celebrates workers and marks the unofficial end of summer with barbecues and parties. It's a federal holiday, so many schools and businesses are closed.

September 11

Patriot Day A remembrance day for the 9/11 attacks, observed with ceremonies and moments of silence. It's not a federal holiday, but it is a day of observance.

October 31

Halloween Celebrated with costumes, trick-or-treating, and parties. It has roots in ancient Celtic festivals but is now largely secular.

Second Monday in October

Columbus Day Celebrates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. It's a federal holiday, but it's also controversial and is celebrated as Indigenous Peoples' Day in some places.

November 11

Veterans Day Honors military veterans with ceremonies and parades. It's a federal holiday, so many schools and businesses are closed.

Fourth Thursday in November

Thanksgiving A family holiday celebrated with a feast, often including turkey and pumpkin pie. It's a day for giving thanks for the blessings of the past year.

December 25

Christmas Celebrated with gift-giving, decorations, and religious services to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a federal holiday, so many schools and businesses are closed.

December 26 to January 1

Kwanzaa Celebrated with feasts and the lighting of the Kinara to honor African heritage. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as an African-American cultural holiday.

The United States currency is given in dollars (USD) and cents. While dollars are the most common denomination for exchange, cents are a smaller unit of currency, and are equal to 1/100 of a dollar. In circulation are coins of 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), and paper bills of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 USD. Additionally, there are less commonly used coins, such as the 50¢ and the Sacagawea dollar coin.

100 USD bills

A 100 USD bill holds significant spending power in the United States. It can cover a night's stay in a mid-range hotel, several meals at restaurants, or a day of various activities. While it's practical for larger expenses, it's not ideal for everyday transactions.

50 USD bills

Each 50 USD bill can cover a mid-range dinner for two or an excursion. With a few of these bills, you have enough for a weekend's worth of dining or entertainment.

20 USD bills

A 20 USD bill is sufficient for lunch at a casual restaurant or an entry fee to a museum or attraction. Carrying a few of these allows you to manage daily expenses effectively.

10 USD bills

Each 10 USD bill can pay for a quick meal, a taxi ride, or minor shopping. With a few of these, you can take care of small expenses throughout the day.

5 USD bills

A 5 USD bill can cover a coffee or a snack at a cafe. Carrying several 5 USD bills ensures you have some cash for small purchases during your travels.

1 USD bills

These are suitable for giving tips or making minor purchases, like buying a local newspaper or a small item from a convenience store. With a few 1 USD bills, you can handle everyday expenses.

The English language is a widely spoken global language, serving as the primary or secondary language in numerous countries. It is a Germanic language, but it has absorbed vocabulary and grammatical influences from Latin, French, and many other languages due to historical events, such as the Norman Conquest. English is known for its relatively simple grammar compared to some other languages, but it can be quite complex in terms of vocabulary, with a vast and diverse lexicon. English uses the Latin alphabet, which has been adapted to fit the phonetic characteristics of the language, and it is written from left to right. Variations in accents and dialects are common, leading to differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar in different English-speaking regions.

Hamburger

A classic American favorite, typically made with ground beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, sandwiched between a bun.

Hot Dog

A grilled or boiled sausage, usually served in a sliced bun with various toppings like mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish.

Cheeseburger

A variation of the hamburger with the addition of melted cheese on the patty.

Pizza

A popular Italian-American dish with a thin or thick crust, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings.

Fried Chicken

Crispy and flavorful chicken pieces, often coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried.

Barbecue Ribs

Slow-cooked and grilled pork ribs slathered in barbecue sauce, representing regional barbecue styles.

Macaroni and Cheese

Elbow macaroni pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, a beloved comfort food.

Clam Chowder

A creamy soup featuring clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon, often associated with the New England region.

Buffalo Wings

Chicken wings coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, typically served with celery and blue cheese dressing.

Reuben Sandwich

A classic deli sandwich with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread.

Apple Pie

A quintessential American dessert, with a sweet apple filling encased in a buttery pie crust.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft and chewy cookies studded with chocolate chips, a timeless treat.

Hipster Culture

In the United States, particularly in cities like Portland, Oregon; Brooklyn, New York; and Austin, Texas, you'll discover a vibrant hipster culture. It's characterized by a love for indie music, craft beer, artisanal coffee, vintage fashion, and a DIY ethos. These neighborhoods often feature street art, food trucks, and a strong focus on local, independent businesses.

Ecological Preservation

The U.S. is home to numerous national parks, conservation initiatives, and a growing awareness of environmental issues. While the country faces challenges like climate change, deforestation, and pollution, there's also a strong commitment to ecological preservation and sustainability. Organizations and individuals actively work toward protecting natural resources and habitats. Americans greatly value their diverse ecosystems from the 14,000 ft peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the mangrove swamps of Florida.

Vegetarian/Vegan Diets

Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained popularity in the United States, with a significant focus on health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Many cities have a thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene, offering a wide range of plant-based dining options. Events like "Meatless Mondays" and the availability of plant-based meat substitutes demonstrate the growing interest in these dietary choices.

Cannabis Culture

Cannabis culture in the U.S. has experienced significant shifts in recent years. Some states have legalized both medical and recreational cannabis, leading to a burgeoning industry. However, cannabis laws vary by state, with a patchwork of regulations and attitudes. There's a growing acceptance of cannabis for both medical and recreational use, but it remains subject to state laws, and its legal status continues to evolve.

Sex Education

Sex education in the U.S. is a topic of ongoing debate. It varies from state to state, and the approach can range from comprehensive and science-based to more conservative and abstinence-focused. Sexual health education is typically introduced in schools during adolescence.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The U.S. has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage is legal across the country, and there are legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in some states.

Contraception and Reproductive Rights

Access to contraception and reproductive health services is widely available, and in many states, the right to choose abortion is protected by law. These issues can be politically divisive, and debates about reproductive rights are ongoing.

Dating and Relationships

Dating culture varies, but it often involves a mix of traditional dating and online dating through apps and websites. Many people choose to cohabit before marriage, and non-traditional family structures, such as single-parent families and stepfamilies, are common.

Sexuality in Media and Entertainment

The U.S. has a significant presence in global entertainment, including movies, television, and music. The depiction of sexuality in media can be quite liberal in some aspects while still facing censorship and controversy in others.