Daily life and cultural practices
An overview of documented cultural practices — not an exhaustive list, and without claiming to sum up the real diversity of people's habits.
Thanksgiving
A national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, associated with autumn 1621 in Plymouth, where settlers and Wampanoag people are said to have shared a harvest meal; made an annual national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
Jazz, blues and African American music
Born at the turn of the 20th century in the South, especially in New Orleans, these genres have deeply shaped popular music worldwide and gave rise to rock 'n' roll, soul and later hip-hop.
Hollywood
Since the early 20th century, this Los Angeles neighbourhood has given its name to the American film industry, the most influential in the world in terms of international reach.
National professional sports
American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey each have a major professional league followed nationwide, with heavily covered finals such as the Super Bowl.
The national parks
Yellowstone, created in 1872, is the world's first national park; the country now has 63, managed together with all federal natural and historic sites by the National Park Service.
27 UNESCO World Heritage properties
The country has 27 inscribed sites (thirteen cultural, thirteen natural, one mixed), including national parks and historic monuments linked to its independence.