- Published on March 29, 2026
- Bishnu K.
The United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular and prestigious destinations for international students worldwide, hosting over a million students each year. Known for its world-renowned universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, highly qualified faculty, and diverse cultural experiences, the US offers an unparalleled academic and social environment. Students are also drawn by the vibrant campus life, extensive extracurricular options, and the chance to explore a country rich in history and innovation.
Location, States, and Key Cities
Covering nearly 9.8 million square kilometers, the US is the third largest country globally by both land area and population. It is situated in North America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south.
The country is divided into 50 states, a federal district (Washington, D.C.), five inhabited territories, and numerous islands. Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, serves as the political and cultural center.
More than 10 US cities are listed amongst the top 100 QS Best Student Cities (2025). The top student cities (and the state they are in) in America are: Boston (MA), New York (NY), Los Angeles (CA), San Francisco (CA); Chicago (IL), Philadelphia (PA), Washington (DC), Atlanta (FL), Pittsburg (PA), San Diego (CA), Seattle (WA), Durham (NC).
Climate and Weather
Due to its vast size and diverse geography, the US experiences a wide range of climate zones. Many regions have a continental climate marked by cold winters and hot summers, but exceptions abound:
The West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) often enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers.
The southernmost states (Florida, parts of Texas, Hawaii) have tropical or subtropical climates, featuring warm weather year-round.
Mountainous regions such as the Rockies and Appalachians face cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers.
Deserts are primarily found in the southwestern states (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico), characterized by very hot summers and mild winters.
You can find out more about the climate of cities in the U.S. by visiting the U.S. Climate Data website.
Demographics and Culture
According to the US Census Bureau’s Population Clock, there are over 340 million people living in the US. This makes the US the third most populated country in the world, following China and India respectively.
California is the most populous state with 39.5 million citizens, followed by Texas with a population of 28.7 million. Their most populous city is New York City with a population of 8.4 million. To put it in perspective, if California were a country, it would be the 36th most populous country in the world, slightly larger than Iraq and Poland.
Cultural Diversity
The Pew Research Centre has stated that in 2015, 45 million of the population has immigrated to the US since 1965. Immigrants are primarily from Asia and Latin America. It’s estimated that immigration will increase to 19% of the population by 2060. According to the US Census Bureau, nearly 25% (~7 million) of the American population identify themselves as a racial minority. The largest racial minorities are Latin Americans, followed by African Americans.
Languages
English is the predominant language, used widely in education, government, and daily life. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language, followed by Chinese (primarily Mandarin and Cantonese) and numerous Indigenous languages.
Religions
Although the US is a predominantly Christian and Catholic country, there are many mosques, temples, and synagogues across the country. The freedom to practice one’s religion is among the most important rights in the United States.
The United States offers far more than world-class universities — it’s a place to grow personally, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and explore vast and varied landscapes. To help make your journey to studying in the US as smooth as possible, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides on application procedures, visa requirements, scholarships, and practical living tips. Welcome to your new adventure!