10 Surprising Facts About the USA You Never Knew

The United States of America is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. With a rich history and diverse culture, this country is full of surprises. Here are ten facts about the USA that you probably didn’t know.

1. The Statue of Liberty Was Not a Gift from France

Many people believe that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States. However, this is not entirely true. The statue was created by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. However, the cost of building the statue was too high for France to bear alone, so they asked the United States to help fund the project.

2. The First American Flag Had 13 Stripes, Not 50

Today, the American flag has 50 stars, each representing a state in the union. However, the first American flag, created in 1777, only had 13 stripes, representing the original colonies.

3. The Bald Eagle Was Almost Not the National Bird

The bald eagle has become an iconic symbol of America. However, it wasn’t always the first choice for the role of national bird. Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers, favored the turkey as the national symbol.

4. The USA Has More Airports Than Any Other Country

The United States has an extensive network of airports, with over 19,000 airports and heliports across the country. This is more than any other country in the world.

5. U.S. Paper Money Is Not Actually Paper

Although it’s called “paper” money, U.S. currency is not actually made of paper. It’s made from a blend of cotton and linen fibers, which makes it more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

6. The United States Has More English Speakers Than England

While the United Kingdom may be the birthplace of the English language, the United States has more English speakers. In fact, the U.S. is the largest English-speaking country in the world.

7. The USA Has the Largest Military Budget in the World

The United States spends more money on its military than any other country in the world. In 2020, the U.S. military budget was $738 billion, which is more than the combined military budgets of the next ten largest spenders.

8. Mount Rushmore Was Supposed to Have Full Bodies

Mount Rushmore, the iconic sculpture in the Black Hills of South Dakota, was originally supposed to have full bodies for each of the presidents depicted. However, funding limitations forced the sculptor to abandon the original design, and instead, only the busts were carved.

9. Hawaii Is the Only State That Grows Coffee

Coffee is grown in many places around the world, but Hawaii is the only state in the United States that produces coffee commercially. In fact, the Kona coffee grown in Hawaii is a highly prized and sought-after variety.

10. The USA Has More Tornadoes Than Any Other Country

The United States has more tornadoes than any other country in the world. On average, the U.S. experiences around 1,200 tornadoes each year, with the majority of them occurring in “tornado alley,” which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

In conclusion, these ten surprising facts about the United States highlight the diversity and uniqueness of this incredible country. From the iconic symbols like the Statue of Liberty and the bald eagle, to the fascinating weather patterns and unique cultural contributions, the USA is truly one of a kind.