International Relations of United States

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 201 relations tracked

The United States is a federal constitutional republic comprising 50 states and a capital district. It is one of the world's oldest and most influential democracies, and has a long history of global engagement. Located in North America, the United States is bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. It has a diverse population and a strong economy, and is home to a wide variety of cultures and lifestyles.

Population

341.8M#3 of 205

Land area

9.1M km²#4 of 205

GDP

$30.8T#1 of 199

Military expenditure

$997.3B#1 of 167

Global influence

#1Extremely High

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Closest relations Strained relations United States No data

Politically, the United States has a federal system of government, with powers divided between the national government and the states. The country has a presidential system of government, with the President serving as both the head of state and the head of government. The United States has a bicameral Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which makes and passes federal laws. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and has the power to interpret the Constitution and make judicial decisions that can shape national policy.

The United States has a strong, diverse economy that is powered by a variety of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, technology, and finance. The country is a leader in international trade and has a large and influential military. It is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and NATO, and plays a key role in shaping global political and economic developments.

Geography & terrain

Protected on two sides by oceans (Atlantic and Pacific), which has made direct invasion effectively impossible since the 19th century. Interior terrain is highly varied — the Appalachians in the east, the Great Plains in the middle, the Rocky Mountains in the west — but none of it has mattered much militarily given the ocean buffers. Climate ranges from temperate to subtropical to arid, depending on the region.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, United States Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	Washington, DC (670.0K people, 0.2% of total population)
Population	341.8M (2025) (#3 of 205 countries)
Land area	9.1M km² (#4 of 205 countries)
Main religion	Christianity
Life expectancy	79 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data (2025)
Currency	United States Dollar
Main language(s)	English
Government type	Federal presidential republic
Time zone	UTC-5.0
GDP	$30.8T (#1 of 199 countries)
GDP per capita	$90.0K (#11 of 199 countries)
International calling code	+1
Driving side	Right
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	26
Military expenditure	$997.3B (2024)
Land military expenditure (estimation)	$279.2B
Air military expenditure (estimation)	$339.1B
Naval military expenditure (estimation)	$379.0B
Military expenditure (% of GDP)	3.4%
Military expenditure per capita	$2.9K
Nuclear power	Yes, possesses nuclear weapons
European Union	Not a member
NATO	NATO member
Other groups	G7 G20 USMCA (US-Mexico-Canada Agreement)

Shares a land border with 2 countries — here is how those relations stand

United States's relations with its neighbors

Most similar countries, by language, currency, GDP per capita, borders & international groups

Rank #1 Extremely High International Influence

United States's actions have a significant and far-reaching effect on the world and on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of United States by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.