The roots of this lie in the physical expansion and development of the country during the 19th century. The enormous influence of US-based multinational companies in the world economy has afforded not only unique global influence to the US government but has also allowed its currency to acquire a unique international status. The principal mining operations produce oil and gas, coal, copper, iron, uranium and silver. The US manufacturing industry is a world leader in many fields, including steel, vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics and consumer goods.
Services now account for three-quarters of output and employment.
Business people are generally expected to dress smartly, although a man may wear a short-sleeved shirt under his suit in hot weather. Normal business courtesies should be observed, although Americans tend to be less formal than Europeans. Appointments and punctuality are normal procedure and business cards are widely used. Write out the month in full to avoid confusion. With so much information available, the real problem for the organiser is to find some way of getting through it all.