The State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the continent, is separated from the rest of the country by Canada, and Hawaii lies in the central Pacific Ocean. One of the largest countries in the world, the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features. The climate ranges from subtropical to Arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna. It is a city of green parks, wide tree-lined streets, white marble buildings and, surprising for a US city, very few skyscrapers. It has the fourth-largest concentration of hotel and motel rooms in the country.
Tourism is the leading private industry.
The range of cuisine is truly international but featuring American icons such as hamburgers, hot dogs and hash browns. Mexican food is very popular. Clubs generally stay open until the early hours in cities, where one can find music and theatre of all descriptions. Unlike in Europe, bars are usually for drinkers and not for social meetings.