8 Shocking Secrets About America the USA
What do you know about America? For instance, did you know that the city with the highest crime rate in the United States is Detroit, Michigan? That’s right – the Motor City isn’t just known for cars anymore; these days it’s also known as Murder City! It’s not just Detroit that should have people worried, either – seven of the top ten most dangerous cities in America are right here in the United States! If you live somewhere like Chicago or New York, what does this mean to you?
1. The United States was made by immigrants
The United States of America is a vast country with people from all over the world. But do you know how many immigrants are actually here? What they do? How they contribute to our economy and culture? Here are some interesting facts about Americans that came to live in The United States of America.
2. Poverty rates are decreasing in America
The poverty rate in America has decreased significantly over the past 20 years. In 1990, 1 out of 10 Americans was in poverty. As of 2016, that number has dropped to 1 out of 16 Americans. Another great indicator is food insecurity rates. From 2000-2016, those rates have dropped from 17% to 14%.
3. There are more Indigenous People in North America than people of European ancestry
For years, people have been taught that European settlers discovered North America and built it up to what it is today. In reality, Indigenous People have been living on this continent for thousands of years. In some areas, they outnumber those of European ancestry by as many as five to one. All too often their stories are not told or they are told but not believed because they seem so unbelievable.
4. Marijuana is legal in some states
In some states, marijuana is legal for recreational use. States that have legalized weed are Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada and Oregon. In these states you can buy up to one ounce of weed from a dispensary and grow up to six plants in your own home.
5. The US average life expectancy is 81.2 years
Life expectancy in the United States is one of the highest in the world, and has been steadily rising. The average US citizen can expect to live to be around 81 years old. This number varies a bit from state to state- for example, people living in California have an average lifespan of 82.2 years, while those who live in West Virginia only live about 73 years on average.
6. Only 2.6% of Americans live without access to clean water
It’s hard to fathom that only 2.6% of Americans live without access to clean water. In a world where we are so used to having it at our fingertips, it is amazing how much we take this resource for granted. In fact, over 3 billion people in the world don’t have access to clean drinking water, which means that one out of every five people on earth are living without this basic human right. It makes you wonder what life would be like without something as simple as tap water…
7. Women had the right to vote before any other country in the world
American women had the right to vote before any other country in the world. The 19th Amendment, which gave American women suffrage and equal status with men, was adopted on August 18th, 1920. In contrast, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to give women full voting rights in 1893. Norway also preceded the United States by granting its female citizens voting rights in 1913.
8. The United States military budget accounts for over half of global military spending
The U.S. military budget is larger than all other countries combined, and even though we are at peace, our military budget account for over half of global military spending. The United States spends more on its military than China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, France, United Kingdom and India combined. It also has a staggering 700+ bases in different countries around the world that are not counted in those numbers.