Americans

The term American, commonly used in the plural Americans, refers to citizens or nationals of the United States. In a broader sense, it can also refer to inhabitants of the American continents, though this use is context-dependent and less precise.

The United States is a federal republic with a population that is highly diverse due to centuries of immigration and the presence of Indigenous peoples. Major ancestral groups include those of European, African, Asian, and Indigenous origin, with significant Hispanic and Latino communities. English is the de facto national language; Spanish is the most widely spoken minority language, and many other languages are used in communities across the country. The United States recognizes freedom of religion, with a wide spectrum of beliefs represented.

American society is shaped by regional differences, urbanization, and a long history of democratic institutions. The United States operates under a constitutional framework based on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, featuring federalism and representative democracy. Culturally, Americans have contributed to global arts, science, technology, business, and entertainment. The term American can also reflect regional, Indigenous, and immigrant identities that together form the diverse social fabric of the country and, in some contexts, can refer to people from across the Americas.