It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, washington, d. c. Besides the 48 conterminous states that occupy the middle latitudes of the continent, the united states includes the state of alaska, at the northwestern extreme of north america, and the island state of hawaii, in the mid-pacific ocean. To the east lies the vast atlantic ocean, while the equally expansive pacific ocean borders the western coastline. · the united states, officially known as the united states of america (usa), shares its borders with canada to the north and mexico to the south. · the united states is a country in north america that is a federal republic of 50 states. The united states of america (usa), also known as the united states (u. s. ) or america, is a country primarily located in north america. Facts and figures learn about the united states, including american history, the president, holidays, the american flag, census data, and more.