The United States is a vast country that is made up of a diverse group of people. Life, landscape, and culture can vary greatly from region to region. In America, you can find deeply religious and conservative communities, progressive modern cities, dramatic mountain landscapes, and arid deserts. Even so, when taken together, it’s arguable that a uniquely American lifestyle or character has developed over time that many Americans will recognize. Expats will likely find Americans, in general, to be a friendly, optimistic, and generous bunch.
Cultural diversity in America
Although America has a long and troubled history regarding race, there is no denying that the United States is a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds and has been so since its inception. Some of these communities assimilate more than others, whereas others remain distinct cultural groups. Depending on where they have landed, expats will encounter a diverse range of people, languages, and traditions, leading to an enriching and multicultural experience.
Family in America
The nuclear family unit is most common in the US, although there are families made up of any combination of relations. While marriage before children used to be the norm, unmarried couples and single-parent homes are just as common now. American families value individuality, and past stigmas against different kinds of families are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
As children grow older, they become more independent from their families. Americans are considered adults at the age of 18, which coincides with high school graduation. It’s normal for young adults to live on their own, even if it’s in the same town as their parents. The United States’ focus on personal happiness and fulfillment means it’s common for families to live apart because of work or personal preference.
Equality in America
The American Constitution states the belief that everyone should be granted equal opportunity. The US has no monarchy or titles. Any natural-born citizen can run for public office. This belief has shaped Americans’ informality values and the expectation of upward mobility. Although many would argue that this equality is far from being realized, especially for minority groups, there is a general ideological belief in the idea, even if it is not consistently demonstrated in practice.
Religion in America
The first European settlers came to the United States looking for freedom and opportunity — and religious freedom was a big part of this. To this day, religion continues to play an important role in American society, and almost every known religion is practiced in the country — with over 70% of Americans identifying as Christians.