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United States of America |
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Washington, D.C. |
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The United States is divided into 4 time zones:
- Pacific Standard Time (West Coast)
- Mountain Standard Time (Mountain Region)
- Central Standard Time (Central Region)
- Eastern Standard Time (East Coast)
There is a 3-hour time difference between Los Angeles (West Coast) and New York (East Coast). |
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270,000,000 people
The United States is an exciting melting pot of cultures and traditions, with people of all races from every corner of the globe. Caucasians make up 73% majority of the population; African-Americans 12%; Hispanic 11%; Asian & Pacific Islander 3.5%; Native American 1.0%. |
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English |
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Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution. Christianity is the dominant religion practiced by the majority of the population with 150 different denominations. Protestants make up approximately 32% of the population, followed by Catholicism with 21%. Although Judaism is practiced among only 2% of the population, it is one of the most influential religions, with a Jewish community that is larger than the total population of Israel. Other religious practices include Buddhism; The Church of Christ; and Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Many communities of people of the same ethnic background practice the same religion, which adds to the ethnic diversity and uniqueness of the United States. |
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Geography
The United States is one of the largest countries in the world with a huge range of geographical elements. It occupies approximately 122,480,000 km˛ of the North American continent (nearly 45.2 times the size of Korea), reaching a vast distance of 4800 km from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coasts. The United States shares borders with Mexico to the south and Canada to the north. 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. In the east, the Appalachian Mountains run north and south with an average altitude of 1000 m. To the west, the majestic Rocky Mountains stretch across the Continental Divide, with peaks that tower more than 14,000 feet high. Down the middle of the United States flows the great Mississippi River and the Great American Desert lies between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Climate
Since the United States is so spacious in area, climate varies greatly across the continent, ranging from Arctic in Alaska to subtropical in Hawaii. The main continent is divided into the humid east coast to the dry west coast. For example, California (Pacific Coast) is warm (around a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius) all year round with rainy winters and dry summers. On the other hand, eastern cities such as New York, Washington, Chicago (Atlantic Coast) experience humid summers and winter temperatures that descends into sub-zero temperatures, which is colder than Korean winters. |
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Currency
The main unit of currency in the United States is the dollar.
US Dollar ($) = 100 cents.
Bills come in denominations of $1 - $2 - $5 - $10 - $20 - $50 - $100 - $500 - $1,000 - $5,000 and $10,000, for a total of 11 different types. Bills up to $100 are the most commonly used.
Coins come in denominations of 1˘ (Penny) - 5¢ (Nickel) - 10˘ (Dime) - 25˘ (Quarter) - 50˘ (Half Dollar) - $1(One Dollar), for a total of 6 different types.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at any major banks that handle foreign currency exchanges. Also, for convenience, currency can also be exchanged at specific locations at airports and hotels. When departing the United States, only Dollars, not coins, are exchangeable back to Wons. Therefore, it is advisable to spend all coins before departure.
Exchange Rates
US Dollar ($) = Approximately 1,200 Wons (as of January 2001) |
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- Biological materials, such as some vegetables, fruits, seeds and plants.
- Meat and poultry, including dairy products.
- Narcotics and dangerous drugs. |
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Currency
The main units of currency in China is the Yuan = Renminbi (RMB) - "People's Money"
1 Yuan = 10 jiao / 1 jiao = 10 fen
Bills come in denominations of Y1 - Y2 - Y5 - Y10 - Y50 - Y100
Coins come in denominations of Y1 ? 5jiao ? 1fen - 2fen - 5fen
Currency Exchanges
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, airports, and hotels. A passport is necessary for all currency exchange transactions, and you must keep your receipt for your departure inspection. Travelers from Korea can also exchange currency at major banks in Korea.
Exchange Rates
Y1 = 155 Won (as of January 2001) |
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Voltage: 120V, 60Hz.
The flat 2-pin type plugs used in the United States are identical to Korea. However, both 110V and 220V are used in Korea; therefore, bringing 110V electrical appliances, such as shavers and hair dryers for brief usage, is recommended. Long-term use of these electrical appliances can result in damage and a plug adaptor may be required at certain hotels. The best and most convenient way to use electrical appliances is to operate it with a dry cell battery. |
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Unlike Korea, tipping is customary in the United States at restaurants, bars, in taxis, or hotels. Service workers rely on tips for income; therefore it is very important to tip a suitable sum for the services received.
Transportation
Porters: $1 per luggage
Tourist bus drivers/guides: $1
Taxi drivers: 15% ~ 20% of the total fare
Hotels
Bell boy: $1 per luggage
Parking service: $1
Housekeeping: $1 left in the room before leaving for the day
Room service: 10%~15% of the total amount of money
Restaurants
Restaurant: 15% ~ 20% of the total bill
Coffee shops/Bakery: $1 left on the table (depending on location)
Night club/Bar: $1 per drink
- Tips are not usually included in restaurant bills, unless your party includes 6 people or more.
- Tipping is not required at fast food restaurants. |
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| Important Contact Information |
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Korean Embassy in the United States
Address: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: (202) 939-5600
Fax: (202) 797-0595
Asiana Airlines
Phone: (1-800) 227-4262
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