16. The United States of America

   The United States of America is situated in the southern half of North America. The area of the U.S.A. is 7,839,000 square km without Alaska. The area of the United States is much larger than that of 11 West Europe. The population of the USA is over 260 million people. The U.S.A. consists, of 50 states. The capital of ! the U.S.A. is the city of Washington in the District of Columbia. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the U.S.A. borders with Canada in the north and with Mexico in the south. The territory of the United States may be divided into three main parts: the Appalachian Mountain system — in the east; the Cordilleras system — in the west; and the Central Plain — between them. The Great Lakes, situated on the U.S. - Canada border, are the world's largest fresh water basin; these lakes constitute a whole inland sea occupying an area of 245,000 square km. They are five in number, namely: Lake Superior, Lake Michi-gan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. The biggest river of the United States is the Mississippi with its tributaries — the Ohio, the Missouri, and S the Arkansas Rivers. The territory of the United States is rich in natural resources. The reserves of coal are estimated at 3,200 billion tons. The reserves of oil and of metals in the U.S.A. are also very large. The main iron ore deposits are concentrated near Lake Superior. The main cities of the United States are: New York, which together with its suburbs has a population of 12 million people, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Detroit.

The supreme state power in the U.S.A is represented by the president, a two-chamber congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and the Supreme Court.

17. New Zealand

   New Zealand is situated in southwest Pacific. The country consists of two large islands, North and South and several smaller islands. The two main islands are separated from each other by the Cook Strait. New Zealand is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Tasman Sea in the west. The territory is small with the population more than three million people.

   The relief of each of the islands is mostly hilly and mountainous. There are active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs in New Zealand. The highest peak is Mountain Cook in the Southern Alps on South Island. The climate of the country is mostly temperate with moderate rainfall.

   The country has unusual animals and birds. The most interesting one, the kiwi, the non-flying bird, can be found only in New Zealand. It has become the national emblem of the country.

   The national currency of New Zealand is dollar. The official language is English, but there is also the Maori language spoken by the natives. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen of Great Britain as the head of the country. Queen Elizabeth II is represented by Governor-General and the head of government is Prime Minister.

   The capital of New Zealand is Wellington which is situated on North Island. It is the political centre of New Zealand because the House of Representatives and the residence of the Governor-General are situated there. There are several museums in Wellington. The Dominion Museum and the National Art Gallery are the most famous ones. Horse racing is very popular among the citizens of Wellington.

   Auckland is the largest city-port in New Zealand. It is a big commercial and business centre of New Zealand. The city is full of parks and gardens. Most of them are situated on hills and give a beautiful view on the city.

   New Zealand is an agricultural country. It specializes in sheep-breeding and exports lamb meat, sheep wool and butter.

   This country is sometimes called Green Paradise because of its nature: green hills, clean water and air. I would love to visit this country.