101 Characteristics of
Americans/American Culture
To help you compare and contrast what you observe of American
culture and your own, mark the similarities and differences between
your culture and what you have read about in this book.
1. America is enormous: the third largest country in the world
with a population of more than 300 million people.
2. Americans come in all colors, have all types of religions, and
speak many languages from all over the world.
3. Americans are extremely independent, individualistic, and like
to be different from each other.
4. 66% of Americans are overweight; 37% of those are obese.
5. Americans believe in freedom of choice.
6. Americans need a lot of “elbow room”; they like personal
space around them.
7. Approximately 1% of Americans are homeless (3.5 million
people).
8. Americans talk easily to the homeless but use good judgment
and are careful with whom they talk.
9. Sadly, the streets of major cities are often dirty.
10. Many people, especially teenagers, wear strange clothes, and
many have tattoos and body piercings.
11. Americans follow the rule of law.