The main public holidays. There are some federal holidays in the United States

There are some federal holidays in the United States. Ten holidays per year are proclaimed by the federal government. They are as follows: New Year’s Day (January 1), Martin Luther King’s Day (third Monday in January), George Washington’s Birthday (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labour Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veteran’s Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), Christmas (December 25). There are also other holidays. Among these are St. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Halloween (the last day of October).

5.5 The US economy as a mixed economy. The role of the government in the economy. The main sectors of the American economy: manufacturing, agriculture, services.

The American economy is a dynamic, free-market system. The country has the world’s largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world.

The American economy is better described as a ‘mixed’ economy, with government playing an important role along with private enterprise. The American free enterprise system emphasizes private ownership. Private businesses produce most goods and services.

Producers decide which goods and services to make and sell, and how much to ask for those products. At the same time, consumers decide what they will purchase and how much money they are willing to pay for different goods and services. The interaction between competing producers and consumers ultimately determines the price of goods and services.

Sectors of American Economy

The USA is rich in natural resources, the main being iron ore, coal and oil. The nation produces more than 100 million tons of iron a year. Coal is also used in the chemical industries for the manufacture of plastics and other synthetics. The production, processing and marketing of such oil products as petrol make up one of America’s largest industries.

The basic metals and minerals mined in the United States are zinc, copper and silver.

The United States is an industrial country with various branches of heavy industry prevailing: mining, metallurgical, automobile and chemical industries as well as engineering. Many branches of light industry are also developed, among them are textile, food and woodworking industries.

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing crops, raising animals, harvesting timber, and harvesting fish and other animals.

The US remains the leading world exporter of wheat, maize and cheese.

The US service sector is the largest sector in the economy and accounts for an increasingly significant share of GDP. It includes a wide variety of businesses: Truck Transportation, Messenger Services and Warehousing; Securities, Commodities, and Other Financial Investments; Rental and Leasing Services; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Health Care and Social Assistance, etc. Government services play a major role in the economy.

The United States is one of the most significant nations in the world when it comes to international trade. The leading US exports are industrial machinery, electronic equipment, grain, oil products and chemicals. Exports-partners are Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, the UK and Germany.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30