Trying something new: America AMA! 

Ask me a question why something is the way it is in the US and I'll try to give you the best answer.

Qualifications: I've been an American my entire life. Other Americans should feel free to chime in.

Why do we use America and us interchangeably when one is an entire continent?

(paɪəˈnɪərɪŋ ˈspɪrɪt) a willingness to endure hardship in order to explore new places or try out new the new
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Hmmm I’ve heard a lot of folks abroad say “the states” and also heard South American folks take umbrage at the assumption of us = America

Generally, most Americans (demonym) refer to the country as "the US".

I've found most people who refer to the US as "America" are foreign.

U.S. is short for USA
America is short for USA
"U.S." and "America" does not equal North America

still a good question, i have no idea why tho lol, probably habit