10 drone-based business ideas

Drones are unmanned vehicles deployed to perform specific tasks. The technologically advance vehicles are common place with multiple applications.

 Robotic vehicles can be categorized into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned spacecraft (USV) and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV).

Others are unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), unmanned surface vehicles (USV), and automated underwater vehicles (AUV).

List of Robotic Vehicles

• Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV)
• Unmanned Spacecraft (USV)
• Unmanned  Combat aerial vehicles (UCAV)
• Unmanned Ground vehicles (UGV
• Unmanned Surface vehicles (USV)
• Automated underwater vehicles (AUV).

Types of Aerial Vehicles

When talking about drones most individual refer to unmanned aerial vehicles. UAVs have aerial capacity and are manned remotely.

They come in different designs, sizes and functionality. Surveillance drones are used to take area photographs, while combat drones mounted with deadly weapons.

Some are used to deploy insecticide spray on farms while others are arranged according to devices they carry. You find drones with stabilizers, GPS devices, FPV and cameras. 

We can categorize them based on certain features such as equipment, size, range and number of propellers.

UAV Drones Categories

• Propeller
• Fixed wing
• Devices they carry
• Sizes
• range

Propeller Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Those categorized by propellers are the single rotor drone, tricopter and quadcopter. Others are the hexacopter, octocopter and fixed wing drones.

• Single rotor drone
• Tricopter
• Quadcopter
• Hexacopter
• Octocopter
• Fixed wing drones.
• 34 Photography Business Ideas

UAVs Categorized According to Range

We have the very close range drones (50km) and short range drones (150km). Others include mid range 650km and endurance drones capable of flying 3000 feet with 36 hours flight time.

• Close range drones (50km)
• Short range(150km)
• Mid range 650km
• Endurance drones 3000 feet /36 hours flight time.

UAVs Categorized by Size

The sizes differ from very small/ mini drones that fit snuggly in your palm. To medium sized drones capable of carrying weight up to 198kg.

Then we have the large drones that a comparable to the size of an aircraft. This category is used for military applications and warfare.

• Very small
• Mini drones
• Medium sized
• Large

Business Opportunity

The drone’s different applications are responsible for an increase in entrepreneurship opportunities. Small business owners have found various ways to earn money through drone disbursement.

They are used by farmers, for leisure activities and combat. Are you interested in the drone industry here are 10 drone related business ideas.

10 Drone-Based Business Ideas

Underwater Photography

Automated underwater vehicles (AUV) are used for underwater photography. Underwater photography industry is huge and the technology is safer than deep sea diving.

You can work countless hours and take commercial photographs of underwater life. Nature pictures are popular and sold as stock photography, postcard, mounted pictures or print.

Aerial Surveillance

Security units use drones for aerial surveillance. The technology is also applicable to war situations, boarder security and locating mineral deposits. It is also used for search and rescue missions.

Wholesale/Retail

You could open an online store and sell to companies or individuals.  You need a domain name and host plan for your website.

Sell directly from your website by adding a shopping cart.  Add images, products description and prices.

You could purchase drones and ship directly or leverage on affiliate programs. There are drones for leisure and fun activities.

Map Making

The aerial craft is used to map isolated areas. They are an effective tool and used by geographers, farmers and documentarians.

Renting Business

You can make steady income by opening a drone rental. They are leased to companies, individuals, security outfits and farmers. You could also rent the vehicles to drone enthusiast and for leisure activities.

Repair

The vehicles are delicate and require regular maintenance. Running a repair outfit where there are lots enthusiasts will be profitable. Companies that regularly use the technology would require occasional maintenance and repairs.

Coaching

Those interested in the technology need to know how to use it. Operating a coaching business would teach people how to safety use the device.

Drone Delivery Service

Although this business is at an infant stage it has great prospects. Imagine delivering your pizza/shop purchases directly to your door step. This is going to be possible sooner than you think.

Agricultural Services

They are used by farmers for surveillance and other functions. They are perfect for pest control and soil hydration.

Videography

Entertainers and documentarians have found unmanned aerial vehicles useful. You must have seen breathtaking musical videos and films depicting aerial shots. Other applications are wedding and event videography.

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Tour Operator Business Model: How to Start a Tour Guide Company

Tour operation is about providing new experiences for tourists. The business involves a deep knowledge of cultures, cuisines, history and traditions.

You need to have good communication and interpersonal skills. Other requirements are good organizational skill, networking and startup funding.

You are required to have an office, vehicle, staff and office equipment's. Common office equipment’s you need are computers, printer, fax machine, scanners and modem.

How to Start a Commercial Tour Guide Business

Write a Business Plan

Write a tour operation business plan and carry out a survey. Use the survey to find ideal locations and tourist destinations.

Ideal locations are museums, natural landmarks, picturesque locations and wildlife parks. Conduct research and try to personally experience such locations.

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Find a Niche

You need a clear idea of your target market. Opportunity cost leads to specialization and monopoly.

There are different categories of travelers such as business travelers, tourists and economic. Others are groups, singles, couple, educational and family tours. You should find a niche tailor to your interests and services.

• Business travelers
• Groups tours
• Singles
• Couple
• Family tours
• Educational tours

Network Industrial Companies

It is very important building a network of industrial players. This is because they are a valuable source of local resources to aid your business. A good network would share profit, provide discounts and offer value added deals.

The ability to offer unique destination/experience at reasonable costs would differentiate your company. It also provides many holiday destinations and locations for tourists.

Local Destination Suppliers

You will rely on local destination suppliers within your network. Common locations include museums, cultural institution, art galleries and tourist markets.

More include popular restaurants, hotels, coach operators and leisure boating companies. You could liaison with private beach operators, cultural groups and local fabric makers.

• Museums
• Cultural institution
• Art galleries
• Tourist markets
• Popular restaurants
• Hotels
• Coach operators
• Boating companies
• Private beach operators
• Cultural groups
• Local fabric makers.

How to Find Local Suppliers

There are many resources both offline and online to find local destinations. You should approach destinations in your area of operation and discus with their management.

Every business is established to make profit so your proposal should show the benefits to such establishments. Make sure you do due diligence and personally experience their services before approaching any company.

Ways to find local destinations are through directories, websites reviews and yellow pages. Other sources are through travel blogs and social media.

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Costs

Makes sure you properly estimate the cost of each package. Use specialty transfer providers instead of direct transfer. Always stay abreast of the local exchange rate and calculate based on the prevailing black market rates.

Safety and Security

As a tour operator the safety of your clients is paramount. Every country has peculiar challenges pertaining to safety.

You have petty thieves, kidnappers, burglars and religious fundamentalists. Provide your clients an experienced guide, plain cloths security and police protection. The sad truth is that there are many bad eggs eager to harm/rob tourists.

Join an Association

In some countries it is mandatory to join a local association. This is to avoid sharp practices and bring their members to order.

They also provide useful resources for members. Some tourists go the extra mile to find out if the tour company belongs to any association. Other benefits include health costs, safety audits and discounts.

Legalities

Incorporate the business as an LLC company and get insurance. Insurance cover is very crucial to your operation.

You need public liability insurance including ATOL licensing. There is also the packaged travel operator’s regulation for liabilities and consumer protection.

Hire Staff

You need dedicated staff who key into your vision. Hire reputable tour managers, drivers and a security experts and a secretary.

They should have good interpersonal and communication skills. A qualification in travel and tourism would suffice.

Schedule Tours

The core of the business is scheduling tours. Make sure the tours fall in summer time with lots of sunshine and outdoors recreational activities. You can schedule group tours, couples retreat and family tours.

Tour Operation Business Model

The business model should include key players, partners and activities. Others include value proposition, revenue stream, costs and customer relationship.

You need to define your goals and objectives such as discovering new markets and tour expansion. Startup costs involve initial investment, profit, returns and future projections.

 Try to define your tour activities and develop a marketing strategy.

Business Model

• Value proposition
• Revenue stream
• Costs
• Customer relationship
• Set goals
• Objectives
• Discovering new markets
• Tour expansion.

Marketing

A powerful resource in tour operation business is a dedicated website. The website would attract lots of visitors to your destinations.

Choose a keyword rich domain name and host plan. You could hire a web developer to build an interactive website.

Include high definition images of popular locations and description. Add an email address, phone number, company location and about us page. 

Develop a social media presence and gain lots of followers. Offer discounts, group tours, family tours and couples tours.

Drive traffic to your website through social media adverts, classified posts and directory submissions. Use traditional methods such as flyers, posters, billboards and sign boards. As the business grows and expand keep your core values.

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How to Start a Travel Blog

If you love traveling and are adventurous then consider travel blogging. The job description involves visiting dream destinations, while earning money. Before packing your bags, understand your goals and motivation.

There are three ways to launch a travel blog. Read up on fun places and gather resources for your blog. Secure a travel contract from an organization, company, magazines or website.

Save up and traveling the world on meager funds. You could document your travel adventures during trips or special holidays.

Save Money

The most important aspect of travel blogging is money. Once you are motivated save up for the journey.

Create a budget, decide on the destination and write a business plan. Destination traveling is expensive and requires huge money.

Individual travel bloggers save close to a year to gather enough capital. They use target savings and borrow from friends and family. Contracted travel bloggers are sponsored by organizations to predetermined locations.

You need to save about $30,000 for your trip and living expenses when you return. Budget $20, 000 for transportation, accommodation and feeding. On the journey you need to develop cost saving measures such as backpacking and sleeping at cheap locations.

Study your Destination

You need to study your destination before committing funds. Some countries are downright dangerous with ethnic wars and conflicts.

You don’t want to be caught up at such locations. Other considerations are culture, crime index and international travel warnings. Make sure the destination is moderately safe and contact locals or travel guides.

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Cost Saving Methods

It is important you implement lots of cost saving measures or you will run out of money. Costs saving measures include cheap hotels, backpacking and networking with locals.

You should approach tourism offices for destination advice, discounts and special offers. Focus only on the most important aspects of the trip such as lodging, food, and transportation.

• Cheap Flights
• Cheap hotels
• Backpacking
• Networking with locals
• Approach tourism offices
• Discounts
• special offers
• Focus on lodging, food, and transportation.

Use Social Media

Without a social media account you blog might not receive adequate traffic to turn a profit. The social media page will drive traffic and offer one on one engagement.

Another advantage of owing a social media account is gaining followers. Large number of followers guarantees marketing opportunities. Top social media accounts to consider are Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

How to Start a Travel Agency

How Travel Blogs Make Money

Travel bloggers earn income in several ways. The blog could use Google adsense, propeller ads or other advertisement networks.

Other money making avenues are affiliate marketing, direct advertisement placement and selling products. The travel blogger can even earn directly from his social media accounts through brand campaigns.

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Steps to Start a Sea & Air Cargo Company

Freight business involves transporting cargo from location to destination. The shipment could move within state lines or abroad.

 Freight forwarding is a lucrative business however it involves serious logistics, handling, planning and execution. The cargo company may consolidate small cargo or haul large shipments.

To operate a cargo company you don’t necessary need to own the mode of shipment except vehicular transportation. The goods are generally delivered through road, air and sea.

Some operators specialize in only one method of transportation while others offer a broad based service. Operators haul a diverse spectrum of goods such as equipment's, vehicles, food and raw materials.

It is the duty of the cargo company to thoroughly check inventory for prohibited goods before shipment. Business success is not guaranteed however proper networking, handling and efficiency are essential elements.

Here is a step by step guide on how to launch your cargo business.

Write a Cargo Company Business Plan

The job has many complexities so writing a business plan is important. The plan should cover mode of transportation, target customers and demography.

Other important aspects are acquiring appropriate licenses and certification. You need to carefully choose your operational base, management team and network partners.

Others are growth, expansion, future goals, profit/ loss. Another major challenge is sourcing funds for your business.

Steps to Start a Sea & Air Cargo Company

Understand the Cargo Business

To understand the business you need to study the freight forward industry. The business is moderately complicated and involves various permits, licensing, ethics and procedures.

You need adequate funding, networking and extensive knowledge of every aspect of the job. A deep knowledge of foreign markets, regulations, and proper inspection and documentations is very important.

Every country has different custom regulations however there are general procedures along foreign boarders.

What the Cargo Market Entails

The job involves lots of documentation, inspection and cargo movement. You need a receiving outlet or partner in foreign lands.

Other aspects are shipping methodology, warehousing and abiding by strict custom regulations. The company prices should be reasonable and competitive and cargo delivered intact.

Define your Target Market

It’s all good handling different kinds of cargo however you need to define your market. Narrowing the field would allow better proficiency and organization.

 You need to decide the type of freight and geographical location you wish to operate. By doing this you understand the target countries custom requirements and acceptable cargos.

Narrowing your niche, leads to specialization, efficiency and better delivery system. It also affords the company better time management and capacity building.Box Truck Business

Identify you Customer Base

Once you have chosen your preferred destinations and understudy the custom regulations you need to identify your customers. Conduct a survey of specific customers, location and demography.

Use various marketing strategies to target the preferred customer and market. Determine your preferred load volume and purchase appropriate equipment.

Transportation Equipment

There are some transportation equipment’s you need to ease the handling of goods. Common equipment’s are hydraulic pallets, power pallets, tractors and dolly.

You need weighing equipment such as weighing scales and Weight Bridge for heavy goods.  Material handling equipment are x-ray machines, gloves, cargo offloading ramp, four wheel trolleys, fork lifts and low bed.

Cargo Equipment

• Hydraulic pallets
• Power pallets
• Wooden pallets
• Tractors
• Vans, trucks
• Dolly
• Weight bridge
• Weight scales
• X-ray machine
• Gloves
• Visual inspection aids
• Offloading ramp
• 4 wheel trolley
• Fork lift

Mode of Transportation

International destination cargo shipment is carried out in four ways. We have ship ownership, third party shipment services, owner cargo plane operations and commercial air freighting.

Ship Ownership

The first and most capital intensive method involves owning your own ship. Ship ownership is no small potatoes and requires serious cash. The ship owner is responsible for the safety of the cargo from port to delivery at the docks.

Provide Shipment Services

The second sea shipment method requires significantly less funding. The funding requirement is targeted at paying the ship to deliver the goods.

Once the ship accepts the goods and delivers the cargo. The company either uses their representative at the destination to clear the good or hands the document to the customer.

Owning an Air Cargo Plane

The same major expense applies to owning a cargo plane. Apart from purchase of the plane you need operational licensing and certification.

There are a host of aviation rules and best practices. The capacity and size of the plane depends on the cargo you want to freight.

Lease an Aircraft

There are two ways to lease an aircraft. You could lease a small aircraft exclusively to carry your cargo or freight the cargo in a commercial cargo plane. The first option requires more capital that using a commercial airline.

Cargo Aircrafts

• Airbus A400M
• Lockheed Martin "Hercules" C130J
• Antonov An-32
• EADS CASA C-295
• Alenia C-27J "Spartan"
• de Havilland Canada DHC-4 "Caribou"
• Fokker F27-400/700
• DC-3
• DC-6

Licensing and Registration

Cargo business is all about proper documentation and certification. Before you get into the nitty-gritty of freight forwarding register your company.

Incorporate the business as a limited liability company and obtain license to ship by sea or air. The Maritime Commission handles sea transportation while Federal Aviation Administration air transportation.

Find out all the requirements and acquire the necessary certification. You will need to submit formal application, fill form, provide evidence, certificates and pass serious scrutiny before getting the operational papers.

The business also has some elements of risk such as lost cargo, damaged goods or impounded goods. You need serious liability insurance cover to protect your business.

Cargo companies face penalties, reparations, damage charges and accidents. Therefore there is no compromise on the type of insurance cover you acquire.

 Marketing

Effective marketing should target only your preferred customers. Use different parameters, surveys and techniques to attract patronage.

A stratified customer most likely would be a repeat customer. Work on efficiency, transparency, due diligence and safety.

 Ship/Air Cargo Business Terms

• Forwarding out
• Forwarding in
• Consignment
• Cargo 2000
• E-freight
• Air transportation
• Air cargo laws, claims, complaints, insurance
• Finding partners
• Customs Act 1962
• Demurrage charges
• Bulk cargo
• FIATA, FFFAI, MOC, EXIM, ECGC. FIEO

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How to Attract Sponsorship for Live Musical Event

Are you planning to organize a musical live performance or music carnival? You will need lots of funding to organize a successful gig.

Live musical performances are huge earners for event promoters if done properly. The job is challenging and requires good organizational and management skills.

Funding is needed to lease equipment, workers wages, security and marketing. Marketing, promotion and branding consumes about 35% of total investment.

The primary obligation between a sponsor and organizer is brand representation and funding. To attract funds you need to first identify potential sponsors or partners. Before seeking sponsors there a few things you need to put in place.

Set-up the Company

You need to set-up the company or organization to facilitate the event. You could register the company and choose a business name.

Other requirements are permits to host the event, inventory, engineers and invited artists. The next step is to choose an ideal location or venue for the event. Finally seek sponsors to aid fund raising for aspects of the preparation.

Inventory and Cost Consideration

You need to calculate exactly how much you need to host the event. Cost consideration includes equipment, stage, engineers, lighting and artist fees. Others are promotional and marketing considerations.

A list of inventory

• Select a suitable venue
• Lease speakers and sound equipment
• Lease elevated stage
• Lighting
• Provide security
• Print promotional items and tickets
• Artist wages

How to Attract Sponsorship for Live Musical Event

Sponsors Criteria

Things that sponsors look at include size of audience and target market. If the target market falls within the sponsors preferred demography there is likelihood of participation.

Benefit to Sponsor

Before a sponsor decides to fund or participate in an event they need to understand the benefits. Most companies focus on enhancing visibility, image and identify with consumers of the brand. Brand visibility is a very attractive proposal for sponsorship interest.

Sponsorship Fees

 The fees depend entirely on the promoter of the event and the amount of money involved.  Although a promoter could assign different amounts to specific requirements, the sponsor is bound only by the amount they wish to contribute.

The sponsor could decide to contribute in kind such as making their products available free or discounted. They could also decide to contribute a lump sum depending on their corporate strategy. Some even contribute both in kind and financial backing.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and condition could be subjected to contractual agreement. The two sides should agree on a consensus determinant on how much they wish to contribute. The promoter needs to use the services of a lawyer to draft the sponsorship document.

The parties to the contract are the sponsor and event promoter. And the objective of the sponsorship contract should be clearly indicated.

Objectives include sponsors agreement, duration of the agreement and method of endorsement. This also includes the type of promotional material, brand image, trademark or name. The agreement should also specify the contributory amount or quantity of product on day of event.

The Promoter’s obligations

In the contract the promoter’s obligations should be clearly understood. The main obligations usually revolve around product branding, attendance, marketing material and promotion. Other obligations are organizing a successful event and attracting a huge crowd.

Sponsors compensation includes proper product branding and exposure to the audience. The promoter is obligated to provide a successful show and provide lots of promotion.

Brand Awareness

The promoters of the event need to provide good opportunity for brand awareness.  They can use different methods to create brand awareness.

A common method is through traditional printing of banners, flyers, billboards and posters. Other methods are through radio jingles, television advertisement and road shows.

T-shirt, face caps and wristbands are also good branding opportunities. Sometimes the deal include event accessibility and ticketing

Length of Contract

A contractual agreement could focus on a one time deal or multiple events. The agreement may focus only on local events or extend to international events.

There also has to be a clear indication of sponsorship exclusivity or multiple sponsors. This is to avoid conflicting brand or competitive brands in the same event.

There are serious consequences when an event fails to take place. Therefore both parties should agree on a consensus form of restitution.

You can add provisions in the contract such as confidentiality, integrity, applicable law, jurisdiction and third party. You also need to ensure the protection of copyright imagery.

Event Planing Business

Where to Find Sponsors

Major sponsors of events are beer companies, manufacturing companies, fashion industry and telecommunications. Other type of sponsorship is through crowd funding.

How to Write a Sponsorship Letter

The first step is to identify the company you want to approach. Then write a proposal indicating sponsorship request.

Provide details of type of event, expected audience and musical groups invited to perform at the event. State in your letter the benefit to the sponsor, such as product banding and promotions. Include further details of promotional channels such as print or electronic media. In your letter show competence, credentials and other successful events you organized.

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Starting a Trucking Business Checklist

Joedamadman,CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Goods are continually moved from one location to another necessitating the need for transportation. Some goods are heavy and large providing a good business for trucking companies.

Trucking business is capital intensive, competitive and highly lucrative. You also need to have a good knowledge of the enterprise.

Truckers provide transportation for commercial goods for a fee and the trucks should have the capacity to carry a minimum of 40 feet container. There are a few things you need to put in place before starting your trucking business.

Write a Business Plan

The first step is to write a comprehensive business plan. Focus on type and capacity of your vehicle including company structure, management and funding.

Are you interested in running an owner operated trucking business or a partnership. These are question to answer while incorporating the business.

Buy or lease

You could purchase your equipment or lease them. Owning the equipment reduces the cost of operation and provides stability.

However there are some lease agreements that confer ownership to the operator on a ‘hire purchase’ bases. Try to buy the appropriate equipment to carry out the work.

Focus on truck type capacity, strength and durability. Look out for cost effective measures to boost your business. A good way to determine the best trucks is to study your competitors and learn which trucks they prefer.

Join the Union

Trucking business is highly regulated and union controlled. You need to join the truckers union or association in your country. They may have different regulations however they are meant to provide support, guidance and a safety for truckers.

Salmond & Brown Trucking 1944

Secure contracts

The main road to success as a trucker is securing regular contracts. If you bag regular gigs your trucking business will prosper.

Companies and individuals who hire truckers look out for reliability, dependability, fair costs and punctuality. Large companies would regularly hire a trucking company with good reputation.

Biding Process

Biding is part and parcel of the trucking business. The competition is stiff and truckers try to bag the best gigs with lower prices.

Make sure your price is reasonable, competitive and would turn a profit after all parameters are factored. Things to factor during a biding process are size of the good, fragility, distance to travel and trucking fees.

Others are maintenance, fuel consumption and working expenses. Small start-up companies need to build a contract completion list for future patronage.

Locating the Trucking Company

All trucking companies need to have a highly efficient back office. The location should be central and easily accessible to other regions within your locality.

Essentials for a back office are accountant, secretary and receptionist. You need to answer regular call and bid effectively on contracts.

Your truck feet should have ample parking during downtime. Furnish your office appropriately with fax machine, computer, dedicate phone line and office furniture.

Hire Staff

The primary workers in a trucking business are those that secure the contracts and the drivers. Before you start your trucking business you need to determine the business model.

Are you going to hire your own drivers use your equipment or sub-contractors? Having In-house drivers provide total control and better efficiency during pick-up and delivery. However the amount of funding to run in-house trucks and drivers is enormous.

License and Permits

Register your trucking business as a limited liability company. Although there are many sole proprietors operating a limited liability company reduces the liability you pay on damaged or lost goods.

Apply for a carrier license, fulfill tax requirements and define your operational status. Others are commercial trucking license, permits and safety protocols.

Find out what is obtainable in your country and comply. Insurance cover is very important in the trucking business. Make sure you talk to your insurance brokers and get the most appropriate cover for the business.

Checklist for Trucking License and Permits

Trucking is regulated and strict compliance to rule and regulations is mandatory. Here is a small checklist for owner operated trucking companies.

• Apply for motor carrier authority and federal DOT.
• Your drivers by law are mandated to have commercial driving license
• Heavy duty vehicular tax
• Special license plate for commercial truckers
• Interstate operational license
• Some countries have international fuel tax agreement
• Appropriate insurance cover
• Register the business as a limited liability company
• Commercial trucking license

Fund the Trucking Business.

Trucking business is capital intensive so you need adequate funding for the business. Apply for bank loans with fixed long term interest.

Decide on ‘leasing to own’ or purchasing equipment outright. Truckers sometimes get paid immediately or a 30 days after delivery. So you should to put in place effective funding and maintenance system to avoid cash flow challenges.

 Trucking Industry in the United States of America

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