The site aims to capitalise on the strong US following of Guardian Unlimited. According to the publication (quoting ABCe figures) 32 per cent of its total unique users in August were from the US.
Former editor of The American Prospect, Michael Tomasky, has been drafted in to lead the site's eight-strong editorial team.
Based in Washington, staff will produce multimedia content in-house for the site, including video and audio footage as part of a news feed.
Emily Bell, Guardian News and Media's director of digital content, said the launch showed Guardian News and Media's investment in 'a new type of multimedia content' at a time when other organisations are cutting back in this area.
The site's launch has been timed to cover the build-up to the US presidential primaries next January, beginning with an interview with candidate Hilary Clinton.
While US politics will feature heavily on the site, content from the Guardian's UK website will also be available.
"There is clearly a demand in the US for the Guardian perspective on global news and comment," said Alan Rusbridger, editor of the Guardian.
"Guardian America will enable us to meet that need, providing a discerning US audience with quality multimedia journalism, and the very best comment and analysis."
A range of other features for users, such as holiday and dating services, will be introduced to the site at a later date.
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