Iowa
Iowa is a U.S.
Iowa is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States, admitted as the 29th state in 1846. Its capital and largest city is Des Moines.
What it is
Iowa is a Midwestern state known as the Hawkeye State, with Des Moines as its capital. Its official motto is “Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain.” The state has 99 counties and covers about 56,273 square miles.
Why it matters
Iowa is a national leader in agriculture, especially corn, soybeans, and hog production. It also plays a key role in U.S. politics as the first state to hold presidential caucuses, influencing the nomination process since 1972.
Key details
Iowa borders Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The Mississippi River forms its eastern border, and the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers define parts of the west. It became a U.S. territory in 1838 and a state in 1846.
In short
- 29th state, admitted December 28, 1846.
- Leads U.S. in corn and soybean production.
- Famous for presidential caucuses.
- Nicknamed the Hawkeye State.
Iowa is relevant to Canadian readers through trade, agriculture, and cross-border geography in the broader North American Midwest, though it does not border Canada directly.
Quick questions
What is Iowa?
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What is Iowa known for?
Sources
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Iowa-stateSupports: State status, admission date, and general state overview.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Iowa-stateSupports: Area, population, borders, river boundaries, history, and economy.
- National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/iowaSupports: Statehood date, borders, and agricultural prominence.
- State of Iowa — https://www.iowa.gov/welcome-iowaSupports: Statehood date and population.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Iowa-stateSupports: Capital, nickname, motto, population, and House seats.