Iowa

Iowa is a U.S.

Iowa is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. It became the 29th state on December 28, 1846, and its capital and largest city is Des Moines. Iowa is especially known for its agriculture, including leading U.S. production of corn and soybeans, and for its role in the presidential nominating process through caucuses.

Geography

Iowa is an Upper Midwestern state with broad agricultural plains and river borders. It is bordered by Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The Mississippi River forms Iowa’s eastern boundary, and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River define parts of its western boundary. Iowa has 99 counties.

History

The area that is now Iowa was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became a U.S. territory in 1838. It was admitted to the Union as the 29th state on December 28, 1846.

Economy

Iowa’s economy is strongly associated with agriculture. It is a leading producer of corn, soybeans, and hogs, and agricultural land covers much of the state. Iowa is one of the United States’ most agriculturally productive states.

Government and politics

Iowa is known nationally for its caucuses, which have played an important role in the U.S. presidential nomination process since 1972. The state government is based in Des Moines. Its official motto is “Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain.”