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Politics & World • U.S. State

Kansas

Kansas is a U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kansas is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. It became the 34th state on January 29, 1861, and its capital is Topeka. Kansas is bordered by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado and is known for its Great Plains landscape and agricultural production.

Geography

Kansas lies in the Great Plains and is bordered by four states: Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Sources describe it as largely prairie and plains country, though it is not entirely flat.

History

The area that became Kansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase, and the state joined the Union on January 29, 1861. Its name comes from the Kansa people and is generally interpreted as meaning 'people of the south wind.'

Government and cities

Topeka is the capital of Kansas. Wichita is the largest city, while the Kansas City metropolitan area spans the state line with Missouri.

Economy and identity

Kansas is known for agriculture, especially wheat production, and for symbols such as the sunflower and the state motto 'Ad astra per aspera' ('To the stars through difficulties').

Key facts

  • Kansas is a Midwestern U.S. state that became the 34th state on January 29, 1861.
  • Its capital is Topeka and its largest city is Wichita.
  • The state is part of the Great Plains and is known for agriculture, especially wheat.
  • Kansas is nicknamed the Sunflower State and its name comes from the Kansa people.
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Canadian context

Kansas is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a major U.S. Midwestern state that borders important U.S. trade and transport corridors, with agriculture and aviation industries that connect to broader North American markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kansas?
Kansas is a state in the Midwestern United States.
What is the capital of Kansas?
The capital of Kansas is Topeka.
What is the largest city in Kansas?
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas.
When did Kansas become a state?
Kansas became the 34th U.S. state on January 29, 1861.
Why is Kansas called the Sunflower State?
The nickname comes from sunflowers that bloom in the state.

References

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/kansas
    Supports: State nickname, borders, and general geography
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Kansas
    Supports: Statehood date, borders, and name origin
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas
    Supports: Capital, largest city, area, and population figure
  4. Kansas Tourism — https://www.travelks.com/media/kansas-facts/
    Supports: Statehood, capital, population, area, symbols, and motto
  5. CountryReports — https://www.countryreports.org/country/united-states/states/kansas
    Supports: Capital, largest city, statehood, area, and agricultural identity