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Politics & World • U.S. State

Missouri

Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States with its capital at Jefferson City.

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

Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States, with its capital at Jefferson City. It became the 24th U.S. state on August 10, 1821, and is widely known as the "Show-Me State." The state borders eight other states and is crossed by the Missouri River from west to east.

Geography

Missouri covers 69,707 square miles (180,540 km²) and is a landlocked state in the Midwest. It borders eight states: Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. The Missouri River divides the state, with rolling hills and fertile plains to the north and deeper valleys and streams to the south.

History

The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Missouri tribe, from which the state derives its name. European settlement began in the 18th century, and Missouri entered the Union in 1821 as part of the Missouri Compromise.

Government and population

Missouri’s capital is Jefferson City, and its largest city is Kansas City. The state had a population of 6,154,913 according to the 2020 census. Major urban areas include St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia.

Economy and culture

Missouri has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. The state is also known for cultural and historical landmarks such as St. Louis and the Gateway Arch.

Key facts

  • Missouri is a landlocked U.S. state in the Midwest.
  • It borders eight states: Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
  • The Missouri River crosses the state from west to east.
  • Missouri became the 24th state in 1821 after the Missouri Compromise.
  • The state’s major urban areas include St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia.
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Canadian context

Missouri is relevant to Canadian readers as a major U.S. Midwestern state with transport, trade, and cultural links to Canada through the central U.S. economy and cross-border North American travel.

Frequently asked questions

What is Missouri?
Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States.
What is the capital of Missouri?
Jefferson City is the capital of Missouri.
When did Missouri become a state?
Missouri became a U.S. state on August 10, 1821.
Why is Missouri called the Show-Me State?
The nickname is widely associated with the idea that Missourians prefer proof before belief, though its exact origin is unclear.
What is Missouri’s largest city?
Kansas City is commonly identified as Missouri’s largest city.
How many states border Missouri?
Missouri borders eight states.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Missouri-state
    Supports: Area, population, capital, statehood, geography, and historical overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Missouri-state
    Supports: Border states, Missouri River, name origin, settlement history, Missouri Compromise, and general state facts.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri
    Supports: Capital, largest cities, population ranking, border states, and regional location.
  4. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/missouri
    Supports: Name origin and border states.