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Politics & World • US State

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a U.S.

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

Wisconsin is a U.S. state in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. It was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848, as the 30th state, with Madison as its capital and Milwaukee as its largest city. It borders Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Michigan, Lake Superior, and lies near Ontario’s Great Lakes region.

Geography

Wisconsin lies in the north-central United States and includes shoreline on both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Its landscape includes lakes, rivers, forests, and the Wisconsin River system.

History

The region was explored by Europeans in the 17th century, later became part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, and achieved statehood in 1848.

Government and population

Wisconsin’s capital is Madison, and its largest city is Milwaukee. The state has 72 counties and a population of about 5.9 million in recent estimates.

Economy

Wisconsin is strongly associated with agriculture and food processing, especially dairy products and cheese. Tourism, recreation, and manufacturing are also important parts of the state economy.

Key facts

  • Wisconsin was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848, as the 30th state.
  • Madison is the capital and Milwaukee is the largest city.
  • Wisconsin borders Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Michigan, and Lake Superior.
  • The state has 72 counties.
  • Wisconsin is known for dairy production, especially cheese.
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Canadian context

Wisconsin borders Lake Superior and lies near Ontario’s Great Lakes region, making it relevant to Canadian readers interested in cross-border geography, trade, and travel.

Frequently asked questions

When did Wisconsin become a state?
Wisconsin became the 30th U.S. state on May 29, 1848.
What is the capital of Wisconsin?
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin.
What is the largest city in Wisconsin?
Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city.
What states and bodies of water border Wisconsin?
Wisconsin borders Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, and it also borders Lake Michigan, Michigan, and Lake Superior.
How many counties does Wisconsin have?
Wisconsin has 72 counties.
What is Wisconsin known for?
Wisconsin is especially known for dairy production, including cheese.

References

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/wisconsin
    Supports: Borders and geographic location of Wisconsin.
  2. Wisconsin Historical Society — https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2906
    Supports: Statehood date, capital, highest point, and state statistics.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin
    Supports: State overview, borders, capital, largest city, and county count.
  4. The Fact File — https://thefactfile.org/wisconsin-facts/
    Supports: Statehood date, borders, capital, county count, and nickname-related facts.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Wisconsin
    Supports: State overview, borders, history, population, capital, and economic context.