DESCRIPTION
Illinois is a midwestern state in the north-central United States. It is bordered by Lake Michigan and Indiana to the east; Kentucky, across the Ohio River to the southeast; Missouri and Iowa, across the Mississippi River to the west; and Wisconsin to the north.
Area: 56,400 sq mi (146,076 sq km)
Pop. (2000): 12,419,293 (8.6% increase since 1990 census)
Capital: Springfield
Largest City: Chicago
Nicknames: Inland Empire; Prairie State
Motto: State Sovereignty National Union
State Bird: Cardinal
State Fower: Native Violet
State Tree: White Oak
Rich land, adequate rainfall (32-36 in./81-91 cm annually), and a long growing season make Illinois an important agricultural state. It consistently ranks among the top states in the production of corn and soybeans. Hogs and cattle are also principal sources of farm income. Other major crops include hay, wheat, and sorghum. Beneath the fertile topsoil lies mineral wealth, including fluorspar, bituminous coal, and oil; Illinois ranks high among the states in the production of coal, and its reserves are greater than any other state east of the Rocky Mts.
Its agricultural and mineral resources, along with its excellent lines of communication and transportation, made Illinois industrial; by 1880 income from industry was almost double that from agriculture. Leading Illinois manufactures include electrical and nonelectrical machinery, food products, fabricated and primary metal products, and chemicals; printed and published materials are also important.
Metropolitan Chicago, the country's leading rail center, is also a major industrial, as well as a commercial and financial, center. Suburbs of Chicago such as Schaumburg and Oak Brook have become important business centers. Scattered across the northern half of the state are cities with specialized industries Elgin, Peoria, Rock Island, Moline, and Rockford. Industrially important cities in central Illinois include Springfield and Decatur.
*Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition
INFORMATION LINKS
State of Illinois - Official Web site for the State of Illinois
Area Code Map - Map of the telephone area code areas in Illinois
Census Data - Quick facts derived from Illinois census data
Counties Map - State map showing the counties within Illinois
Economic Indicators - Data on the economic condition in the state
Fastest Growing Occupations - Data on the occupations that are growing fastest in Illinois
Find-It! Illinois - Secretary of State's Web site for finding Illinois-related publications and information on-line
Illinois Gallery - A collection of 578 photos of various fun, historic or important locations in Illinois as well as important or notable people of the past and present
Illinois Skills Match - Web site by the Illinois Dept. of Employment Security where Illinois-area employers come to find qualified job seekers and where job seekers come to find jobs
Enjoy Illinois - Web site by the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity where you can plan a trip to Illinois on-line and obtain brochures, maps, and other information
Festivals - Information on the many festivals held in Illinois
Things to Do In Illinois - A compendium of what you can see and do in Illinois (regional attractions, outdoor recreation areas, and so on)
National Forests - Information on the Shawnee National Forest and the Midewin Tall Grass Prairie, the two national forest areas in Illinois
National Landmarks - Information on the 80 national landmarks in Illinois
National Parks - Information on the five national historical parks in Illinois
Recreation Areas - Information on recreation areas in Illinois
State Parks - Information on Illinois' state parks
Wildlife Refuges - Information on the seven wildlife refuges in the state Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum - Located in Springfield, an extensive complex dedicated to our 16th president. A "must see" when you are in the Springfield area.
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