Facts About Iowa

Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois. It is the 26th largest state in the nation, with an area of 56,272 square miles. It is known for its rolling hills, tall grass prairies, and its rich agricultural heritage. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Iowa is a great place to explore and learn about the history and culture of the Midwest.

Geography

Location

Iowa is located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River to the west. It is bordered by six states: Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, Nebraska to the west, South Dakota to the northwest, and Minnesota to the north. Iowa is the only state in the US whose east and west borders are formed entirely by rivers.

Climate

Iowa has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 80°F, and in the winter it is around 20°F. The state receives an average of 33 inches of rain per year, and an average of 28 inches of snow. Iowa is also prone to severe weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding.

Major Cities

Iowa's capital and largest city is Des Moines, located in the center of the state. Other major cities include Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Waterloo, and Iowa City. Des Moines is the economic and cultural center of the state, and is home to several Fortune 500 companies. Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in the state, and is home to a variety of industries, including manufacturing and technology. Davenport is located on the Mississippi River and is a major transportation hub. Sioux City is located on the Missouri River and is home to several casinos. Waterloo is home to several manufacturing companies, and Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa.

Economy

Major Industries

Iowa is home to a diverse range of industries, from agriculture to manufacturing. Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, with corn, soybeans, hogs, and eggs being the top four commodities produced. Iowa is also a major producer of ethanol and biodiesel, and is the nation’s leading producer of popcorn. Manufacturing is the second largest industry in the state, with machinery, food processing, and chemical products being the top three manufactured goods. Iowa is also home to a growing technology sector, with many tech companies setting up shop in the state’s larger cities.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Iowa is currently 3.2%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 3.7%. The state’s unemployment rate has been steadily declining since the Great Recession, and is now at its lowest point since 2008. Iowa has seen a steady increase in jobs over the past few years, with the majority of job growth coming from the manufacturing and technology sectors. The state’s low unemployment rate is a testament to its strong economy and the resilience of its workforce.

Demographics

Population

The population of Iowa is estimated to be 3,155,070 as of 2019. It is the 30th most populous state in the United States. Iowa is the 23rd most densely populated state in the country. The population is spread out across the state, with the most populous city being Des Moines. The population of Des Moines is estimated to be over 215,000. The other major cities in Iowa are Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Waterloo.

Ethnicity

The ethnic makeup of Iowa is predominantly white, with 82.9% of the population identifying as such. The second largest ethnic group is Hispanic or Latino, making up 6.2% of the population. Other ethnicities that make up the population of Iowa include African American (4.5%), Asian (3.1%), and Native American (0.6%).

Religion

The majority of the population of Iowa identifies as Christian, with 78.7% of the population identifying as such. The second largest religious group is those who identify with no religion, making up 10.7% of the population. Other religious groups that make up the population of Iowa include Judaism (1.2%), Buddhism (0.4%), and Islam (0.4%).

Education

Higher Education

Iowa is home to three public universities, the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa. These universities are some of the best in the country, offering a variety of degree programs and research opportunities. The University of Iowa is the state's oldest university, founded in 1847. Iowa State University is the largest university in the state, with over 36,000 students enrolled. The University of Northern Iowa is a smaller university, with about 12,000 students enrolled. All three universities are highly ranked and offer a variety of academic and research opportunities.

In addition to the public universities, Iowa is home to a number of private colleges and universities. These include Drake University, Grinnell College, and Luther College. These private institutions offer a variety of degree programs and research opportunities.

Primary and Secondary Education

Iowa has a strong public school system, with over 300 public school districts across the state. The state is also home to a number of private schools, including parochial and religious schools. Iowa is also home to a number of community colleges, which offer two-year degree programs and technical training.

Iowa also has a number of programs to help students succeed in school. The state offers a variety of grants and scholarships to help students pay for college. The state also has a number of programs to help students prepare for college and career. These include the Iowa College Access Network, which provides resources to help students prepare for college, and the Iowa Student Loan Program, which helps students pay for college.

Iowa is also home to a number of educational organizations and initiatives. These include the Iowa Education Association, which works to promote quality education in the state, and the Iowa State Education Association, which works to improve the quality of education in the state. The state also has a number of programs to help students succeed in school, such as the Iowa Reading Corps, which provides tutoring and mentoring to students in need.

Overall, Iowa is home to a variety of educational opportunities, from public and private universities to community colleges and technical schools. The state also has a number of programs and initiatives to help students succeed in school. With its strong public school system and variety of educational opportunities, Iowa is a great place to pursue an education.

Culture

Music

Iowa has a rich musical heritage, with a wide variety of genres represented. Country music is especially popular in the state, with many prominent country artists hailing from Iowa. Iowa is also home to a thriving jazz scene, with a number of jazz festivals held throughout the year. The state is also known for its folk music, with many traditional folk songs originating in Iowa. Additionally, Iowa is known for its punk rock scene, with several prominent punk bands having originated in the state.

Food

Iowa is known for its unique cuisine, with many dishes unique to the state. A popular dish is the loose meat sandwich, which is a sandwich made with ground beef and served on a bun. Another popular dish is the pork tenderloin sandwich, which is a pork tenderloin that is pounded thin and fried. Additionally, Iowa is known for its sweet corn, with many roadside stands selling sweet corn throughout the summer months. Iowa is also known for its fried cheese curds, which are a popular snack throughout the state.

Sports

Sports are an important part of Iowa culture, with many professional and college teams based in the state. The state is home to the Iowa Hawkeyes, the University of Iowa's football team. The Hawkeyes are a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten conference, and have won several conference championships. Additionally, the state is home to the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are one of the most successful teams in the minor leagues, and have won several championships. Additionally, Iowa is home to several minor league hockey teams, including the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and the Des Moines Buccaneers.