Illinois is the 25^th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 55,593 sq mi and water area of 2,325 sq mi. It acquired statehood on December 3, 1818. Illinois is the 21^st state of the 50 United States of America. Illinois is named for the Illini, a confederation of Native Americans from various tribes who lived in the region. Illinois is nicknamed The Prairie State. Much of Illinois consisted of prairie, broad, open grassland, when Europeans first settled there.

Geography of Illinois

Capital City: Springfield
Population & Density: As per the recent census, the population is above 12 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 223.4 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville, Peoria, Springfield, Joliet Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero.
Nieghbour States: Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin.
Natural Treasures: Grass - Big Bluestem, Mineral - Flourite.

State Facts:

Illinois Motto: State sovereignty, national union.
State Symbols: Bird - Cardinal, Animal - White-tailed Deer, Fish - Bluegill, Flower - Purple Violet, Tree - White Oak, Song - "Illinois" lyrics by: Charles H. Chamberlin music by: Archibald Johnston

Economy of Illinois

Personal income per Capita - $23,104 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle, Dairy Products, Wheat.
Industry - Machinery, Food Processing, Electric Equipment, Chemical Products, Printing and Publishing, Fabricated Metal Products, Transportation Equipment, Petroleum, Coal.

History of Illinois

Illinois produced hundreds of aircraft and ammunition during World War II (1939-1945). The first controlled nuclear chain reaction, a major step in the development of the atomic bomb, also took place at the University of Chicago. Since the war, many new laboratory and research centers developed nuclear technology in Illinois. Other industries, such as chemical, steel, and auto production, have also expanded. Recently, Illinois is striving to decrease the air and water pollution problems in the state. Taxes were raised to create needed public services and a state lottery was adopted in 1973, to help raise money for education. Industries are continuing to grow and expand.

The Illinois flag is a simple representation of the Great Seal of Illinois against a white background. In 1969, the General Assembly voted to add the word "ILLINOIS" under the Great Seal of the flag. The State's name was added to the flag to ensure that people not familiar with the Great Seal of Illinois would still recognize the banner. Flag adopted 1915.

Famous people of Illinois

Jane Addams (1860-1935) Earned a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in helping the inner city poor, was born in Cedarville.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) The 16^th President of the United States, he moved from Kentucky to New Salem at the age of 21.
Bill Murray (1950-) Actor made famous in Saturday Night Live and movies such as Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, was born in Evanston.
Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004) The 40^th President of the United States, was born in Tampico.

Interesting Facts about Illinois

• Pinball was invented in 1930 by In and Outdoor Games Company in Chicago.
• Abraham Lincoln's first public office was as postmaster of New Salem, Illinois.
• The first nuclear chain reaction took place in Illinois at the University of Chicago in 1942.
• The name "Illinois" comes from a Native American word meaning "tribe of superior men."