Iowa (state): geographical location, population, major cities

Iowa - a state with a national average in terms of both area and number of inhabitants. In what part of the US is it located? How many cities on its territory? And what interesting can you tell about the state of Iowa?

Iowa, US: Geography and Borders

When in the well-known to the whole world Hollywood it is necessary to remove the scene of traditional rural life in the USA, then the film crew will definitely go here. Iowa is a state located in the central part of the state, in the interfluve of Missouri and Mississippi. By the way, he occupies only 26th place in the country in terms of area. Nevertheless, this does not prevent the state from being larger than many European states (for example, Croatia, Belgium or Portugal). The modern borders of Iowa were fixed back in 1849 in the hall of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Iowa is a state that is very often called the food pantry of the continent. Indeed, it is difficult to see skyscrapers and high-rise business centers. But the territory of the state is literally saturated with corn fields and agricultural lands.

The relief of the state is flat, the highest point is the Hokai Point Hill, which is only 509 meters high. The climate here is of continental type, with a fairly high average annual rainfall. Floods, tornadoes and storms in Iowa are not uncommon.

Population and state economy

Iowa is a state where the food industry, mechanical engineering, and financial services are quite developed. The main products produced here are agricultural. In particular, the state occupies leading positions in the country for breeding pigs.

According to the last census, 3.1 million people live in Iowa. About 91% of these residents are "white" Americans. The second place in the national composition of the state is occupied by immigrants from Latin American countries (5%), the third - African Americans (almost 3%), the fourth - "Asians". Most of the population of the state considers themselves to be Protestants (about 52%).

Many US states are known for their unusual and sometimes completely ridiculous laws. The state of Iowa in this regard is no exception. So, couples here are forbidden to kiss on the street for more than five minutes, and violators are waiting for a very solid fine.

Flag of Iowa

Iowa in the past was part of the French colony "New France". The latter in 1803 was transferred to the United States as a result of the so-called Louisiana purchase - the largest in the world history of the purchase and sale of territories.

That's why it's no accident that on the modern flag of Iowa you can see the traditional colors of the banner of France. It consists of three vertical bands - blue, white and red. And the central one (white) is the widest one. It depicts an eagle bald-headed, holding in its beak a ribbon with the motto of the state. Under the ribbon is also placed the state name in English: "IOWA".

This flag was developed by Dixie Gebhardt, a resident of Knoxville. The symbol was officially approved back in 1921.

Iowa State: cities

Iowa is the edge of forests, corn fields and a huge number of small towns. There are 947 of them here. But only in two cities of Iowa the population exceeds 100 thousand people. This is Des Moines (the capital of Iowa) and Cedar Rapids.

The third largest city is Davenport. This settlement is located on the Mississippi River and is an important transport and industrial center of the state. It is one of the main places of attraction for labor migrants. In addition to industry, cultural life is actively developing in Davenport. There are many museums, there are theaters, cinemas and interesting monuments of architecture.

A kind of historical center of the state can safely be called the city of Iowa City. Today, about 70 thousand people live in it. Iowa City is considered the first capital of this state. The city had a metropolitan status until 1857. Nowadays the oldest university in the state - the Iowa is still functioning here.

The capital of Iowa is the ideal city or the "black hole of America"?

The main city of Iowa is Des Moines. It is not only the capital, but also an important cultural center. To tourists it is also known as the "city of delicious food". The local chefs already deserve the fame of the masters of the extra-class.

Des Moines is one of the most attractive cities in the US for migrants. So, the cost of living here is 12% lower than the average for the country. The unemployment rate in the city is also quite low, and property prices are cheaper by 15% than the average for the country.

The descendants of Des Moines are members of the popular rock band Slipknot. By the way, the rockers call their hometown a "black hole in America."