Iowa

Iowa

Iowa is located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. The state is bordered by Minnesota to the north, Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, and South Dakota and Nebraska to the west. Located between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the state's landscape includes wooded hills, river valleys, and prairies. Iowa was named after the Iowa River. It is an Indian word meaning "one who puts to sleep" or "beautiful land." Its capital and largest city is Des Moines. Iowa has been listed as one of the safest states to live in. Waterloo and Davenport are eastern cities with agricultural industries that mark the beginning of the transition between the industrialized East and the less industrial West. Iowa is known for having some of the world’s most fertile soil.

About one-third of the best farmland in the United States is located in Iowa. Most of the state's residents are in some way dependent upon Iowa's fertile soil and many crops. Iowa is usually first or second in the country in the production of corn, oats, soybeans, cattle, milk, and calves. The state harvests so much corn that it has been called the "Corn State". Because Iowa is such an important agricultural state, it plays an important role in feeding the country. Iowa farms produce about seven percent of the nation's food supply. In recent years, Iowa has experienced great industrial growth. As you might expect, agriculture-related businesses such as food processing and the manufacturing of farm equipment have become major industries. . Iowa's factories make other products including ballpoint pens, washing machines, and office furniture, but most of the state's industrial output is based on farm production. In spite of the importance of agriculture to the state, only about ten percent of Iowa's residents live on farms. In contrast, about 60 percent live in cities. About 66 percent of Iowa's workers are employed in service industries, including wholesale and retail trade and health care. Des Moines, known for its Court Avenue District with its fine restaurants and history, is a national center of the insurance industry.

Iowa is a great place for international students who want to experience an authentic piece of America. Iowa State University is located in Ames and is only 30 minutes away from the state's capital, Des Moines.

List of colleges and universities in Iowa

The Official Website of the State of Iowa

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