Iowa(English) Iowa, /ˈaɪəwə/) (stress options: Iowa And Iowa) - 29th in number, 26th in area and 30th in population (just over 3 million people) state, located in the Midwest in the area called the “Heart of America”. Iowa is part of the former French colony of New France, which was ceded to the United States as a result of the Louisiana Purchase. The settlers laid the foundation for the agricultural economy of the state, located in the center of the US corn belt. The state is sometimes called the food capital of the world.
The name of the state is borrowed from the name of the Iowa tribe, one of the Indian tribes that lived in the state before the arrival of European settlers.
The state is located between the largest rivers - the Mississippi and Missouri. It borders the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. Iowa's northern border lies at latitude 43° 30′ north. The southern boundary is the Des Moines River and the 40° 35′ north latitude line. These boundaries are established by the decision of the US Supreme Court in the case "State of Missouri v. State of Iowa" 1849.
Education and culture
- The state's three largest universities are public. The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City. The University of Iowa is the best in the fields of law, medicine, business and social sciences. The oldest law school west of the river. Mississippi. Iowa State University is located in Ames. It is famous for its engineering faculty, although other faculties have a good reputation. The third largest university in terms of student population is the University of Northern Iowa. It is located in Cedar Falls. The private Drake University, located in Des Moines, should also be mentioned. The best private college in Iowa is Grinnell College.
- Natural History Museum, an art museum (established in 1969) based on a private collection, includes works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, Miro.
- Large medical institutions.
- The library has more than 3.1 million volumes.
- Des Moines is the hometown of the famous nu metal band Slipknot, the state is mentioned in the band's songs, and the album Iowa is named after the state.
The state of Iowa with its main city of Des Moines stretches from the western coast of Missouri to the eastern banks of the Mississippi. Iowa is often called the Corn State. Huge corn fields stretch across the endless plains. Occasionally they give way to low green hills and mighty impenetrable forests.
The climate is mostly continental, with fairly cold winters and warm, dry summers. There is a lot of rainfall in spring. During this period, Iowa is especially defenseless against the elements.
Currently, Iowa is a major historical, political, cultural, economic and industrial center. This is the favorite state of all Hollywood directors and screenwriters. This is where most American films are shot.
State history
Several thousand years ago, Indian tribes lived in Iowa: Santee, Aoiwa and Yankton.
Europeans visited the state for the first time in 1788. These were French explorers led by Julien Dubuc. After this, the lands of the state were colonized by the French Kingdom.
The indigenous people did not really like this development of events, so armed uprisings began to break out here and there. The Indians were finally defeated in 1832. Their resistance was brutally suppressed and many were killed.
At the beginning of the 19th century, as a result of the signing of the Louisiana Sale Treaty, the territory of Iowa became part of the United States. Settlers from all over the country flocked here in search of uninhabited lands. Some lands were purchased from the Indians, and some were simply taken away.
He received the title of Iowa State only in 1846. Its economy quickly took off. Industry and agriculture developed rapidly.
Now Iowa is a large industrial and agricultural state with a fairly developed infrastructure.
State attractions
Nestled in the picturesque expanse of the Missouri Valley is the magnificent DeSoto Nature Preserve. It is home to a huge number of waterfowl. Here you can meet wild ducks and geese. And the forest American eagles are especially proud. DeSoto has become a haven not only for birds; its territory is home to a large number of animals: coyotes, deer, possums, beavers, etc.
The Neal Smith National Forest deserves no less attention. It is surrounded on all sides by tall, mighty oak trees. Tourists have the opportunity to take a fascinating excursion to the kingdom of elk, deer and bison, and enjoy the incredible aroma of a thousand flowers.
Effigy Mounds is an amazing park of figured mounds. On its territory there are several mounds sculpted in the shape of various birds, reptiles and animals.
The center of the park is crowned with an original archaeological exhibition, where a large number of ancient exhibits and finds are presented. A modern conference room and a small bookshop are located nearby. Several dozen exciting excursions are held here every day.
Arriving in Iowa, it is impossible not to visit the city of Des Moines. “The City of Monks” is how locals used to call this charming place. Des Moines has a huge historical and cultural heritage.
The capital's Capitol building is a real architectural masterpiece. It is a majestic structure, decorated with five gilded domes. Several memorial monuments were erected on the plot of land. Among them is a memorial to sailors and soldiers.
Blanc Park is an interesting zoo nestled in the south of Des Moines. On its territory there is a large aquarium with a variety of marine life collected from all over the world, an exotic African corner, several original exhibitions and playgrounds. Children are incredibly delighted with the eco-center of the zoo: several fun rides, fun water slides, pony rides, cotton candy and sweet lemonade.
And the Des Moines Botanical Garden is a “green corner” of nature. Walking through the wonderful oasis, tourists will be able to enjoy the breathtaking floral aromas that exude hundreds of flowers and herbs, admire the picturesque ponds with blooming magnolias, or just sit on a bench, breathe in the fresh air, listen to birdsong and be alone with nature.
Art lovers simply need to visit the city Art History Museum.
The Grotto of Atonement memorial, located in the small town of West Bend, is of genuine interest to tourists. The memorial complex includes several religious buildings. All of them are made of dense concrete. The monument itself consists of nine amazing grottoes, each of which depicts a different period in the life of Jesus. The memorial consists of a unique collection of precious stones and minerals.
The Amish tribes live in Iowa, who even now do not obey the laws of civilization. They continue to live following the customs and traditions of their ancestors.
Locals call Iowa the “Hawk State.” He received this name from a great Indian chief named Black Hawk.
There is a small farming town in Iowa called Coon Rapids. It is known that several decades ago, at the height of the Cold War, Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev arrived here at the personal invitation of the wealthy farmer Roswell Garst. After this visit, Garst began active trade with the Soviet Union. The main commodity was corn. Both the Russian Secretary General and the American farmer were at risk of being accused of treason. But despite everything, the trade agreement was signed.
Iowa State Flag
America's 29th state, Iowa is famous for its wild weather and vast agricultural lands. It has an interesting history and developed economy. Attracts tourists seeking unusual experiences.
Iowa became a state on December 28, 1846. In the past, it was part of the French colonies, and came into possession of the United States as a result of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Before the arrival of the first European settlers, the territory belonged to Indian tribes, one of which was Iowa- gave the name to the future state. The area is 145,743 km 2, the population is just over 3 million people.
The capital of Iowa is Des Moines, which is also the largest here. According to 2010 data, 203,433 people live in it. Big cities also include Iowa City, Davenport, and Burlington.
Geographical location and climate
Iowa is located in the Western United States, in an area called the “Heart of America.” It is surrounded on all sides by other states (South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin) and has no access to the ocean. But it is located in the interfluve of such large rivers as the Missouri and Mississippi.
The terrain in Iowa is flat. A warm continental climate with high rainfall prevails. This is one of the most extreme areas in the United States, with frequent flooding, windy storms and even tornadoes.
Internal composition and economy
The largest percentage of the population (35.7%) is German-American, followed by Irish and British. In terms of religious composition, the residents of Iowa are Christians, with the majority identifying themselves as Protestants.
The largest are three state universities, famous for teaching at a high level in law, social and engineering sciences, and medicine.
The economy is represented by agriculture. Few industrial plants are engaged in servicing agricultural land. The service sector, especially insurance, is widely developed.
Landmarks and special places
Iowa is interesting for its historical monuments. This state is home to old German and Dutch colonies with many museums and interesting architecture. There is the State Historical Museum, the Museum of Natural Science and Medicine, the Botanical Center, and the Balloon Museum.
Watch a film about Iowa:
Iowa is a state located in the so-called “Heart of America” in the western United States of America. The territory of the state previously belonged to the French colony “New France”, but passed to the United States as a result of a concluded deal (Louisiana Purchase). The Indian tribes "Iowa" lived here, the name was borrowed and that is how the state was subsequently named. In 1846, Iowa officially became the 29th US state. Area 145.8 thousand km². Population is about 3 million people. The state capital is Des Moines. Large cities: Iowa City, Davenport, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids.
State attractions
There are many interesting objects here: the old German colony of Amana, consisting of seven historical villages and museums, the Dutch colony of Pella, the Museum of Natural History and Medicine. The capital, Des Moines, is home to an old fort, the State Historical Museum and Archives, a famous science center with spectacular laser shows and models of advanced technologies, a Botanical Center, and the Victorian-style Jordan House mansion.
The Capitol building is of great interest to tourists. It consists of five domes, with the main one reaching 84 meters in height. In 1999, it was gilded at a cost of $400,000 in materials and labor.
The city of Indianola has the National Balloon Museum, where a spectacular balloon championship is held every year in August.
A distinctive feature of the state is the large Amish (Amish) colony, which professes one of the ascetic branches of Christianity. They live in black tents, do not use electricity or any other benefits of civilization, and dress in medieval dresses.
Geography and climate
Iowa is located between two major rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri. It borders six states (Wisconsin, South Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois). The territory is divided into 99 districts. The highest point above sea level is Hawkeye Point (509 m), the lowest is Kiokak Plain (146 m). The climate is continental, high rainfall. Summer is hot and humid. Temperature exceeds 38°C. In winter, the average temperature is -18°C. Floods, tornadoes, and storms are common throughout the state.
Economy
In 2005, the GDP level was $124 billion. In 2006, the average income of a resident was $23,300. The most important sectors of the economy are manufacturing, food processing, agricultural chemicals, engineering, financial and insurance services. Iowa ranks among other states in agricultural production. Corn, soybeans, oats, and beans are grown here. Excessive use of chemicals has led to environmental problems and forced farmers to switch to organic farming. Livestock farming is developed, the state ranks 1st in pig fattening and 5th in the number of cattle. In addition, Iowa is the largest producer of ethanol (a renewable energy source). Wind turbines are widely used.
Population and religion
According to 2010 data, the population of Iowa is: white - 91.3%, African American - 2.9%, Asian - 1.7%, Indian and Alaskan - 0.4%, Pacific Islander - 0.1%, representatives of other races – 1.8%. About 5% of the population are citizens of Latin American or Spanish origin. The ethnic composition of the state is as follows: German Americans - 35.7%, Irish - 13.5%, British - 9.5%, Americans - 6.6%, Norwegians - 5.7%. As of 2001, by religious affiliation, 52% of state residents were Protestants, 23% Catholics, 13% atheists, 6% classified themselves as other religions, and 5% abstained from answering.
Did you know...
Iowa's area is larger than Portugal.
Here it is forbidden to kiss for more than 5 minutes, and a hefty fine can be issued as punishment.
Iowa (English: Iowa, /ˈaɪəwə/) (emphasis options: Iowa and Iowa) - 29th in number, 26th in area and 30th in population (just over 3 million people) US state, located in the Midwest in an area called the "Heartland of America." Iowa is part of the former French colony of New France, which was ceded to the United States as a result of the Louisiana Purchase. The settlers laid the foundation for the agricultural economy of the state, located in the center of the US corn belt. The state is sometimes called the food capital of the world. The name of the state is borrowed from the name of the Iowa tribe, one of the Indian tribes that lived in the state before the arrival of European settlers.
Geography
The state is located between the largest rivers - the Mississippi and Missouri. It borders the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. Iowa's northern border lies at latitude 43° 30′ north. The southern boundary is the Des Moines River and the 40° 35′ north latitude line. These boundaries were established by the US Supreme Court decision in the 1849 case State of Missouri v. Iowa. Iowa has 99 counties, but 100 county seats, since Lee County has two county seats.
Geology and relief
The highest point of the state is Hawkeye Point (509 m), the point of the lowest level above the sea is the Kiokak Plain, 146 m. The average height above sea level is 335 meters.
Continental climate with high rainfall; The state is periodically subject to floods, storms and tornadoes.
Population
The US Census Bureau estimates the state's population to be 3,107,126 as of July 1, 2014. 72.2% of the population were born in the state, 23.2% were born in other U.S. states, 0.5% were born in Puerto Rico or abroad to U.S. citizen parents, and 4.1% were born overseas. According to data for 2007, the natural population increase was 53,706 people (197,163 newborns and 143,457 deaths). The population also increased due to immigration from outside the United States by 29,386 people, but decreased by 41,140 people due to out-of-state migration within the United States. 6.1% of Iowa's population are children under 5 years of age, 22.6% are under 18 years of age, 14.7% are people 65 years of age or older, and 49.2% of the population are men. The population center of Iowa is the city of Marshalltown.
National composition
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the state's population is 91.3% white (88.7% non-Hispanic white), 2.9% African American, 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% Asian, Native American residents of Hawaii and other Pacific Islands - 0.1%, representatives of two or more races - 1.8%. 5.0% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino descent (regardless of race). Ethnic composition: Americans of German origin - 35.7%, Irish - 13.5%, British - 9.5%, “Americans” - 6.6%, Norwegians - 5.7%, etc.