Iowa is a state with national averages both in terms of area and population. What part of the USA is it located in? How many cities are there in its territory? And what interesting things can be said about the state of Iowa?
Iowa, US state: geography and borders
When it is necessary to shoot a scene of traditional rural life in the USA in Hollywood, notorious to the whole world, the film crew will certainly go here. Iowa is a state located in the central part of the state, between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. By the way, in terms of area, it occupies only the 26th place in the country. However, this does not prevent the state from being larger than many European countries (for example, Croatia, Belgium or Portugal). Iowa's present-day borders were enshrined as early as 1849 in the U. S. Supreme Courtroom.
Iowa is often referred to as the food pantry of the continent. Indeed, it is difficult to see skyscrapers and high-rise business centers here. But the territory of the state is literally oversaturated with corn fields and agricultural land.
The relief of the state is flat, the highest point is a hillHawkeye Point is only 509 meters high. The climate here is continental type, with a fairly high average annual rainfall. Floods, tornadoes and storms in Iowa are not uncommon.
State population and economy
Iowa is a state where the food industry, engineering, and financial services are quite developed. The main products produced here are agricultural. In particular, the state occupies a leading position in the country in raising pigs.
According to the latest census, 3.1 million people live within Iowa. About 91% of these residents are "white" Americans. The second place in the national composition of the state is occupied by immigrants from Hispanic countries (5%), the third - African Americans (almost 3%), the fourth - "Asians". Most of the state's population consider themselves Protestants (about 52%).
Many American states are known for their unusual and sometimes completely ridiculous laws. Iowa is no exception in this regard. So, couples here are forbidden to kiss on the street for more than five minutes, and violators will face a very substantial fine.
Iowa State Flag
Iowa was formerly part of the French New France colony. The latter became part of the United States in 1803 as a result of the so-called Louisiana Purchase, the largest deal in world history for the purchase and sale of territories.
That is why it is no coincidence that on the modern flag of Iowa you can see the traditional colors of the banner of France. It consists of three vertical stripes - blue, white and red. Moreover, the central one (white) -the widest. It depicts a bald eagle holding a ribbon with the state motto in its beak. Below the ribbon is also the name of the state in English: "IOWA".
This flag was designed by Dixie Gebhardt, a resident of Knoxville. The symbol was officially approved back in 1921.
Iowa: Cities
Iowa is the land of forests, cornfields and a huge number of small towns. In total there are 947 of them. But only in two cities of Iowa the population exceeds 100 thousand people. These are Des Moines (the capital of Iowa) and Cedar Rapids.
The third most populous city is Davenport. This settlement is located on the Mississippi River and is an important transportation 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 here, there are theaters, cinemas and interesting architectural monuments.
The city of Iowa City can be safely called a kind of historical center of the state. About 70 thousand people live in it today. Iowa City is considered the first capital of this state. The city had the status of a capital until 1857. Today, the oldest university in the state, Iowa, still functions here.
Iowa's capital - an ideal city or "America's black hole"?
The main city of Iowa is Des Moines. It is not only the capital, but also an important cultural center. It is also known to tourists as "the city of delicious food." The local chefs have already earnedthe glory of extra-class masters.
Des Moines is one of the most attractive cities in the US for migrants. Thus, the cost of living here is 12% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in the city is also quite low, and real estate prices are 15% cheaper than the national average.
Natives of the city of Des Moines are members of the popular rock band Slipknot. By the way, the rockers themselves call their hometown "America's black hole".
