Midwest USA: description, industry, resources and characteristics

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

Midwest is a name you often hear in many movies and books. Indeed, this place has a special charm and charm. In fact, this is a fairly large region that can boast of great achievements. They manifest themselves in scientific and cultural life, as well as in industry and the economy. The US Midwest also occupies a favorable geographical position. The article will consider the features of this region, its composition, industry, population and much more.

Midwest USA - overview

America, like many other countries, is divided into several regions. There are 4 in total, but we will talk about one of them - the Midwest. It is worth talking separately about its composition. It is divided into 2 major parts. One of them is called the Great Lakes Region, the second is called the Great Plains Region. The first region includes 5 states: Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan. The second consists of 7 states -Missouri, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas and Nebraska.

The description of the US Midwest includes many different facts. For example, this region has made excellent progress in terms of employment. It recorded the smallest number of unemployed in the entire country. Also, such an important industry as agriculture is actively developing in the region. If we talk about industry, then there is also something to brag about. These places are the largest manufacturing centers of the country. Among them, Chicago, Detroit and some others can be especially noted.

The US Midwest is also a major transportation hub. Many important routes intersect here, along which the supply of goods and cargo transportation move.

Economic and geographical location of the region

So, we learned what the Midwest is and what role it plays in the life of the whole country. Probably, many people were interested in the question of why this region is so developed? There is a pretty simple explanation. There are many favorable factors in the region that have contributed to this growth. It is worth talking in more detail about why the US Midwest occupies a leading position in the economy and industry. The EGP (economic and geographical position) of this region really contributed to its formation. This manifests itself in several ways. Firstly, natural conditions and climate contribute to the development of agriculture here, allowing you to get rich harvests. In addition, local soilextraordinarily fertile. Such conditions are also favorable for animal husbandry. Secondly, the region has huge reserves of natural resources. Iron ore and coal are mined here in large volumes.

Of course, such favorable conditions are bearing fruit. Notable accomplishments include that the US Midwest supplies the entire country with dairy products-butter, cheese, and milk.

Population

Of course, one cannot but say about the inhabitants of this region. It was inhabited relatively long ago, in the 19th century. Now about 67 million people live here - such a significant figure can boast of the Midwest of the United States. The population of the region is about 22% of the total population of the country.

Here, as elsewhere, there are leaders in terms of the number of inhabitants. For example, the state of Illinois boasts a really large number of inhabitants - more than 12 million people. It is ranked 5th in the entire country.

In second place in the region is another state - Ohio. Here the number of inhabitants is about 11.5 million people. In the ranking of all states of the country, it is in 7th place.

So we got to know the people of the Midwest. From the above data, it can be seen that the region is quite large, and also a really large number of people live here.

Climate and nature

Once we have already touched upon the issue of climatic conditions. The fact that they are favorable for agriculture has already been said. However, it is worth talking about them in more detail.

Region lies in zoneshumid continental climate (warm and hot). Usually there are hot summers and cool winters. The warmest months in the area are July and August. The average July temperature is about +22… +25 ⁰С. In January, the average temperature usually stays at -4.5 ^{0С. However, as elsewhere, there are significant deviations from the average.}

If we talk about the nature of the Midwest, it strikes with its unusualness and beauty. It is no coincidence that these places are called the Land of the Great Lakes. There is a whole system of lakes with fresh water. There are 5 reservoirs in total. It is the largest such system in the world. All lakes are connected by rivers, which facilitates navigation and fishing in these places.

Also sometimes these places are called the Land of the Great Plains. This name is connected with the fact that there is a large plateau here.

Industry

So, we talked about the population, nature and climate of such an interesting region as the US Midwest. The industry of the area is also interesting to consider. For example, the state of Illinois is a major center where coal is mined. The deposits that are located here have been known since the middle of the 19th century. Now, according to experts, there is a reserve of 211 billion tons of coal here.

Also, active oil refining is taking place in this region. In addition, it is also mined here. The energy industry in the Midwest should also be noted. It is believed that here she appeared in the state of Illinois. Now in this placethere are 6 nuclear power plants, each of which has 2 reactors.

The automotive industry is also developed in the region. Michigan became the center of this industry. It is here that the largest factories are located - Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. The military industry and furniture production also operate here.

Agriculture is especially noteworthy, as the region is distinguished by the variety of products produced and supplied.

Major states in the region

Now that we have talked about the economy, industry and nature, it is imperative to pay attention to the composition of the region. Many territorial units boast such an area as the Midwest of the United States. The states included in it deserve a separate story.

The most developed of them is Illinois. We have already talked about its economy and production. However, this is not all that can be said about him. Of particular interest is the fact that Illinois is the largest transport hub in the entire country.

Another state not lagging behind Illinois is Michigan. He, as already mentioned, is known through the automotive industry.

You can also mention the state of Ohio. Most of it is located on flat terrain, so it is remarkably well suited for successful agricultural activities. In addition, the automotive and aerospace industries operate in the state.

The biggest cities

So, we got acquainted with some states of the region. Coststalk separately about the largest cities located here. Of all the cities in the Midwest, Chicago stands out in particular. It is in 3rd place in terms of the number of inhabitants (after such megacities as New York and Los Angeles) and is considered a major business center of the country. Also, this city is the cultural, economic and transport center of the entire region.

Detroit is in second place. Its population is about 681 thousand people. The city was founded at the beginning of the 18th century. Now it is the largest center of the automotive industry, there are several factories known throughout the world. The city is located on the border with the neighboring country - Canada, which makes it an important transport hub.

Regional resources

As it has already become clear, such a region as the Midwest of the USA can boast of many things. Resources are no exception. As already mentioned, in the territory of this region there are many mineral deposits. For example, Michigan has sources of natural gas that are being actively developed. The region also produces limestone (in Indiana), lead, coal and crushed stone (in Missouri), and sand and gravel (in Minnesota).

Thus, we got acquainted with the reserves of various minerals in the area. The Midwest of the United States is rich in resources, which significantly influenced its development as a major industrial center of the country.