Iowa is a state with average national indicators both in area and in number of inhabitants. What part of the USA is it located in? How many cities are there on its territory? And what interesting can you say about the state of Iowa?
Iowa, USA: Geography and Borders
When it is necessary to shoot the scene of traditional rural life in the United States in Hollywood, notorious for 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 26th place in the country. However, 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 in 1849 in the hall of the US Supreme Court.
Iowa is a state that is often called the food pantry of the continent. Indeed, it is difficult to see skyscrapers and high-rise business centers here. But the state is literally oversaturated with corn fields and agricultural land.
The state's relief is flat, the highest point is Hokai Point Hill, which is only 509 meters high. The climate here is continental, with a rather large average annual rainfall. Floods, tornadoes and storms in Iowa are not uncommon.
State population and economy
Iowa is a state where food processing, engineering, and financial services are well developed. The main products manufactured here are agricultural. In particular, the state holds a leading position in the country for pig breeding.
According to the latest census, there are 3.1 million people living in Iowa. About 91% of these residents are “white” Americans. The second place in the national composition of the state is occupied by Hispanics (5%), the third is African-Americans (almost 3%), and the fourth are “Asians”. Most of the state’s population considers 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 receive a very substantial fine.
Iowa State Flag
Iowa in the past was part of the French colony of New France. The latter in 1803 became part of the United States as a result of the so-called Louisiana purchase - the largest transaction in the world history of the 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) is the widest. It depicts a bald eagle holding a ribbon with the motto of the state in its beak. The name of the state in English is also placed under the ribbon: “IOWA”.
This flag was designed by Dixie Gebhardt, a resident of Knoxville. The symbol was officially approved in 1921.
Iowa: cities
Iowa is a land of forests, corn fields and a huge number of small towns. There are 947 in all. But only in two Iowa cities has a population of over 100,000. These are Des Moines (the capital of Iowa) and Cedar Rapids.
The third most populous is the city of Davenport. This community 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, there are theaters, cinemas and interesting architectural monuments.
The original 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 capital status until 1857. Today, the oldest university in the state, Iowa, is still operating here.
Is Iowa's capital city the perfect city or America’s black hole?
Iowa's main city is Des Moines. It is not only the capital, but also an important cultural center. For tourists, it is also known as the "city of delicious food." The local chefs have already earned the fame of top-class masters.
Des Moines is one of the most attractive cities in the United States for migrants. So, 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.
Coming from the city of Des Moines are members of the popular rock band Slipknot. By the way, the rockers themselves call their hometown the "black hole of America."