Introduction to Illinois

Map of Illinois

Illinois has become the fifth most populous state in the United States. It became a state on December 3rd, 1818 joining the union as the 21st state. The state capital has been Springfield since 1839 and its largest city is Chicago. The state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union". The state is often referred to as The Land of Lincoln. Illinois's state flag, first adopted in 1915, bears the state seal on a white background. A 1970 statute added the name Illinois and ensured uniformity in design. On the seal, adopted in 1868, a bald eagle holds a shield with stars and stripes that represent the original 13 states. The laurel leaves symbolize the great achievements of Illinois citizens. The sun rising over the prairie stands for the progress made since statehood and for the future. As of 2011, according to the U.S. Census, the population of Illinois is 12.8 million with a median household income of $55,735. The population density of the state is 220 persons per square mile. The state is 88% urban and 12% rural. The largest city in Illinois is Chicago with a population of 2,896,016. Rockford, Aurora, Naperville, Peoria, and Springfield all have populations over 100,000 and are the five largest cities after Chicago. The total area of Illinois is 57,914 square miles. The state's economic base consists of industrial, agricultural, and natural resources. Illinois also serves as a great national transportation hub.In terms of economics, Illinois provides agricultural, manufacturing, and mining services. For agriculture, Illinois's chief products are beef cattle, corn, greenhouse and nursery products, hogs, milk, soybeans, and wheat. Illinois's manufacturing sector provides chemicals, fabricated metal products, machinery, printed materials, plastics and rubber products, processed foods and beverages. In mining, Illinois's chief products are coal, crushed stone, petroleum, sand and gravel. Lastly are Illinois's governmental aspects. The state consists of a 4-year term governor, fifty nine 2 or 4-year term Senators, and one hundred and eighteen 2-year term state representatives. The state has 102 counties. Federally, Illinois has two U.S. senators, nineteen U.S. representatives, and twenty one electoral votes.