Illinois and the Southern Coastlands

Just like in the Southern Coastlands, Illinois is an important part to the U.S. trade network due to its vast amount of railroads. Illinois is also important to the U.S. trade network because of its industrial production and its agricultural output as well. Illinois is also important financially because of its largest city, Chicago, which houses many financial firms, banks, federal buildings, etc. in its Central Business District.

Chicago during the Winter

In the Southern Coastlands, the region succumbs to natural disasters such as winter freezes and hurricanes which affect the whole region. Illinois also faces natural disasters in the form of blizzards and also some winter freezes as well which affect agricultural production. The effects of blizzards, storms, and winter freezes not only affect agriculture, but they affect other portions of the economy as well.

Southern Part of Illinois

Northern Part of Illinois

Illinois is the leading refiner of petroleum in the American Midwest which is similar to the Southern Coastlands as the Gulf Region is important in refining petroleum. Illinois is also divided into two halves as is the Southern Coastlands. Illinois' northern half is more oriented to manufacturing, entertainment, and tourists whereas the southern portion is more dedicated to agriculture, it is sparsely populated, and its economy is dependent on the crops the land yields.