Iowa is the agricultural heart of the Midwest, producing the most corn and pork of any US state, and famously hosts the first presidential nominating caucuses in election years.
Geography & climate
Iowa lies in the Midwest of the United States, set at approximately 42°N, 93.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 145,746 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Iowa all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Iowa is Des Moines, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Des Moines, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 3.2M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Iowa was admitted to the Union in 1846 as the 29th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Iowa is nicknamed “The Hawkeye State”, with the state motto Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Iowa is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Iowa.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Iowa offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Iowa can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | IA | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Des Moines | — |
| Largest city | Des Moines | — |
| US region | Midwest | — |
| Population | 3.2M | people |
| Area | 145,746 | km² |
| Statehood | 1846 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 29 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Hawkeye State | — |
| Motto | Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain | — |
| Latitude | 42 | degrees |
| Longitude | -93.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Iowa has more pigs than people — about 25 million pigs versus 3.2 million people, more than any other US state.
