Kansas is in the Great Plains, the geographic centre of the contiguous 48 states, and is the setting for Dorothy's home in The Wizard of Oz.
Geography & climate
Kansas lies in the Midwest of the United States, set at approximately 38.5°N, 98°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 213,100 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 Kansas all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Kansas is Topeka, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Wichita, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 2.9M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Kansas was admitted to the Union in 1861 as the 34th 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
Kansas is nicknamed “The Sunflower State”, with the state motto Ad astra per aspera (To the stars through difficulty). 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 Kansas 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 Kansas.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Kansas 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 Kansas can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | KS | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Topeka | — |
| Largest city | Wichita | — |
| US region | Midwest | — |
| Population | 2.9M | people |
| Area | 213,100 | km² |
| Statehood | 1861 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 34 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Sunflower State | — |
| Motto | Ad astra per aspera (To the stars through difficulty) | — |
| Latitude | 38.5 | degrees |
| Longitude | -98 | degrees |
Did you know?
Kansas's geographic centre is also the geographic centre of the contiguous United States — a small monument near Lebanon, Kansas marks the spot.
