Minnesota is famed for its 11,800 lakes (more than '10,000'), the headwaters of the usa-state/mississippi/" data-it-autolink="1">Mississippi River, the Mall of America, and a Scandinavian-American heritage.
Geography & climate
Minnesota lies in the Midwest of the United States, set at approximately 46.3°N, 94.3°W and falling within a cool temperate climate band. The state covers around 225,181 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 Minnesota all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Minnesota is Saint Paul, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Minneapolis, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 5.7M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Minnesota was admitted to the Union in 1858 as the 32nd 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
Minnesota is nicknamed “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, with the state motto L'Étoile du Nord (Star of the North). 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Minnesota 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 Minnesota can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MN | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Saint Paul | — |
| Largest city | Minneapolis | — |
| US region | Midwest | — |
| Population | 5.7M | people |
| Area | 225,181 | km² |
| Statehood | 1858 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 32 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | Land of 10,000 Lakes | — |
| Motto | L'Étoile du Nord (Star of the North) | — |
| Latitude | 46.3 | degrees |
| Longitude | -94.3 | degrees |
Did you know?
Minnesota actually has 11,842 lakes of more than 10 acres — far more than the '10,000' nickname suggests.
