Ohio.

Ohio is the seventh-most-populous US state, the birthplace of seven US presidents, the Wright Brothers, the first electric traffic light, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Geography & climate

Ohio lies in the Midwest of the United States, set at approximately 40.4°N, 82.7°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 116,098 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 Ohio all flow from this geographic profile.

Capital, principal city & population

The capital of Ohio is Columbus, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Columbus, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 11.8M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.

Statehood & history

Ohio was admitted to the Union in 1803 as the 17th 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

Ohio is nicknamed “The Buckeye State”, with the state motto With God, all things are possible. 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 Ohio 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 Ohio.

Travel, food & culture

For visitors, Ohio 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 Ohio can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.

By the numbers

Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.

Did you know?

Akron, Ohio installed the world's first electric traffic light on 5 August 1914 — invented by James Hoge.