Facts About Missouri

Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by eight other states and the Mississippi River. It is the 18th most populous state in the country, with over 6 million people. Missouri is known for its diverse culture and history, with a variety of attractions and activities to explore. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the bustling cities of St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri has something for everyone.

Geography

Location

Missouri is located in the Midwestern region of the United States and is bordered by eight states: Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas to the south, and Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska to the west. Missouri is the 18th most extensive state in terms of total area, covering 69,709 square miles. It is the 21st most populous state in the US, with a population of 6,137,428 people.

Topography

Missouri is a state of diverse topography, with the Ozark Mountains in the south and the northern plains in the north. The state is divided into two distinct topographical regions, the Ozarks and the plains. The Ozarks are a rugged region of hills and valleys, while the plains are flat and rolling. The highest point in Missouri is Taum Sauk Mountain, which stands at 1,772 feet above sea level.

Climate

Missouri has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The average annual temperature in the state is 54°F, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 28°F in January to an average high of 90°F in July. The state receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling in the spring and summer months.

History

Pre-European Settlement

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area that is now Missouri was inhabited by a number of Native American tribes, including the Osage, Missouria, and the Quapaw. These tribes were hunter-gatherers and farmers, and they lived in villages along the rivers and streams of the area. They hunted buffalo, deer, and other game, and grew crops such as corn, beans, and squash. The tribes were also known for their pottery and basket-making.

European Exploration and Settlement

The first Europeans to explore the area were French fur traders, who arrived in the late 1600s. The French established trading posts and settlements along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and they interacted with the Native American tribes. The area was part of the Louisiana Territory, which was owned by France until 1803, when it was sold to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Statehood

Missouri became a state in 1821, as part of the Missouri Compromise. The state was divided into two parts, with the northern part being a free state and the southern part being a slave state. Missouri was a major battleground during the Civil War, and it was the site of several major battles, including the Battle of Wilson's Creek and the Battle of Pea Ridge. After the war, Missouri was readmitted to the Union in 1865.

Demographics

Population

The population of Missouri is 6,137,428 according to the 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes Missouri the 18th most populous state in the United States. The population density is 87.9 people per square mile, making it the 21st most densely populated state in the country. The population of Missouri has been steadily increasing since the 2010 census, when the population was 5,988,927.

Major Cities

The largest city in Missouri is Kansas City, with a population of 495,327. St. Louis is the second largest city in the state, with a population of 302,838. Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri, with a population of 167,319. Other major cities in the state include Independence, Columbia, Lee's Summit, O'Fallon, St. Joseph, and St. Charles. All of these cities have populations of over 100,000 people.

Economy

The economy of Missouri is diverse and includes a variety of industries. Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are some of the major industries that contribute to the state’s economy. Missouri is known for its production of soybeans, corn, and wheat, and is the leading producer of firewood in the United States. Manufacturing is also a major industry in Missouri, with products such as automotive parts, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals being produced in the state. Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy, with many visitors coming to the state to enjoy its natural beauty and attractions.

Major Industries

Agriculture is one of the major industries in Missouri. The state is the leading producer of firewood in the United States and is also known for its production of soybeans, corn, and wheat. Manufacturing is also a major industry in Missouri, with products such as automotive parts, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals being produced in the state. Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy, with many visitors coming to the state to enjoy its natural beauty and attractions. Missouri is also home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Express Scripts, Emerson Electric, and Monsanto.

Taxation

Taxation in Missouri is relatively low compared to other states in the United States. The state has a flat income tax rate of 5.4%, and the sales tax rate is 4.225%. Property taxes are also relatively low, with the median property tax rate in the state being 0.93%. Missouri does not have an inheritance tax, and there is no tax on Social Security benefits or retirement income. Missouri also has a number of tax credits and incentives available to businesses and individuals, including the Missouri Enterprise Zone Program and the Missouri Works Program.

Culture

Music

Missouri is home to a variety of musical genres, including blues, jazz, and country. The state is also known for its contribution to the development of ragtime music. St. Louis is home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, which is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. The city is also home to the St. Louis Blues, the oldest professional hockey team in the United States. The state is also home to a variety of music festivals, including the St. Louis Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival, and the Ozark Folk Festival.

Cuisine

Missouri is known for its variety of cuisines. The state is home to a variety of restaurants, from traditional American fare to international cuisine. St. Louis is known for its barbecue, while Kansas City is known for its steaks and burgers. Missouri is also home to a variety of ethnic restaurants, including Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. The state is also known for its variety of desserts, including gooey butter cake and ice cream.

Sports

Missouri is home to a variety of professional sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, the Kansas City Royals, and the St. Louis Blues. The state is also home to a variety of college sports teams, including the University of Missouri Tigers, the University of Kansas Jayhawks, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos. Missouri is also home to a variety of minor league teams, including the Springfield Cardinals, the Kansas City T-Bones, and the St. Louis Ambush. The state is also home to a variety of motorsports events, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and the IndyCar Series.