Illinois

The Prairie State
State flag of Illinois featuring the state seal on a white field, depicting a bald eagle perched on a rock with a shield
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Quick Stats
12.8M Population
#6 Rank
1818 Joined
57.9k Area (mi²)
Map
Geographical map showing the layout of Illinois, heart of the Midwest, bordering Lake Michigan and multiple neighboring states

Seal and Motto
Official seal of Illinois featuring a bald eagle, a rock with '1818' and '1868', and the state motto on a ribbon in its beak
"State Sovereignty, National Union"
Additional Information
Abbreviation IL
Motto Origin

Reflects the tension between state and federal rights.

Adopted 1818.

Official Website Illinois.gov
Population Growth
Overview

Illinois, the "Prairie State" and the "Land of Lincoln," is the cultural and industrial anchor of the Midwest. Boasting a world-class global city in Chicago and some of the nation's most fertile farmland, it is a leading center for international finance, logistics, transportation, and agricultural innovation today.

Historical Significance

Illinois officially joined the Union on December 3, 1818, as the 21st state. Its historical trajectory has seen it transform from a rugged frontier for fur trading into a pivotal Union stronghold during the Civil War, and eventually into the industrial heart of America and a primary destination for the Great Migration.

Top Cities & Hubs
1

Chicago

Population: ~2.7M

The "Windy City," a massive global metropolis famed for its architectural inovation, world-class museums, and its status as one of the world's most significant centers for commodities and financial trading.

2

Aurora

Population: ~200,000

Known as the "City of Lights" for being one of the first in the U.S. to use an all-electric street lighting system, it is a bustling satellite city with a rich manufacturing and cultural history.

3

Joliet

Population: ~150,000

A historic transportation hub on the Des Plaines River, widely known for its landmark architecture, casino entertainment, and the world-famous Chicagoland Speedway racing complex.

4

Rockford

Population: ~148,000

Often called the "Forest City," it is a significant regional center located on the Rock River, boasts a massive aerospace manufacturing sector and beautiful Japanese gardens.

5

Naperville

Population: ~147,000

Regularly ranked among the best places to live in America, this thriving community is a major center for technology companies and professional services within the Chicago metro area.

Neighbors
Wisconsin Iowa Missouri Kentucky Indiana Michigan (Water)

Region: Midwest

Key Landmarks & Economy
Willis Tower: Formerly the Sears Tower, this iconic skyscraper was the world's tallest for 25 years and remains a global symbol of Chicago's skyline.
Lincoln Home: The National Historic Site in Springfield where Abraham Lincoln lived for 17 years, preserved as a window into the life of the 16th President.
Agriculture & Tech: Illinois is a global leader in corn and soybean production while hosting massive tech hubs for Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory.
Did You Know?
  • Illinois was the **first state** to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which officially abolished slavery in 1865.
  • The state is home to **Cahokia Mounds**, the largest and most complex prehistoric Native American settlement north of Mexico.
  • The first-ever **skyscraper** in the world, the 10-story Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in the year 1885.
Demographics