Indiana

The Hoosier State
State flag of Indiana featuring a gold torch surrounded by 19 stars representing Indiana as the 19th state on a blue field
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Quick Stats
6.8M Population
#17 Rank
1816 Joined
36.4k Area (mi²)
Map
Geographical map showing the layout of Indiana, the crossroads of America, bordering Lake Michigan and multiple neighboring states

Seal and Motto
Official seal of Indiana featuring a woodsman felling a tree, a buffalo, and a majestic sunrise over the frontier
"The Crossroads of America"
Additional Information
Abbreviation IN
Motto Origin

Reflects its central geography and intersection of transport.

Adopted 1937.

Official Website Indiana.gov
Population Growth
Overview

Indiana, the "Crossroads of America," is a quintessential Midwestern state where industrial might meets rolling farmland. Best known as the global home of high-speed auto racing and for its legendary "Hoosier Hospitality," it is a leading center for manufacturing, life sciences, and world-class sporting events today.

Historical Significance

Indiana officially joined the Union on December 11, 1816, as the 19th state. From its earliest days as part of the Northwest Territory, it served as a vital frontier gateway, playing a critical role in the abolitionist movement through the Underground Railroad and emerging as an industrial engine for the nation's expansion.

Top Cities & Hubs
1

Indianapolis

Population: ~890,000

The state capital and the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World," a booming metropolitan hub famed for the Indianapolis 500 and its status as a significant national center for insurance and pharmaceuticals.

2

Fort Wayne

Population: ~265,000

A thriving regional center in northeastern Indiana, known for its extensive park systems, rich military history at the historic Three Rivers confluence, and a fast-growing health sciences sector.

3

Evansville

Population: ~118,000

Located on a majestic bend of the Ohio River, this historic city serves as the commercial and cultural anchor of the tri-state area, boasting a vibrant riverfront and a deep manufacturing heritage.

4

South Bend

Population: ~103,000

World-renowned as the home of the University of Notre Dame, this northern city is a significant center for education and research, transforming its former industrial roots into a modern tech economy.

5

Carmel

Population: ~100,000

A prestigious and rapidly growing community adjacent to Indianapolis, famed for its world-class arts and design district, extensive roundabout network, and high quality of life rankings.

Neighbors
Michigan Ohio Kentucky Illinois

Region: Midwest

Key Landmarks & Economy
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: The world's largest spectator sporting facility and home to the world-famous Indy 500, symbolizing the state's deep racing obsession.
Indiana Dunes: A stunning National Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, featuring massive sand dunes, diverse wetlands, and some of the region's best beaches.
Manufacturing & Ag: Indiana has the nation's highest concentration of manufacturing jobs while remaining a top global producer of corn and soybeans.
Did You Know?
  • The **first professional baseball game** in the world was reportedly played in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the year 1871.
  • Indiana produces about **20% of the world's orthodontic appliances**, earning the city of Warsaw the title "Orthopedic Capital of the World."
  • Santa Claus, Indiana, is the **only post office** in the world with the Santa Claus name, receiving thousands of letters from children every year.
Demographics