Illinois [IL] - USA

Illinois is a state located in the central part of the United States, often considered part of the Midwest region. With a population of approximately 12.5 million (as of 2024), Illinois is one of the most populous states in the country. Illinois has a diverse geography that ranges from the shores of Lake Michigan in the east to the agricultural regions of the central and southern parts of the state. Illinois borders Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana. The state's major rivers are the Mississippi, Illinois River, and Ohio River. The climate of Illinois is essentially continental, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Southern Illinois has a somewhat milder climate than the northern part, where winters can be severe with snow and ice. The largest and most famous city in Illinois is Chicago, located on Lake Michigan in the northeastern part of the state. With over 2.7 million residents, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and a major center of economy, culture, education, and transportation. Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the place where Abraham Lincoln lived before he became president.