Kentucky

Kentucky is a state in the United States located in the Southern and Midwestern regions. It is bordered by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north across the Ohio River; West Virginia and Virginia to the east; Tennessee to the south; and Missouri to the west across the Mississippi River. The state's name is believed to derive from a Native American word, commonly cited as Ken-tah-ten, meaning "land of tomorrow" or "meadowland." Kentucky was admitted to statehood in 1792 as the 15th state. The capital is Frankfort, and the largest city is Louisville.

Geography ranges from the rolling Bluegrass region in the central part of the state to the Appalachian Mountains in the east. The state's climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and generally mild winters. Kentucky has major river transportation along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and several large metropolitan areas, including Louisville and Lexington. The economy is diversified, with manufacturing, health care, logistics, and agriculture. Kentucky is well known for horse racing and breeding, bourbon whiskey production, and bluegrass music. Mammoth Cave National Park is a notable World Heritage Site.

Education is supported by several universities, including the University of Kentucky in Lexington and the University of Louisville. The state government operates a bicameral legislature with a governor as chief executive. Kentucky's population is about 4.5 million people. The state motto is United we stand, divided we fall. Kentucky’s cultural regions include the Bluegrass and the Appalachian areas, reflecting its diverse heritage.