Missouri

Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern United States. It is bordered by eight states: Iowa to the north; Illinois and Kentucky to the east across the Mississippi River; Tennessee and Arkansas to the south; Oklahoma and Kansas to the west; and Nebraska to the northwest across the Missouri River. The state's geography includes the Ozark Mountains in the south and broad river plains along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Its capital is Jefferson City, and its largest cities are Kansas City and St. Louis.

Missouri’s economy is diverse, with significant sectors in manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, and services. The state is home to several major universities, including the University of Missouri in Columbia and Washington University in St. Louis, as well as a number of public and private colleges. A national symbol of the state is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, a monument to westward expansion. Missouri is commonly known by the nickname the Show-Me State.

Historically, the region was inhabited by Native American peoples such as the Missouria and Osage before European exploration. It became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and organized as Missouri Territory in 1812. Missouri was admitted to statehood on August 10, 1821, as the 24th state, following the Missouri Compromise of 1820. During the Civil War, it was a border state with both Union and Confederate governments. The state played a key role in westward migration and river commerce, and later developed tourism and manufacturing hubs.

Missouri has a varied landscape that includes the Ozarks, prairie, and river valleys. The Ozarks are a major tourist region, with Branson and the Lake of the Ozarks. Route 66 traverses the state. Population centers outside the two largest cities include Springfield, Columbia, and St. Joseph.