Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a U.S. state in the Midwest, bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, and Michigan to the northeast. To the east and along its northern boundary are the Great Lakes, with Lake Michigan to the east and Lake Superior to the north. The state covers about 65,500 square miles (169,600 square kilometers). The population is around 5.9 million.

Wisconsin was long inhabited by Native American nations including the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi. French exploration in the 17th century led to incorporation into the Northwest Territory, then Michigan Territory. Wisconsin became a separate Wisconsin Territory in 1836 and achieved statehood in 1848. The state developed a strong dairy sector in the 19th century and became noted for cheese and brewing.

Geography and economy: The state includes the Driftless Area in the southwest and a coastline along the Great Lakes. Its economy is diverse, with manufacturing, agriculture (notably dairy and cranberries), health care, and tourism. Visitors are drawn to parks, lakes, and attractions such as the Wisconsin Dells.

Government and education: Wisconsin has a constitutional government with legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The Legislature consists of a Senate and Assembly. The capital is Madison, and the governor is the chief executive. The University of Wisconsin System, led by UW–Madison, is a major public research university system.

Demographics and culture: The population is largely White with significant Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American communities in urban areas. Major cities include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Wisconsin is known for cheese, beer, college sports, and a tradition of outdoor recreation and higher education.