Indiana, often referred to as the "Hoosier State", is located in the Great Lakes region of North America. The state ranks 38th in terms of total area which is approximately 36,418 square miles, making it one of the smallest U.S. states land-wise. Its population, as per the 2020 Census, is approximately 6.8 million, making it the 17th most populous state in the U.S.
Indiana is known agriculturally for its corn and soybean production. It's also known for its manufacturing industry, producing automotive vehicles, aircraft, and steel, among other things. Indiana also hosts the famous Indianapolis 500, which is one of the most popular car races globally.
Indiana's capital and largest city is Indianapolis, where you can find significant cultural institutions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The state owns several major universities including Indiana University and Purdue University.
The state's geography is varied, with fertile farmland in the north central part, the rolling hills of Brown County and southern Indiana, a shoreline along Lake Michigan in the Northwest corner, and wetlands in the southwest.
Indiana has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot, wet summers. It has a rich history dating back to before the arrival of European settlers, with Native American tribes like the Shawnee calling the area home. Its state bird is the northern cardinal and the state flower is the peony.
