Minnesota is a U.S. state in the upper Midwestern region of the country. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", it actually has more like 11,842 lakes, ranging in size from merely a couple acres to over 440 square miles. It is the 12th largest state by area, covering about 86,936 square miles, and the 22nd most populous state with over 5.7 million residents as of 2021.
Minnesota's capital is Saint Paul, and the largest city is Minneapolis. Together, they are often referred to as the Twin Cities and form the core of the state's largest metro area, home to about 60% of Minnesota's population.
The state is known for its cold winters - some of the coldest in the U.S - and moderate to hot summers. Its geography ranges from deciduous forests and prairies in the south, to coniferous forests and wilderness in the north, and farmland in the west.
Minnesota's economy is one of the most diverse in the U.S, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, finance, agriculture, and tourism. The state is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, including Target, Best Buy, 3M, and General Mills.
The state has a strong tradition of public education and has a highly literate population. The state's public universities, led by the University of Minnesota, are highly regarded. It also has professional sports teams in all major sports - the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), the Minnesota Twins (MLB), the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), and the Minnesota Wild (NHL) among others.
Minnesota is known for its progressive politics and has a history of active participation in political and civic affairs. It has had a strong presence in the Democratic Party although it also has a significant Republican constituency, particularly in rural areas.
In terms of culture, Minnesota enjoys a rich mix of elements from its Native American heritage, its long history of European immigrants, and contemporary diversity. It's famous for its love of the outdoors, its music scenes, and its myriad festivals, from Minneapolis's massive summer Fringe Festival to the wintertime Saint Paul Winter Carnival.