The Great Plains is a vast region stretching from the Rocky Mountains' eastern slopes in the U.S. and Canada, to the Missouri River in the U.S. and Saskatchewan River in Canada. This area comprises parts of ten U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.
The region, consisting mostly of flat to gently rolling terrain, is approximately 1,900 kilometers wide and 800 kilometers from south to north, covering about 1.3 million square kilometers. It's known for its grasslands. However, a variety of other ecosystems can also be found, including wetlands, river valleys, and forests. The climate can vary greatly, with larger temperature ranges the further away from the ocean you get.
The Great Plains is known for its significant agricultural production, particularly of wheat and cattle, due to its fertile soil.
Historically, the Great Plains was the range for many herds of bison and was home to numerous Indigenous tribes who thrived off the resources available. Europeans settlers started farming in the 19th century after the Louisiana Purchase, despite the area's original label as "The Great American Desert".
The Great Plains also has a rich cultural history, with influences from Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, French trappers, and American pioneers. Despite its vast size, the area isn't heavily populated, with many small towns and farms scattered across the region.