Facts About Minnesota

Welcome to the great state of Minnesota! Home to 10,000 lakes, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the Mall of America, Minnesota is a vibrant and diverse state with a rich history. From its vibrant cities to its vast wilderness, Minnesota has something to offer everyone.

Geography

Location

Minnesota is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, bordered by Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, North Dakota to the northwest, and South Dakota to the west. It is the 12th largest state in the US, and the northernmost of the contiguous states. Minnesota is also known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" due to its abundance of freshwater lakes, which make up approximately 10% of the state's total area.

Size

Minnesota covers an area of 86,943 square miles, making it the 12th largest state in the US. It has a total land area of 79,610 square miles, and a total water area of 7,333 square miles. Minnesota is the northernmost of the contiguous states, and is bordered by Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, North Dakota to the northwest, and South Dakota to the west.

Climate

Minnesota has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The average temperature in the summer is around 70°F, while in the winter it can drop to as low as -20°F. The state receives an average of 28 inches of precipitation per year, with most of it falling in the summer months. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with an average of 54 inches per year.

History

Pre-European Settlement

Before Europeans arrived in Minnesota, the area was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes. These tribes included the Dakota, Ojibwe, and Menominee, among others. The Dakota were the most populous tribe in the region, and their language was the most widely spoken. The tribes lived in villages along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and hunted, fished, and gathered wild plants for sustenance. They also traded with other tribes and with Europeans. The Dakota and Ojibwe were known for their unique art and craftsmanship, and their spiritual beliefs were deeply rooted in the natural world.

European Settlement

The first Europeans to arrive in Minnesota were French explorers in the 1600s. They were followed by British and American fur traders in the 1700s. In the early 1800s, missionaries and settlers began to arrive in the region. The settlers established farms and trading posts, and the fur trade flourished. The Dakota and Ojibwe were displaced from their traditional lands, and the US government eventually signed treaties with the tribes, forcing them to cede much of their land in exchange for money and goods.

Statehood

Minnesota officially became a state in 1858. The population of the state grew rapidly in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as immigrants from Europe and other parts of the US arrived in search of new opportunities. The state's economy was largely based on agriculture, but it also developed a strong manufacturing sector. The state also became a major center of the timber industry, and it was home to a number of large lumber companies. In the 20th century, Minnesota's economy shifted to focus more on services and technology. Today, the state is home to a diverse economy and a vibrant cultural scene.

Demographics

Population

Minnesota is the 12th most populous state in the United States, with a population of 5.6 million people. The population of Minnesota has grown steadily since the early 2000s, with the population increasing by over 10% since 2000. The population of the state is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with projections estimating that the population will reach 6.2 million by 2030.

Major cities

Minnesota is home to several major cities, with the largest being Minneapolis, the state's capital. Minneapolis is the largest city in the state, with a population of over 425,000 people. Other major cities in Minnesota include St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington, and Brooklyn Park.

Ethnicity

Minnesota is a diverse state, with a population that is made up of many different ethnicities. The largest ethnic group in the state is White, making up around 80% of the population. Other ethnic groups in Minnesota include African American (6.2%), Hispanic or Latino (6.1%), Asian (4.9%), and Native American (1.1%). Additionally, the state is home to a large population of immigrants, with around 10% of the population being foreign-born.

Economy

Minnesota's economy is a diverse mix of industries, ranging from agriculture to technology. Agriculture is the state's largest industry, with dairy, corn, soybeans, and hogs being the most important products. Other major industries in Minnesota include manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, health care, and tourism.

Major industries

The state's major industries are agriculture, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, health care, and tourism. Agriculture is the largest industry, with dairy, corn, soybeans, and hogs being the most important products. Manufacturing is the second largest industry in the state, with a focus on medical technology, food processing, and computer and electronic products. Finance, insurance, and real estate are also important industries in the state, with many major banks and insurance companies based in the Twin Cities. Health care and tourism are also major industries in Minnesota, with many hospitals and medical centers located in the state, as well as numerous tourist attractions.

GDP

Minnesota's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at $377.3 billion in 2019, making it the 21st largest economy in the United States. The state's GDP is largely driven by its diverse mix of industries, with agriculture, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, health care, and tourism all contributing significantly to the state's economic output.

Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate in Minnesota was 4.4% in August 2020, which is slightly lower than the national average of 8.4%. The state's unemployment rate has been steadily declining since the Great Recession of 2008, and is now at its lowest level since the early 2000s. The state's low unemployment rate is largely due to its diverse mix of industries, which have helped to create a stable and resilient economy.

Culture

Music

Minnesota has a rich musical heritage, with many genres of music having been created or popularized in the state. One of the most well-known genres is polka, which originated in the state in the late 19th century. The polka style of music is still popular in Minnesota today, and many bands and musicians continue to perform it. Other genres of music that have been popular in Minnesota include country, blues, and rock and roll. Minnesota is also home to many popular music venues, including the historic First Avenue in Minneapolis, which has hosted many famous musicians over the years.

Cuisine

Minnesota is known for its diverse cuisine, which has been influenced by its many different immigrants over the years. Some of the most popular dishes in Minnesota include wild rice soup, tater tot hotdish, and lutefisk. Minnesota is also known for its many unique restaurants, such as the famous Jucy Lucy burgers, which are burgers with cheese inside the patty. Other popular foods in Minnesota include walleye, a type of fish, and the state's many craft breweries.

Sports

Sports are a big part of Minnesota culture, and the state is home to many professional and college teams. The Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves are all professional teams in the state, while the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University both have their own college teams. Minnesota is also home to many minor league teams, such as the St. Paul Saints and the Duluth Huskies. Minnesota is also known for its many outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, and camping, which are popular among locals and visitors alike.