Illinois is in the central part of the American Midwest, the heartland of the country. It is rich in both factories and farmland and the fifth most populous state in the U.S. It has been home to some of the country's greatest presidents, poets, writers, industrialists, politicians and gangsters. Small towns and farms make up most of the state, yet Illinois is also home to one of America's great cities – Chicago. Because of this variety, the story of Illinois reflects the story of America.
Geography
Illinois is mostly flat, with rolling hills in the northwest and in the southern part state. The highest natural point, Charles Mound, is only 1,235 feet (377 meters) above sea level, which is lower than Chicago's towering skyscrapers. The lowest point is found at the far southern tip of the Mississippi River, at just 279 feet (85 meters) above sea level. There are 2,000 lakes in Illinois that are six acres (2.4 hectares) or more, but most of these were created by dams. Lake Michigan forms the northeast border of Illinois.
There are more than 500 rivers and streams in Illinois. The most important rivers are the Illinois, the Wabash, the Ohio, and the Mississippi. The Mississippi River is the state's longest river. It flows through the state for 518 miles (833 km). The Illinois River (273 miles/439 km) is the longest river that lies entirely within the state. Illinois also has three artificial lakes. One of these, Lake Carlyle, is the largest body of inland water in the state, at 41 square miles (106 square kilometers).
The Central Plains cover 90 percent of the state, with the rest of the state taken up by the Shawnee Hills and a part of the Gulf Coastal Plain, which stretches all the way to Mexico.
Located in the eastern north-central part of United States, Illinois ranks 24th in size among the 50 states. Its area totals 56,345 square miles (145,934 square kilometers), with land taking up 55,645 square miles (144,120 square kilometers) and inland water 700 square miles (1,814 square kilometers). Illinois runs 211 miles (340 kilometers) from east-west, and 381 miles (613 kilometers) north-south.
Climate
Illinois has a temperate climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The temperatures vary a lot, depending on where in the state you are. Winter temperatures vary between 22F (6 C) in the north and 37F (3C) in the south. Summer temperatures are from 70F (21C) in the north and 77F (25C) in the south. The record high of 117F (47C), was set at East St. Louis on 14 July 1954. The record low of -36F (-37C), was registered at Congerville on 5 January 1999. Because of its flatness, Illinois sees a lot of tornados.
