The state of Kansas on the map of the United States can be found in the very center of the state, and therefore it is not surprising that it is often called the heart of all America. Both in large and in its small cities there are a large number of various attractions that annually attract hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. Currently, the region is known worldwide for its wheat and a popular children's fairy tale.
Short story
Kansas is the state that became part of the state 34th in a row. Before the appearance of the first European immigrants on its territory, numerous Aboriginal tribes lived here, who were engaged in hunting and agriculture. The first documentary mention of it dates back to 1541. It was then that the first expedition arrived on its territory from Mexico, led by a Spaniard named F. de Coronado. In the seventeenth century it was inhabited by peoples known as pueblo and kanza. The origin of the name of the state is associated with the name of the last of them. At this time, the region was formally considered the property of the French colony of Louisiana, and in 1763 came under Spanish control. At the end of the eighteenth century, the territories were returned to France, whose government sold them to the United States in 1803.
Geography
As noted above, the state is located in the central part of the country. Its area is just over 213 thousand square kilometers. According to this indicator, it occupies the 15th place in the state. The population is about 2.9 million people. Thus, its average density here is more than 13 inhabitants per square kilometer. Almost the entire territory lies on the Great Plains, and therefore it is not surprising that the relief of this region is predominantly flat. Kansas is a state with a length of 645 kilometers from west to east, and 340 kilometers from north to south. Its highest point is at around 1232 meters above sea level. The largest local waterways include rivers such as Missouri and Arkansas. As for the neighbors of Kansas, it borders on Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado.
Climate
The state has a continental climate with cool winters and hot summers. Due to the fact that a significant part of the territory falls on the plains, it is poorly protected from airborne cold masses from Canada, as well as warm streams from the Gulf of Mexico. Because of this, severe temperature differences have become quite common. The formation of a tornado is also associated with this. By their annual number in the USA, the region is second only to Texas. The air temperature in July is 27 degrees above zero, while its average annual rate is about 13 degrees heat. As for precipitation, a significant part of them falls between April and September. In general, their number decreases from 1000 millimeters in the southeast to 400 millimeters in the western regions.
Economy
Kansas is a state that has long been a leader in the United States in the collection of wheat. On the whole, its economy is based on areas such as industry, agriculture, and mining. The most developed industry is aircraft construction. A fairly large number of local residents are employed in mechanical engineering, as well as in the light, food and chemical industries. In terms of the area allotted for agriculture, this state takes third place in the country. The fields are mainly grown wheat, barley, corn, oats and sunflower. Livestock is also at a high level. Among the minerals, oil production (8th place in the USA), gravel, rock salt, natural gas, gypsum, limestone, lead and zinc are best established. The services sector, in particular tourism, finance and trade, has also become quite developed in recent years.
Cities
Kansas, whose capital is called Topeka, does not have major cities and megacities on its territory. The administrative center of the state itself is located on the banks of the river of the same name. Its population is about 128 thousand inhabitants. The largest local city is Wichita. About 362 thousand people live here. He became famous all over the world thanks to the well-developed aviation industry. In particular, aircraft are being built here in rather large volumes. Here is the main airport in the region. Other major cities in Kansas are Dodge City, Emporia, Derby and Kansas City.
Interesting Facts
- Only 1% of the local population is indigenous.
- The Kansas City Library is considered the most iconic local architectural building, with state and city residents taking an active part in building it.
- Very popular in the region is its own kitchen, in particular barbecue.
- The most common unofficial name Kansas has is the “state of sunflowers” and “granary of America.” This is due to the great importance of its agriculture for the country's economy.
- A local native named Amelia Earhart became the first female pilot to cross the Atlantic.
- Barefishing is a criminal offense in the state.