Iowa: Hawkeye State

Iowa, in the Midwest, is America's agricultural heartland known for corn and pork production. The state features rolling farmland, small towns, and first-in-the-nation caucuses that kick off presidential primary season.

Iowa's landscape is predominantly agricultural with corn and soybean fields dominating. Des Moines, the capital, is the largest city and insurance center. The Iowa State Fair is one of America's largest. Amana Colonies preserve German heritage. Field of Dreams movie site attracts baseball fans. The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers border the state.

Iowa's economy centers on agriculture (corn, soybeans, hogs) and related industries including John Deere manufacturing and ethanol production. Insurance and financial services are significant. Iowa caucuses give the state outsized political influence. The state has high literacy rates and quality education. Despite population decline in rural areas, Iowa maintains farming heritage and Midwestern values of hard work and community.