The state of Kansas on the US map 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 its large and small cities, there are a large number of different attractions that annually attract hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. The region is now world famous for its wheat and popular children's story.
A Brief History
Kansas is the 34th state that joined the state. Before the appearance of the first European settlers on its territory, numerous tribes of aborigines 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 the Pueblo and Kanza. The origin of the name of the state is connected precisely 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 1763came under the control of Spain. 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 ranks 15th 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 that stretches 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 water arteries are such rivers as the Missouri and Arkansas. As for Kansas' neighbors, it borders 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 the ingress of cold air masses from Canada, as well as warm streams from the Gulf of Mexico. Because of this, strong temperature fluctuations have become quite a frequent local phenomenon. The formation of a tornado is also connected with this. In terms of their annual number in the United States, the region is second only to Texas. Temperatureair in July is 27 degrees above zero, while its average annual rate is about 13 degrees Celsius. As for precipitation, a significant part of it falls between April and September. In general, their number is decreasing from 1000 millimeters in the southeast to 400 millimeters in the western regions.
Economy
Kansas is a state that has long been the leader in the US wheat harvest. In general, its economy is based on such areas as industry, agriculture and mining. Aviation construction is considered the most developed branch of production. 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 allocated for agriculture, this state ranks third in the country. The fields are mainly grown wheat, barley, corn, oats and sunflowers. Animal husbandry is also at a high level. Among the minerals, the extraction of oil (8th place in the USA), gravel, rock s alt, natural gas, gypsum, limestone, lead and zinc are the best established. The service sector has become quite developed in recent years, in particular tourism, finance and trade.
Cities
Kansas, whose capital is called Topeka, does not have large cities and metropolitan areas 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. Hereabout 362 thousand people live. He became famous all over the world thanks to a well-developed aviation industry. In particular, the construction of aircraft is carried out here on a fairly large scale. The main airport in the region is also located here. Other major Kansas cities 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 actively involved in its creation.
- Green cooking is considered very popular in the region, in particular barbecue.
- The most common informal names that Kansas has are "Sunflower State" and "America's Breadbasket". This is due to the great importance of his agriculture for the country's economy.
- Native Amelia Earhart became the first female pilot to cross the Atlantic.
- It is a criminal offense in the state to fish with bare hands.
