Iowa is a state in the Midwestern region of the US, an area often referred to as the “America Heartland.” Iowa's capital and largest city is Des Moines and its residents are known as Iowans.

The Mississippi River forms the eastern boundary of the state and the Missouri River forms the western boundary.  The Big Sioux River in the northwest corner of the state forms the North/South boundary with South Dakota. There are several natural lakes in the state, most notably Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, ast Okoboji Lake, and Clear Lake.

Iowa's natural vegetation is the tallgrass prairie and Savanna while the topography of the state is gently rolling plains. Loess hills lie along the western border of the state, some of which are several hundred feet thick. In the northeast, along the Mississippi River, is a section of the Driftless Zone, which in Iowa consists of valleys filled with conifers—a landscape not usually associated with this state.  This great terrain makes Iowa ranches and recreational properties so popular.

Iowa has the highest average radon concentrations in the nation due to significant glaciation that ground the granitic rocks from the Canadian Shield and deposited it as soils making up the rich Iowa farmland.

Beginning with the first farm-related industries developed in the 1870s, Iowa has experienced a gradual increase in the number of business and manufacturing operations. The period since World War II has witnessed a particular increase in manufacturing operations. Iowa's main agricultural outputs are hogs, corn, soybeans, oats, cattle, eggs, and dairy products. Its industrial outputs are food processing, machinery, electric equipment, chemical products, publishing and primary metals. Iowa produces the nation's largest amount of ethanol. Des Moines also serves as a center for the insurance industry.

Additional Iowa Resources:

• State of Iowa - your gateway to the many citizen and business resources offered by the State of Iowa.
• Department of Agriculture - Offers information and reports about farming, soil and water conservation, farmers' markets, auctions, and events.
• Department of Natural Resources - State agency maintains state parks and forests, protects the environment, and manages energy, fish, wildlife, and land and water resources.
• Economic Development - Provides information for businesses regarding economic growth, benefits, and programs in the state.
• Travel Iowa – Plan your vacation to Iowa.