Illinois, located in the Midwestern United States, is divided into 102 counties and has over 1,200 incorporated municipalities, including cities, towns, and villages. Chicago, the largest city and one of the most populous in the country, is a major global hub. Other significant cities include Aurora, Naperville, Rockford, Joliet, and Springfield, the state capital. Illinois has a population of approximately 12.6 million people, making it the sixth most populous state in the U.S. It covers an area of about 57,914 square miles, ranking 25th in terms of size. The state’s geography is diverse, with Chicago located on Lake Michigan’s shore in the northeast, large agricultural areas in the central part of the state, and the southern region near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Major airports include Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), one of the busiest airports in the world, and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), both serving as key hubs for domestic and international travel. Other important airports include St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), located near the Illinois border, and General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA). Illinois is home to several prestigious institutions of higher education, including the University of Illinois system with its flagship campus in Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University in Evanston, and the University of Chicago, known for its research and academic excellence. Illinois also hosts several large public universities such as Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University. The healthcare system in Illinois is extensive, with some of the nation’s leading hospitals. Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medical Center are renowned for their specialized care and medical research. Other significant hospitals include Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. The state also has several major children’s hospitals, including Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Illinois’ healthcare facilities provide comprehensive care across urban and rural areas, with many hospitals recognized for their expertise in fields such as oncology, cardiology, and trauma care, ensuring access to high-quality medical services for the state’s diverse population.