Missouri, located in the Midwestern United States, is divided into 114 counties and one independent city, St. Louis. The state contains numerous cities, with Kansas City being the largest, followed by St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia, which is home to the state capital, Jefferson City. Missouri has a population of approximately 6.1 million people, spread over a land area of about 69,715 square miles. The state’s geography is diverse, ranging from the Ozark Mountains in the south to the Missouri River running through the center and the vast plains in the north. Major airports in Missouri include Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), which is the primary hub for the eastern part of the state, and Kansas City International Airport (MCI), serving the western region. Additionally, there are smaller airports like Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) and Columbia Regional Airport (COU), which offer regional connectivity. Missouri is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Missouri in Columbia (Mizzou), Washington University in St. Louis, and Saint Louis University, each contributing significantly to research, medicine, and education. Missouri’s healthcare system includes major hospitals such as Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, one of the nation’s leading medical centers, Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, and Mercy Hospital in Springfield, providing a broad range of medical services across the state. The state’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Agriculture plays a key role, with Missouri being a top producer of soybeans, corn, cattle, and poultry. Manufacturing is also a critical sector, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and chemicals, with Kansas City and St. Louis being important industrial centers. The transportation and logistics industry is bolstered by Missouri’s central location, with extensive railways, highways, and the Mississippi and Missouri rivers facilitating commerce. The state also has a growing technology and innovation sector, especially in urban areas. Tourism is an important part of the economy, with attractions like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Branson’s entertainment venues, and the natural beauty of the Ozarks drawing visitors. Missouri’s blend of urban centers, rural communities, and a strong agricultural and industrial base make it a vital economic hub in the Midwest.