Chicago metropolitan area

Chicago Metropolitan Area (also known as Chicagoland) is an urban area in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is the third largest metropolitan area in the United States, after the New York metropolitan area and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Chicago Metropolitan Area is home to over 9.5 million people.

Geography

The Chicago Metropolitan Area is located in northeastern Illinois, on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan. It extends over 200 miles along the lake's shoreline, from the city of Gary, Indiana, in the east, to the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the north. The area includes a number of cities, towns, and villages, including Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, and Schaumburg.

Economy

The economy of the Chicago Metropolitan Area is diverse and robust, with a gross metropolitan product (GMP) of over $680 billion. The area is a major center for business and finance, and is home to the Chicago Stock Exchange and several Fortune 500 companies. Other key sectors include manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare.

Culture

The Chicago Metropolitan Area is known for its rich cultural scene, including the visual arts, music, theater, and literature. The area is home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Theatre.

Transportation

The Chicago Metropolitan Area is served by a comprehensive transportation network, which includes the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra commuter rail, and several interstate highways. The area is also home to two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.

Education

The Chicago Metropolitan Area has a strong educational infrastructure, with numerous public and private schools, as well as several colleges and universities, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul University.

See also

• List of metropolitan areas of the United States
• Demographics of Chicago
• History of Chicago