Kansas

War dance in the interiour of a Konza lodge

Battle of Lawrence

Great Plains LCC (14285769265)

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Kanopolissp

Spring River 2006-07-03 2104

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Köppen Climate Types Kansas

Kansas is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native Americans who lived along its banks. The tribe's name (natively kką:ze) is often said to mean "people of the (south) wind" although this was probably not the term's original meaning. With its admission to the Union on January 29, 1861, Kansas became the 34th state.

Geography

Kansas is bordered by Nebraska to the north; Missouri to the east; Oklahoma to the south; and Colorado to the west. The state's topography is characterized by the flat expanse of the Great Plains in the west, gradually rising to hilly terrain in the east. The eastern part of the state lies within the fertile, well-watered area known as the Central Lowlands, which extends into the southeastern corner where the Arkansas River traverses.

The highest point in Kansas is Mount Sunflower, at 4,039 feet (1,231 m), located in Wallace County. The point is symbolic of Kansas's landscape, which, contrary to popular belief, is not entirely flat but includes rolling hills, especially in the Flint Hills region, which is known for its tallgrass prairie.

History

Kansas has a rich history, marked by the struggle between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the period leading up to the American Civil War. This period, known as "Bleeding Kansas," was a series of violent civil confrontations in the United States between 1854 and 1859 which emerged from a political and ideological debate over the legality of slavery in the proposed state of Kansas. The conflict was a significant precursor to the Civil War.

Following the war, Kansas grew rapidly as settlers poured into the state, attracted by the promise of cheap land and the expansion of the railroads. Agriculture became the backbone of Kansas's economy, with wheat becoming a dominant crop, leading to Kansas's nickname, "The Wheat State." The state also became a significant producer of oil and natural gas.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Kansas's population was approximately 2.9 million. The largest city in Kansas is Wichita, with Kansas City and Topeka serving as other major urban centers. Topeka is the state capital. The population is diverse, with a mix of urban and rural communities. Agriculture remains a significant part of the rural economy, though manufacturing and services have grown in urban areas.

Government and Politics

Kansas operates under a republican form of government with three branches: the executive, led by the Governor of Kansas; the legislative, which consists of the Kansas Legislature (a bicameral body consisting of the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate); and the judicial, headed by the Kansas Supreme Court. Politically, Kansas has been known for its conservative leanings, but it has a history of political moderation as well.

Economy

The Kansas economy is heavily influenced by agriculture, with wheat, corn, soybeans, and sorghum being the primary crops. The state is also a significant producer of beef and pork. Beyond agriculture, Kansas has a diversified economy with strong manufacturing, aerospace, and service sectors. Wichita is often referred to as the "Air Capital of the World" due to its history and ongoing leadership in aircraft production.

Culture

Kansas's culture reflects its history and agricultural roots. The state is known for its contributions to jazz music, particularly in Kansas City, and for being the setting of L. Frank Baum's classic book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Kansas has a rich tradition in sports, particularly college basketball, with the University of Kansas Jayhawks being a perennial powerhouse.

Education

Education in Kansas is governed at the state level by the Kansas State Board of Education, which oversees public K-12 schools. The state is home to several major universities, including the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, which are known for their research and academic programs.

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