Facts About Kansas

Welcome to the wonderful world of Kansas! Kansas is a Midwestern state located in the Great Plains region of the United States. It is bordered by Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west. Kansas is known for its wide open spaces, rolling hills, and vibrant culture. There are many interesting facts about Kansas that make it a unique and fascinating place to explore. From its rich history to its diverse geography, Kansas has something to offer everyone.

Geography

Location of Kansas

Kansas is located in the Midwestern United States, and is bordered by Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west. It is the 15th largest state in the United States, with a total area of 82,278 square miles. Kansas is the 34th most populous state, with a population of 2,913,314 as of 2020. The capital of Kansas is Topeka, and the largest city is Wichita.

Size of Kansas

Kansas is the 15th largest state in the United States, with a total area of 82,278 square miles. It is the 34th most populous state, with a population of 2,913,314 as of 2020. Kansas is divided into 105 counties, and has 628 incorporated cities and towns. The state is divided into three distinct geographic regions: the Great Plains, the Dissected Till Plains, and the Ozark Plateau.

Major rivers and lakes

Kansas is home to several major rivers and lakes, including the Arkansas River, the Kansas River, the Missouri River, the Neosho River, and the Cimarron River. The largest lake in Kansas is Cheney Reservoir, located in the south-central part of the state. Other major lakes in Kansas include Tuttle Creek Lake, Milford Lake, and Perry Lake. Kansas also has several smaller lakes and reservoirs, including Cedar Bluff Reservoir, El Dorado Reservoir, and Kanopolis Lake.

Climate

Average temperatures

The average temperature in Kansas is quite mild, with average summer temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures are usually mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Fahrenheit. However, temperatures can drop to below zero during the winter months. Kansas experiences four distinct seasons, with spring and fall being the most pleasant.

Average rainfall

Kansas receives an average of 35 inches of rain per year, with most of the rain falling in the spring and summer months. The western part of the state tends to receive more rain than the eastern part, with some areas receiving up to 40 inches of rain per year. The eastern part of the state receives less rain, with some areas receiving as little as 20 inches of rain per year. The state also experiences occasional snowfall, with some areas receiving up to 30 inches of snow per year. Snowfall is usually heaviest in the northern part of the state.

Economy

Major industries

Kansas is home to a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and aviation. Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, with wheat, sorghum, corn, soybeans, and hay being the most commonly grown crops. Manufacturing is also a major industry in Kansas, with the state’s largest employers being aircraft manufacturers, food processors, and oil refineries. Kansas is also a major energy producer, with oil, natural gas, and wind energy being the most common sources of energy. Finally, aviation is a major industry in Kansas, with the state being home to several major airports and airfields.

Major employers

The largest employers in Kansas are the state government, the University of Kansas, and the Kansas City Public Schools. Other major employers in the state include the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and the Wichita Public Schools. Additionally, the state is home to several major corporations, including Sprint, Garmin, and Koch Industries. Finally, the state is also home to several major military installations, including Fort Leavenworth, McConnell Air Force Base, and Fort Riley.

Demographics

Population

The population of Kansas is estimated to be 2,913,314 as of July 2019. The population has been steadily increasing since the 2010 census, when the population was estimated to be 2,853,118. Kansas is the 34th most populous state in the United States. The population density of the state is 35.1 people per square mile, making it the 33rd most densely populated state in the country. The population of Kansas is spread out across the state, with the largest cities being Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Olathe.

Major Cities

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, with a population of 389,255 as of 2019. It is located in the south-central part of the state and is the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area. Wichita is known for its aerospace industry, as well as its contributions to the arts and culture.

Kansas City is the second largest city in Kansas, with a population of 151,306 as of 2019. It is located in the northeast part of the state, and is the anchor city of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Kansas City is known for its contributions to jazz music, as well as its famous barbecue.

Topeka is the third largest city in Kansas, with a population of 127,473 as of 2019. It is located in the northeast part of the state and is the capital of Kansas. Topeka is known for its contributions to the civil rights movement, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Olathe is the fourth largest city in Kansas, with a population of 134,305 as of 2019. It is located in the northeast part of the state and is the anchor city of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Olathe is known for its contributions to the technology industry, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Culture

Popular attractions in Kansas include the Kansas Speedway, the Kansas City Zoo, and the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The Kansas Speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval race track that hosts two NASCAR races each year. The Kansas City Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, and tigers. The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a museum and education center that focuses on the history and culture of the Flint Hills region.

Popular attractions

In addition to the attractions mentioned above, Kansas is home to a variety of other popular attractions. These include the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, the Sedgwick County Zoo, and the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is a museum and educational facility that focuses on the history of space exploration. The Sedgwick County Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals from around the world, including gorillas, giraffes, and rhinos. The Kansas Underground Salt Museum is a unique attraction that takes visitors on a journey through the history of salt mining in the area.

Music and art

Kansas is home to a vibrant music and art scene. The city of Lawrence is known for its vibrant music scene, with a variety of venues hosting live music performances. The city of Wichita is home to a variety of art galleries, museums, and theaters. The Wichita Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the Midwest, featuring works from a variety of artists. The city of Topeka is home to the Topeka Performing Arts Center, which hosts a variety of musical performances. The city of Kansas City is home to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of musical and theatrical performances.