9781422286234

Illinois at a Glance Area: 57,914 sq miles (149,997 sq km). 1 25th largest state Land: 55,519 sq mi (143,794 sq km) Water: 2,395 sq mi (6,203 sq km) Highest elevation: Charles Mound, 1,235 feet (376 m) Lowest elevation: Mississippi River at Cairo, 279 feet (85 m)

Statehood: December 3, 1818 (21st state) Capital: Springfield

Population: 12,880,580 (5th largest state) 2

State nickname: the Prairie State State bird: cardinal State flower: violet

1 U.S. Census Bureau 2 U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 estimate