Illinois map and facts
Illinois, “the Prairie State”, is a Midwest state in the East North Central division. Its capital is Springfield.
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Illinois in context
With 12,812,508 people counted in the 2020 Census, Illinois holds about 3.9% of the US population. Its 57,914 square miles make it the 25th-largest state by area, and with 221.2 people per square mile it ranks 12th for population density.
Illinois shares borders with Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin. Want to see how it measures up? Compare Illinois with Iowa.
Illinois FAQ
What is the capital of Illinois?
The capital of Illinois is Springfield. The largest city is Chicago, which is not the capital.
What is the population of Illinois?
Illinois had 12,812,508 residents in the 2020 Census, ranking 6th of the 50 states.
How big is Illinois?
Illinois covers 57,914 square miles (149,997 km²) including water, making it the 25th-largest state.
When did Illinois become a state?
Illinois became the 21st state on December 3, 1818.
What time zone is Illinois in?
Illinois is in the Central time zone.
What states border Illinois?
Illinois borders 5 states: Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin.