# Minnesota

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q1527](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1527)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/minnesota

## Summary
Minnesota is a state in the United States of America, admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858, and known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and "North Star State". It is located in the Midwestern United States and forms part of the contiguous United States, with Saint Paul serving as its capital.

## Key Facts
- Official name: State of Minnesota
- Capital: Saint Paul
- Country: United States of America
- Inception: May 11, 1858
- Population: Various estimates including 5,303,925 (recent figures vary)
- Coordinates: Approximately latitude 46°N, longitude 94°W
- Area: 225,163 km² (total area)
- Highest point: elevation 365 m above sea level
- ISO code: US-MN
- FIPS code: US27
- Abbreviations: MN, Minn.
- Nicknames: Land of 10,000 Lakes, Gopher State, North Star State
- Motto: "L'Étoile du Nord" (French for "Star of the North")
- Demonym: Minnesotan
- Instance of: U.S. state
- Replaces: Minnesota Territory
- Part of: Midwestern United States, contiguous United States
- Website: https://mn.gov/
- Named after: Mnisota (Native American word meaning "cloudy water" or "sky-tinted water")

## FAQs
**What is the origin and meaning of Minnesota's name?**
Minnesota gets its name from the Dakota word "Mnisota," meaning "cloudy water" or "sky-tinted water," referring to the state's many lakes and rivers. This reflects the indigenous heritage of the region before European settlement.

**What are the major geographical features of Minnesota?**
Minnesota is characterized by its thousands of lakes, forests, and prairies. Major rivers include the Minnesota River, Mississippi River, and Saint Louis River. The state includes parts of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, and features diverse ecosystems including the Western Great Lakes forests and portions of the Great Plains.

**What is Minnesota's political and administrative structure?**
Minnesota is a U.S. state with a republican form of government, featuring executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is divided into 87 counties and numerous municipalities. The state capital is Saint Paul, and it is represented in the U.S. Congress with multiple congressional districts.

**What are some notable organizations and institutions headquartered in Minnesota?**
Major corporations and institutions based in Minnesota include 3M (multinational conglomerate), the University of Minnesota system, and the Minnesota Vikings (NFL team). The state also hosts numerous colleges, universities, and research institutions.

**What is the historical background of Minnesota?**
Minnesota was originally inhabited by Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples. It became a U.S. territory in 1849 and achieved statehood in 1858. The state has a rich history involving Native American heritage, European colonization, agricultural development, and industrial growth.

## Why It Matters
Minnesota matters as a significant U.S. state that exemplifies the transition from frontier territory to modern industrial and agricultural powerhouse. Its strategic location in the upper Midwest, bordering Canada and the Great Lakes, has made it a crucial transportation and trade hub. The state's abundant natural resources, particularly its lakes and forests, have shaped both its economy and culture. Minnesota has contributed significantly to American industry through companies like 3M and General Mills, while its agricultural output remains vital to national food production. The state's progressive political traditions, including the historic Farmer-Labor Party and current Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, reflect broader American political movements. Its educational institutions, particularly the University of Minnesota system, have driven research and innovation. Additionally, Minnesota's cultural contributions, from music (The Andrews Sisters) to literature and sports, have had national impact.

## Notable For
- Being known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" due to its abundant water resources
- Having the nickname "Gopher State" and "North Star State"
- Home to 3M, a major multinational corporation founded in 1902
- Hosting the University of Minnesota system, a major public university network
- Being the birthplace of the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party (1918-1944)
- Having Saint Paul as its state capital
- Containing portions of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes
- Being part of the Midwestern United States geographic region
- Having a rich Native American heritage, particularly Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples
- Contributing to American music through groups like The Andrews Sisters
- Being home to the Minnesota Vikings NFL team
- Having a strong tradition in higher education and research
- Playing a significant role in American agriculture and food processing
- Maintaining extensive state and national parks and recreational areas
- Being a major transportation hub connecting the Great Lakes region to the rest of North America

## Body
### History
Minnesota's history begins with the indigenous peoples, particularly the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Dakota (Sioux), who inhabited the region for thousands of years before European contact. The area became a U.S. territory in 1849 as Minnesota Territory, which existed until 1858 when the state was admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858. This transition marked the formal establishment of Minnesota as the 32nd state of the United States.

The period of territorial governance saw significant developments in infrastructure and settlement, setting the stage for statehood. The Minnesota Territory was preceded by various indigenous governance systems and later French and British colonial influences, though the formal political entity began in 1849.

### Geography and Natural Features
Minnesota is located in the Midwestern United States and is part of the contiguous United States. The state is renowned for its abundance of lakes, earning it the nickname "Land of 10,000 Lakes." The terrain varies from prairies in the west to forests in the north and agricultural plains in the south.

Notable geographical features include the Minnesota River, which flows through the state, and the Saint Louis River, which forms part of the border with Wisconsin. The state also contains portions of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area. The Western Great Lakes forests ecoregion extends into Minnesota, contributing to its biodiversity.

The state's highest point reaches approximately 365 meters above sea level, while its lowest elevations are found along the Mississippi River. The diverse landscape includes the Coteau des Prairies plateau and various river systems such as the Red River of the North, which forms part of the border with North Dakota and continues into Canada.

### Political Structure and Administration
As a U.S. state, Minnesota operates under the federal system with its own constitution and government structure. The state capital is Saint Paul, located in Ramsey County. The state is divided into 87 counties, each with its own local government.

Minnesota is represented in the U.S. Congress through multiple congressional districts, including the 1st through 8th districts, each serving different regions of the state. The state has a bicameral legislature and participates in the federal electoral system.

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party represents the state's major political tradition, evolving from the historic Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party which operated from 1918 to 1944. This political lineage reflects the state's agricultural and labor heritage.

### Economy and Industry
Minnesota's economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The state is a major producer of agricultural products, including corn, soybeans, and livestock. Food processing industries have significant presence, with companies like General Mills having historical roots in the state.

The industrial sector is anchored by major corporations such as 3M, founded in 1902, which has grown into a multinational conglomerate with headquarters spread across several Minnesota cities including Saint Paul. The state's strategic location has fostered transportation and logistics industries.

Mining, particularly iron ore extraction in the Mesabi Range, has historically been important to the state's economy. The state also contributes to renewable energy production and has growing technology sectors.

### Education and Research
The University of Minnesota system serves as the state's primary public higher education institution, with multiple campuses throughout Minnesota. The system contributes significantly to research and development activities, particularly in agriculture, medicine, and engineering.

Private institutions such as St. Catherine University in Saint Paul also contribute to the state's educational landscape. These institutions collectively attract students and researchers from around the world, enhancing Minnesota's intellectual capital.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
Minnesota's transportation network includes major highways such as Interstate 35, which connects the state to other parts of the country. The state also has significant railway infrastructure, with historical importance from companies like the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.

Air transportation is served by airports including the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, one of the busiest in the nation. The state's location makes it a crucial node in the national transportation grid.

### Cultural and Social Aspects
Minnesota's culture reflects its diverse population, including significant Native American communities such as the Red Lake Indian Reservation and Leech Lake Indian Reservation. The state celebrates its multicultural heritage while maintaining strong community traditions.

The state has contributed to American popular culture, notably through musical groups like The Andrews Sisters, who originated in the state. Sports culture is prominent, with the Minnesota Vikings representing the state in the National Football League.

### Environmental and Conservation Efforts
Minnesota's abundant natural resources have led to significant conservation efforts. The state manages numerous state parks and forests, protecting its ecological diversity. The National Sports Center represents the state's commitment to outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

Water resource management is particularly important given the state's lake-rich landscape. Environmental protection agencies work to maintain water quality and preserve natural habitats for wildlife.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. BnF authorities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. FIPS 10-4
8. MusicBrainz
9. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
10. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
11. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
12. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
13. GeoNames
14. BBC Things
15. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
16. [Source](http://www.minnpost.com/mnopedia/2015/10/story-behind-minnesota-s-official-state-photograph)
17. United States Summary: 2010, Population and Housing Unit Counts, 2000 Census of Population and Housing
18. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28944-Minnesota-Vacations.html)
19. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
20. Google Maps
21. [Minnesota | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/subjects/place:minnesota)
22. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
23. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
24. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
25. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Minnesota;3941795.html)
26. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
27. Golden
28. KBpedia
29. [Source](https://github.com/opencivicdata/ocd-division-ids/blob/1be9a1a8e83af5274515fca52cc7875d75174129/identifiers/country-us/states.csv)
30. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
31. museum-digital