Indiana means "land of the Indians." It joined the Union in 1816 as the 19th state. Indiana is a small state with a large population. The state's nickname is "Hoosier State" and its residents are commonly referred to as "Hoosiers" although no one seems certain just how the name originated. Maybe it has its origins in "Who's there?". This way the Indiana pioneers greeted strangers. It could also come from "husher", a colloquial term for someone, who uses his fists to keep someone else from speaking (="to hush"). Indiana is a state of mostly small towns and midsize cities. Its largest city and capital is Indianapolis, where the nation's most famous auto race, the Indianapolis 500, is held each year. Indiana has broad, fertile plains and is a part of the Corn Belt; but, it is also a manufacturing center. The varied landscape of the state offers a wide variety of activities.

GOVERNMENT
Capital: Indianapolis
Governor: >Frank O'Bannon, D (to Jan. 2005)
Senators: Evan Bayh, D (to Jan. 2005); Richard G. Lugar, R (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 9 districts | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 182,202; National rank: 15; Percent change since 1990: 64%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 21 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $27,522; National Rank: 32 (90% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 14,365; National Rank: 15
Agriculture: Corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle, dairy products, eggs.
Industry: Steel, electric equipment, transportation equipment, chemical products, petroleum and coal products, machinery.