Kansas is derived from the Siouan Kansa or Kaw, meaning "people of the south wind," who lived south of the settlements of the northern Great Plains. It was granted statehood in 1861, becoming the 34th state in the US. Kansas is located equidistant from the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. The geographic center of Northamerica is located in Osborne County. This spot is used as the central reference point for all maps produced by the government. Kansas leads the states in wheat production. In early summer, the vast wheat fields on the state's prairies look like golden seas of grain. One of Kansas' most famous towns is Dodge City, the Cowboy Capital of the World. Kansas has many reminders of its colorful past. One can still see the ruts made by covered wagons on the Santa Fe Trail. Tourists can visit the old forts that served as bases for United States cavalry campaigns against Native American tribes and a variety of local museums, showing the exciting days of cattle drives and gunslingers.

GOVERNMENT
Capital: Topeka
Governor: Kathleen Sebelius, D (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Sam Brownback, R (to Jan. 2005); Pat Roberts, R (to Jan. 2009)
House of Representatives: 4 districts | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 80,843; National rank: 31; Percent change since 1990: 57%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 32 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $28,432; National Rank: 29 (93% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 5,005; National Rank: 28
Agriculture: Cattle, wheat, sorghum, soybeans, hogs, corn.
Industry: Transportation equipment, food processing, printing and publishing, chemical products, machinery, apparel, petroleum, mining.