Its name is an Algonquin Indian term meaning "river of the big canoes." Missouri was organized as a territory in 1812 and was admitted to the Union as the 24th state in 1821. Missouri is called the "Show-Me State," because its people have a reputation for believing only what they see. Its location and its two great rivers have made the state a transportation hub. The mighty Mississippi River forms Missouri's eastern border. The wide Missouri River winds across the state from west to east. A wealth of food, manufactured products and raw materials is shipped on these waterways, the nation's two longest rivers. Missouri has abundant wildlife, rugged hills, rushing streams and peaceful woodlands to delight hunters, hikers and photographers. The writer Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, was a son of Missouri; museums in Hannibal, his home town, celebrate his works.

GOVERNMENT
Capital: Jefferson City
Governor: Bob Holden, D (to Jan. 2005)
Senators: Christopher S. Bond, R (to Jan. 2005); Jim Talent, R (to Jan. 2009)
House of Representatives: 9 districts | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 170,470; National rank: 18; Percent change since 1990: 63%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 25 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $28,221; National Rank: 31 (93% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 6,173; National Rank: 26
Agriculture: Cattle, soybeans, hogs, dairy products, corn, poultry and eggs.
Industry: Transportation equipment, food processing, chemical products, electric equipment, fabricated metal products.