The state's name is an English version of a French adaptation of an Indian name said to mean "the place where we live." In 1634, Frenchman Jean Nicolet became Wisconsin's first European explorer. The French controlled the area until 1763, when it was ceded to the British. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as the 30th state. Wisconsin's natural beauty has made the state a favorite playground of the nation. Vacationers enjoy the state's clean lakes, rolling hills, quiet valleys, deep forests and cool, pine-scented breezes. The winters are ideal for skating, skiing, snowmobiling and tobogganing. Many communities stage curling matches during the winter and others hold snowmobile derbies. Many annual events celebrate the state's rich ethnic heritage and diversity. With the nickname "America's Dairyland," it's no surprise that Wisconsin is first in the country in the production of milk, cheese, and butter. In fact, the loyal fans of the Green Bay Packers football team call themselves "cheeseheads." Milwaukee, the state's largest city, helps make Wisconsin one of the largest manufacturing states in the nation.

GOVERNMENT
Capital: Madison
Governor: Jim Doyle, D (to Jan. 2003)
Senators:Russell D. Feingold, D (to Jan. 2005); Herbert Kohl, D (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 8 districts | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 166,481; National rank: 20; Percent change since 1990: 66%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 20 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $29,196; National Rank: 21 (96% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 10,489; National Rank: 20
Agriculture: Cheese, dairy products, cattle, hogs, vegetables, corn, cranberries.
Industry: Machinery, food processing, paper products, electric equipment, fabricated metal products, tourism.