Introduction

Missouri is called the "Show Me State", because its people have a reputation for believing only what they see. Its name is an Algonquin Indian term meaning "river of the big canoes". Today, more than half the population lives in Missouri's two major cities--Kansas City and St. Louis. The dogwood is the state tree, the bluebird is the state bird and the capital is Jefferson City.
Missouri's economy is highly diversified. Service industries provide more income and jobs than any other segment, and include a growing tourism and travel sector. Wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing and agriculture also play significant roles in the state's economy. Missouri is a leading producer of transportation equipment, beer and beverages, and defense and aerospace technology. Food processing is the state's fastest-growing industry. Missouri mines produce 90% of the nation's principal lead supply. Other natural resources include iron ore, zinc, barite, limestone and timber. The state's top agricultural products include grain, sorghum, hay, corn, soybeans and rice. Missouri also ranks high among the states in cattle and calves, hogs and turkeys and broilers.

Tourism draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to a number of Missouri points of interest: the country-music shows of Branson; Bass Pro Shops national headquarters (Springfield); the Gateway Arch at the Jefferson National Expansion (St. Louis); Mark Twain's boyhood home (Hannibal); the Harry S Truman home and library (Independence); the scenic beauty of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways; and the Pony Express and Jesse James museums (St. Joseph). The state's different lake regions also attract fishermen and sun-seekers from throughout the Midwest.

City List