The Midwestern United States, often referred to as the Heartland, is one of the four U.S. Census regions, comprising 12 states situated in the nation's north-central area. Home to nearly 69 million people as of the 2020 census, it is characterized by major rivers like the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri, and its development was historically influenced by the 1787 Northwest Ordinance. Chicago stands as the Midwest's most populous city and the third-largest in the U.S., with its broader metropolitan area ranking as North America's fourth-largest.
Economically, the region is a dynamic blend of heavy industry and vast agricultural lands, forming the integral "Corn Belt," complemented by burgeoning finance and service sectors. Its central geographical location establishes it as a vital transportation crossroads for various modes of transit. Politically, the Midwest is highly significant, containing crucial swing states that frequently play a decisive role in national elections.