Basic Information
Indiana, the Hoosier State, is known for its industrial heritage, agricultural productivity, and iconic sporting events.
Capital
- Indianapolis
Largest City
- Indianapolis
Area
- 36,420 sq mi
Population
- 6.8 million (2020)
Demographics
Indiana has a predominantly white population with growing minority communities, particularly in urban areas.
Ethnic Composition
- White:78.4%
- African American:9.8%
- Hispanic:7.3%
- Asian:2.4%
Languages
- English:Dominant
- Spanish:Significant minority language
Age Distribution
- Under 18:23.9%
- 18-64:60.1%
- 65+:16.0%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:~0.5%
- Natural Increase:Varies
- Migration:Moderate growth
Economy
Indiana's economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and healthcare.
GDP
- $400 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Logistics
- Healthcare
Employment Rate
- Employed:Varies
- Unemployment:Varies
Major Companies
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Cummins
- Steel Dynamics
- Anthem, Inc.
Climate
Indiana experiences a humid continental climate with significant seasonal variations.
Northern Indiana
- Avg. Summer:80°F
- Avg. Winter:25°F
- Snowfall:Significant snowfall
Central Indiana
- Avg. Summer:85°F
- Avg. Winter:30°F
- Snowfall:Moderate snowfall
Southern Indiana
- Avg. Summer:90°F
- Avg. Winter:35°F
- Snowfall:Less snowfall
Visiting Indiana
Indiana offers a mix of sports, natural attractions, cultural sites, and historical landmarks for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring/Fall:Mild temperatures
- Summer:Festivals and outdoor activities
Transportation
- Major Airports:Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Extensive highway system
- Amtrak rail service
Accommodation
- Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts
- Average Hotel Rate:Varies
Tourist Information
- Visit Indiana
- Visitor centers throughout the state
Popular Attractions
Indiana's diverse attractions range from sports venues to natural parks and cultural sites.
Sports and Entertainment
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Bankers Life Fieldhouse
- Lucas Oil Stadium
Natural Attractions
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Turkey Run State Park
- Brown County State Park
Cultural Sites
- Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Museum of Art
- Conner Prairie
Historical Sites
- French Lick Resort
- New Harmony
- Corydon Capitol State Historic Site
History
Indiana's history spans from Native American settlements to French exploration, statehood, and its development as an industrial and agricultural hub.
Early History
- Native American tribes
- French exploration and settlement
19th Century
- Statehood:1816
- Growth of agriculture and industry
- Role in the Civil War
20th Century
- Industrial development
- Urbanization and cultural growth
- Automotive industry
Recent History
- Economic diversification
- Urban revitalization
- Growth of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries
State Symbols
Indiana has adopted various official state symbols that represent its cultural heritage and natural diversity.
State Animals
-
State Bird:Cardinal
-
State Insect:Say's Firefly
-
State Tree:Tulip Tree
-
State Stone:Limestone
State Plants
-
State Flower:Peony
-
State Tree:Tulip Tree
Cultural Symbols
-
State Song:"On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away"
-
State Slogan:"The Crossroads of America"
Other Symbols
-
State River:Wabash River
State Facts
Interesting and unique facts about Indiana that showcase its distinctive character and achievements.
Geographic Facts
- Mostly flat terrain with fertile soil
- Significant river systems including the Ohio and Wabash Rivers
- Diverse landscapes including dunes and forests
Records & Rankings
- Major manufacturing and agricultural state
- Home to the Indianapolis 500
- Important transportation and logistics hub
Unique Features
- Rich basketball heritage
- Significant pharmaceutical and medical device industries
- Amish communities in Northern Indiana
Government & Politics
Indiana has a republican leaning political landscape with a constitutionally mandated structure encompassing Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
Governor
- Eric Holcomb (as of 2023)
Legislature
- Bicameral:State Senate and State House of Representatives
Political Trends
- Historically Republican
Key Political Issues
- Education Funding
- Healthcare Access
- Economic Development
- Social Issues
Time Zones
Indiana observes Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Standard Time
- Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)
Daylight Saving
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)
Education
Indiana has a mix of public and private educational institutions, including several notable universities.
Major Public Systems
- Indiana University System
- Purdue University System
- Ball State University
Notable Private Institutions
- University of Notre Dame
- Butler University
- DePauw University
K-12 System
- Public and private schools across the state
Key Educational Initiatives
- STEM education
- Career and technical education
- Early childhood education
Culture & Festivals
Indiana's culture features a mix of Midwestern traditions, sports, and arts festivals.
Major Festivals
- Indianapolis 500 Festival
- Indiana State Fair
- Covered Bridge Festival
- Devour Downtown Indianapolis
Cultural Traditions
- High school basketball
- Bluegrass music
- Local arts and crafts
Regional Traditions
- Amish communities in Northern Indiana
- German heritage in Southern Indiana
Sports & Teams
Indiana has a strong sports culture, particularly centered around basketball and auto racing.
NBA Teams
- Indiana Pacers
IndyCar Racing
- Indianapolis 500
NFL Teams
- Indianapolis Colts
College Teams
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Purdue Boilermakers
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notable Sporting Events
- Brickyard 400
- Indiana State High School Basketball Tournament
Cuisine & Local Specialties
Indiana's cuisine features Midwestern comfort food, with influences from its agricultural heritage.
Signature Dishes
- Sugar cream pie
- Pork tenderloin sandwiches
- Fried biscuits and apple butter
- Tomato juice (from Kokomo)
Agricultural Products
- Corn and soybeans
- Pork and poultry
- Apples and pumpkins
Local Markets
- Indianapolis City Market
- Farmers markets throughout the state
Infrastructure
Indiana's infrastructure includes a well-developed highway system and significant logistics and transportation hubs.
Highways
- Interstate highways and state routes
Airports
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Railroads
- Freight and passenger rail lines
Logistics
- Major distribution centers and trucking industry
Notable Historical Figures
Indiana has produced influential figures in literature, politics, and business.
Authors
- Booth Tarkington
- James Whitcomb Riley
- Kurt Vonnegut
Politicians
- Benjamin Harrison
- Eugene V. Debs
- Dan Quayle
Business Leaders
- Colonel Eli Lilly
- David Wolf
State Government Services
Indiana provides essential services to its residents through various state agencies.
Health Services
- Indiana State Department of Health
Education
- Indiana Department of Education
Transportation
- Indiana Department of Transportation
Social Services
- Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Key Historical Documents & Landmarks
Indiana's history is documented through significant historical documents and landmarks.
State Constitution
- Indiana State Constitution (1851)
- Previous State Constitution (1816)
Historic Sites & Landmarks
- Corydon Capitol State Historic Site
- New Harmony Historic District
- Indiana Statehouse
Archival Repositories
- Indiana State Archives
- Indiana Historical Society
- Indiana State Library
Environmental Initiatives
Indiana is working to protect its natural resources and address environmental challenges.
Conservation
- Protection of state parks and natural areas
Air and Water Quality
- Regulations and monitoring programs
Renewable Energy
- Growth of wind and solar energy
Waste Reduction
- Recycling and waste management programs
Major Events & Conferences
Indiana hosts a variety of major events, particularly in Indianapolis.
Sports Events
- Indianapolis 500
- Brickyard 400
Conventions
- Gen Con
- Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show
Festivals
- Indiana State Fair
- Indianapolis 500 Festival
Cultural Events
- Devour Downtown Indianapolis