The fifth most populous state in the United States, Illinois is at the forefront of many cultural, artistic and commercial activities in the Midwest and across the country as a whole. From the thriving metropolis of Chicago to verdant farmland in the southern part of the state, Illinois is a patchwork of excitement and country living that is unmatched in any other state in U.S.A.

Nearly 400 miles in length, and its mid-continent positioning, leaves Illinois with a somewhat varied climate. However, overall the Land of Lincoln is considered to have a fairly temperate humid continental climate.

Recreation is king in Illinois. Indeed, Illinois now boosts the largest state park and wildlife preserve system of any state in the country. Illinois now has over sixty state parks and an equal number of recreational and wildlife areas. Perhaps in part due to the interested residents of the state have in out door activities and recreation, a significant portion of the population keenly is interested in health and wellness related issues. For example, people across the state regularly avail themselves of the latest scanning technologies like electrocardiography (ECG/EKG), cardiac stress testing, coronary catheterization, echocardiogram, intravascular ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound and chest x-rays in order to ensure optimal personal health and to deal with health conditions in a more proactive manner.

Because of the interest in these types of medical technologies, residents of Illinois have the ability to access procedures such as electrocardiography (ECG/EKG), cardiac stress testing and intravascular ultrasound readily. There are well staffed and experienced centers and clinics in Illinois that offer the latest in electrocardiography (ECG/EKG), cardiac stress testing and intravascular ultrasound technology to the residents of the state.

Beyond recreation and health, Illinois ? especially Chicago ? is a shopper's paradise. Indeed, Chicago rivals New York City for its shopping options and opportunities. People literally are traveling from all across the country ? indeed, from across the globe ? to take advantage of the wonderful stores and shops that are up and running in Chicago.

There are also many historic sites dotting the state, from north to south and from east to west. These include everything from venues commemorating the life and times of President Lincoln to sites that relate to the Civil War and many other points of interest in between.

Illinois has a population approaching 13,000,000 residents. The population has increased about a half a million souls since the turn of the 21st century. Most experts predict that the population of the state will continue to increase at this rate into the immediate future and perhaps even beyond. A great deal of this growth continues to be in the suburbs outlying Chicago.

Agriculture remains a prime industry in the state. In this regard, the colleges and universities in the state actively are involved in conducting extensive research to find alternative uses for the various agricultural products that are produced in Illinois at the present time. Indeed, these institutions are on the cutting edge of the development of these important technologies and advancements.