According to A2ZDIRECTORY, Iowa is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west. Iowa is the 26th most extensive in land area and the 30th most populous of the 50 U.S. states. Its capital and largest city is Des Moines. Iowa has been listed as one of the safest states in which to live. The state is bordered by Minnesota to the north, Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, and Nebraska and South Dakota to the west. The state’s landscape consists of rolling plains, rolling hills, river valleys, forests, high bluffs overlooking rivers, wetlands and some areas of rugged terrain. Iowa’s climate is classified as a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters; precipitation amounts are generally moderate throughout most of state but vary dramatically from north to south. The northern parts of Iowa receive more precipitation than areas in southern parts of state due to differences in elevation and distance from bodies of water like Lake Michigan or Lake Superior. Agriculture has historically been a major component of Iowa’s economy; corn is its leading crop followed by soybeans, hay, oats, wheat, sorghum and barley among others. Iowa also produces pork products (pork being its top meat product), beef cattle products along with dairy products such as eggs and milk; other important industries include food processing (particularly corn-based products), manufacturing (agricultural machinery) biotechnology (pharmaceuticals) finance insurance real estate services retail trade transportation equipment production (aircraft components). The weather in Iowa varies greatly throughout the year. Summers are usually hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the 80s and 90s, while winters can be cold and snowy with temperatures dipping below zero. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and plenty of rainfall, while fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Iowa also experiences severe thunderstorms in the summer months, as well as occasional tornadoes throughout the year. Check ITYPEUSA for more about Iowa climate information.