Welcome to Wisconsin

Overview of Wisconsin

Wisconsin, originally part of the Northwest Territory ceded by Britain in 1783, officially became the 30th state in 1848. In the Upper Midwest region, Wisconsin ranks as the 25th largest state in the US, encompassing 50,000 square miles. Despite Wisconsin's reputation as primarily rural, a smaller percentage of its population lives in rural areas. Consequently, only four cities-Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, and Milwaukee- have populations exceeding 100,000, while the remaining cities have fewer than 50,000 residents. Most of the population migrated to urban areas for higher incomes and shorter commutes. The state's economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture (specifically dairy farming, which has earned Wisconsin the nickname "America's Dairyland"), and tourism, with attractions like Wisconsin Dells and the scenic landscape of Door County. Although Wisconsin has a median household income of $67,000, slightly below the US median of $75,000, the state offers a high quality of life as a result of having great educational institutions like the University of Wisconsin system and a rich cultural heritage, including brewing traditions such as Oktoberfest. Additionally, with over 15,000 lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests, Wisconsin is a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities.