About Chicago, Illinois

With about 8.7 million people, the Chicago metropolitan area is the third largest city in the United States. It is located on Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, in the state of Illinois in the upper midwest of the United States.

Chicago Information City code CHI Country United States State Illinois Population 9.8 Million Pop. density 4,880 / km2 Land area 606 km2 Elevation 179 m Currency Dollar (USD) Annual GDP US$ 506 Bn Languages English Spanish Latitude 41.52° N Longitude 87.37° W

Chicago was officially founded in 1833. It was originally settled because it served as a portage spot for moving cargo between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.

Chicago has a large and diverse economy. The city is a major worldwide financial center, with a particular focus on commodities and basic goods. The city and surrounding areas are home to many national and international corporations. Chicago is also a major international convention destination and has the third largest convention facility, McCormick Place, in the world.

Chicago itself is home to 11 Fortune 500 companies and an additional 21 Fortune 500 companies are based in the surrounding area. Chicago area has a strong manufacturing base, major medical and healthcare companies, and many technology companies.

Chicago has four relatively distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. The winters are quite cold and long. Freezing temperatures common and there is considerable snow. The summers are relatively warm with temperatures sometimes reaching into the low 90's in July and August. Spring and Fall are temperate, but can swing hot or cold depending on seasonal weather patterns.

Chicago has many scenic attractions and landmarks. The city is famous for it's skyline which includes many very tall steel skyscrapers. Some of the main attractions include the Field Museum of Natural History, the Sears Tower, the Navy Pier, and Wrigley Field, among many others. Shopping on the 'Magnificent Mile' and beach activities along the lakefront are also very popular.

In Chicago, English is almost universally spoken. Spanish, among other languages, is also spoken by smaller enclaves of students and immigrants from many countries.

The main airport serving Chicago is O'Hare International Airport.

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Related Topics

• Official Chicago websites
• Chicago holiday calendar
• Chicago phone numbers
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