Illinois: state flag, capital and facts

State flag of Illinois

Illinois is a US state in the Midwest region. Its capital is Springfield, and its postal abbreviation is IL. Known as the Prairie State, it joined the Union on December 3, 1818 as the 21st state. Its largest city is Chicago.

The Illinois state flag shows the state seal, a bald eagle on a rock holding a banner, above the word "Illinois" on white.

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Illinois at a glance

Capital
Springfield
Largest city
Chicago
Nickname
The Prairie State
Statehood
December 3, 1818 (21st state)
Region
Midwest
Postal abbreviation
IL

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States bordering Illinois

More states in the Midwest

Frequently asked questions

The capital of Illinois is Springfield.

Illinois is in the Midwest region of the United States.

The postal abbreviation for Illinois is IL.

Illinois is known as the Prairie State.

Illinois became the 21st state on December 3, 1818.

Illinois shares a land border with Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin.

The flag of Illinois shows the state seal, a bald eagle on a rock holding a banner, above the word "Illinois" on white.