Destination Illinois

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Illinois, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

If after using this resource you have specific questions or suggestions, please e-mail us at Info@InfoResource.org and we will respond as quickly as we can to your inquiry or suggestion.

Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

The Prairie State, home of the Windy City, famed as the home of Abraham Lincoln, beloved for baseball, rich in its cultural heritage; this is Illinois, a central hub of the United States and a nexus for economic success in the future.

Industry Snapshot

Illinois boasts outstanding possibilities in the biotechnology and life science industries, and draws upon many research institutions, whether in non-profit, academic, or government sectors, as well as many research parks and life science companies.

Economy/Cost of Living

The population of Illinois in 2005 was 12,763,371, which ranked it 5th in the nation. Illinois is also the world’s 12th largest economy. Its central location in the Midwestern United States affords an impressive infrastructure for transporting its goods both globally and nationally.

Education

Illinois prides itself on its extensive opportunities in education. The Prairie State ranks 5th in the United States in the number of higher education institutions.

Recreation & Entertainment

Illinois offers an abundance of both urban and outdoor recreational activities throughout the state.

Transportation

Illinois provides an impressive infrastructure for transportation, guaranteeing its successful economic position as a major hub of the United States and the world.

Geography & Climate

Illinois is located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It contains 55,593 square miles (143,985 square kilometers or 14,398,521 hectares) of land, and 2,325 square miles (6 021.7 square kilometers or 602,172 hectares) covered by water.

History

The name Illinois comes from an Algonquin word for "tribe of superior men." The Europeans Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette first visited what is now Illinois in 1673. French settlers eventually formed a settlement in 1699.

Suggested Reading List

A list of select guides and reference books about Illinois.