Corruption of iliniwek (“tribe of the superior men”), natives of region at time of earliest French explorations.
Nickname: Prairie State.
Capital: Springfield.
Entered union: Dec. 3, 1818 (21st).
Slogan: “Land of Lincoln.”
Animal: White-tailed deer.
Bird: Cardinal.
Flower: Violet.
Insect: Monarch butterfly.
Mineral: Fluorite.
Song: “Illinois.”
Tree: White oak.
Highest point: Charles Mound 1,235′
Lowest point: Mississippi River, Alexander Co. 279′
Total area: 57,914 sq. mi (25th), incl. 2,331 sq. mi. inland water.
Population: 12,600,620 (5th) (July, 2002 est.).