Economy

Illinois has long held a prominent position in the national economy, primarily as a producer of manufactured goods and farm products. A key factor in the state's economic success is its position as a chief junction of the national transportation network—particularly for air, highway, and railway routes. For several decades after World War II, manufacturing dominated the economy. Today, such activities as banking, insurance, publishing, and various services provide a growing share of the state's jobs. Adding a further measure of diversity is Chicago's place as a major center for wholesale trade and conventions and trade shows.

Illinois is one of the nation's leading manufacturing states by value of its products. Large-scale industrial development began in the last quarter of the 19th century with such activities as meat packing, flour milling, and the making of farm equipment. Chicago grew to be the center of manufacturing, but such cities as Peoria, Moline, Rockford, and East St. Louis also developed important industries. During World War II and in the following two decades heavy industry, especially the making of iron and steel, grew rapidly. By the late 1960's, however, the number of industrial workers had begun to decline. Illinois manufacturing industries were among the hardest hit by the nationwide recession of the late 1970's and early 1980's. Nevertheless, the state is still one of the nation's leading producers of such manufactured goods as machinery, particularly for farming and construction; computer and electronic equipment; metals and fabricated metal products; chemicals; and precision instruments. Food processing, one of the state's earliest industrial activities, is also of major importance.

Excellent soils, a long growing season, and adequate rainfall help make Illinois a national leader in farm output, by total value. Illinois farmland is among the most valuable in the United States. Farms occupy about 75 per cent of the state's land. Most farms are devoted to crops, with planted area accounting for much of all farmland. Soybeans and corn are the most important crops; nationally, Illinois usually ranks high in soybean and corn production. Also harvested in large amounts are hay, oats, and wheat. Central and southern Illinois are the main grain-growing regions, although grain is grown throughout the state. There are many truck farms and orchards, especially in the north. Hogs and cattle are the chief livestock raised. Poultry is also raised, mainly for eggs. The northern and western parts of the state are the principal dairying regions.

Fossil fuels make up more than 80 per cent of the value of mineral output. Illinois is one of the nation's largest producers of bituminous coal and has enormous reserves for future use. The mines, most of which are underground, are in the southern part of the state. Moderate amounts of petroleum are produced, mainly in the southeastern part of the state.

Other minerals produced in large amounts are industrial sand and gravel. Also important are stone, clays, and tripoli.

Illinois has a very well-developed transportation network. It has long been the leading railway center in the nation, with numerous major lines converging at Chicago. The state is served by a large number of Interstate highways and other high-speed limited-access routes. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is among the busiest airports in the world.

The Illinois Waterway, a series of rivers and canals, is the transportation link between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Illinois shipping is linked to Atlantic Ocean traffic by way of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The chief port facility in the state is Lake Calumet Harbor near Chicago.