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Content: French explorers and missionarieswere the earliest Europeans to enter the region, encountering the Dakota, Ojibwe, and various Anishinaabetribes. Much of what is now Minnesota formed part of the vast French holding of Louisiana, which the United States purchasedin 1803. After several subsequent territorial reorganizations, the Minnesota Territorywas admitted to the Union in 1858. Minnesota's growth initially centered on timber, agriculture and railroads. During the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, European immigrants arrived in significant numbers, particularly from Scandinavia, Germany, and Central Europe; a significant influx has been linked to the failed European Revolutions of 1848.[10] Minnesota remains a center of Scandinavian, German, and Czechculture,[11]though in the 21st century it has seen increased domestic migration and immigration from Asia, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. In recent decades, Minnesota's economy has diversified significantly, shifting from traditional industries such as agriculture and resource extraction to services and finance. Minnesota's standard of living indexis among the highest in the United States, and the state is among the best-educated in the nation. [ 12]
Contents
1Etymology
2Geography
2.1Geology
2.2Flora and fauna
2.3Climate
2.4Protected lands
3History
4Cities and towns
5Demographics
5.1Population
5.2Religion
6Economy
6.1Industry and commerce
6.2Energy use and production
6.3State taxes
7Culture
7.1Fine and performing arts
7.2Literature
7.3Entertainment
7.4Popular culture
8Health
9Education
10Transportation
11Law and government
11.1Executive
11.2Legislature
11.3Judiciary
11.4Regional
11.5Federal
11.6Tribal
12Politics
13Media
14Sports, recreation and tourism
14.1Organized sports
14.2Outdoor recreation
15See also
16References
17External links
17.1Culture and history
17.2General
17.3Government
17.4Maps and demographics
17.5Tourism and recreation
Etymology[edit]
The word Minnesotacomes from the Dakota[13]name for the Minnesota River, which got its name from one of two words in Dakota: " mní sóta", which means "clear blue water",[14][15]or "Mníssota", which means "cloudy water". [