| Missouri is the eighteenth most populous state in the US with a population figure of 5,911,605 according to a 2008 estimate. Moreover, it is the 21st largest state of the country with a total area of 69,704 square miles. Missouri shares its borders with as many as eight different states. The only other state to do is its neighbor, Tennessee. On the north, it is bounded by Iowa; on the south by Arkansas; on the east by Kentucky, Illinois and Tennessee; and on the west by Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas. While Mississippi river defines its eastern boundary, Missouri river connects Kansas City and St. Louis, the two largest cities of the state. The northern part of Missouri is largely plain whereas its southern part lies in the Ozark Mountains. The highest point in the state is Taum Sauk mountain with a height of 1,772 feet while the lowest point lies in St. Francis River at a depth of 230 feet. Located in the Midwestern region of the nation, Missouri is divided into 114 counties and one independent city. Kansas City and St. Louis are the two largest cities followed by Springfield, and Columbia. Jefferson City is the capital. |
