Minnesota

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Land of 10,000 Lakes

Minnesota

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Due to its location in North America, Minnesota experiences extreme temperatures characteristic of a continental climate, with cold winters and mild to hot summers in the south, and cold winters with generally cool summers in the north. Situated in a central-northern position and bordering Canada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (although it actually has nearly 12,000). In addition to these, it boasts 6,500 streams and rivers, including the Minnesota and the Mississippi Rivers, which flow in three different directions: Hudson Bay in Canada to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Due to its geographical position, Minnesota’s climate varies significantly from north to south in the same season. The terrain is equally diverse, with prairies and fertile plains in the west and south, dense coniferous forests in the north, and lush forests in the east (formerly known as the “Big Woods”).

Territory

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Minnesota’s culture is a subculture of the United States with influences from Scandinavian Americans, Finnish Americans, Irish Americans, German Americans, Native Americans, Czech Americans, and many other immigrant groups. Cultural differences in the Midwest are pronounced. Various cultures and influences can be found across the region. Some areas retain traditional lifestyles, while others are industrialized and shaped by significant immigration. Migration flows during the 20th century brought a strong Catholic influence. The southern part of the region shares many characteristics typical of American culture.

Culture

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Religion

Christians

Religion

Like the rest of the United States, the Midwest and Great Lakes region is predominantly Christian. Most residents are Protestant, with rates ranging from 48% to 63%, depending on the state. However, the Roman Catholic Church is the largest single denomination, comprising about 34% of the population. Lutherans are prevalent in the Upper Midwest, especially in Minnesota and the Dakotas, with their significant Scandinavian and German populations. Southern Baptists make up about 15% of Missouri’s population, but much smaller percentages in other Midwest states. Jewish and Muslim populations are minorities, comprising about 2%. Atheists account for approximately 14%.

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At U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, you can watch National Football League (NFL) games played by the Minnesota Vikings. If you follow the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx, four-time Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) world champions, play basketball at the Target Center. In spring and summer, it’s a must to catch a Major League Baseball (MLB) game featuring the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. In Saint Paul, you can watch Minnesota United FC from Major League Soccer (MLS) at Allianz Field and cheer for the Minnesota Wild during a National Hockey League (NHL) ice hockey game at the Xcel Energy Center.

Sport

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North Shore of Lake Superior

Minneapolis and Saint Paul

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Twin City

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