Ohio

Ohio is a Midwestern state in the northeastern corner of the United States. It was the first and eastern-most state in the Midwest admitted to the Union under the Northwest Ordinance. Its U.S. postal abbreviation is OH; its old-style abbreviation is O. Ohio is an Iroquois word meaning "great water." The name refers to the Ohio River that forms its southern border.

Economy

Ohio is a major producer of machines, tires and rubber products, steel, processed foods, tools, and other manufactures. Although Ohio is one of the leading industrial states, many people do not realize how significant it is in manufacturing because Ohio specializes in producers goods ( goods used to make other goods, such as factory machinery, industrial chemicals, and plastic moldings). Therefore, Ohio's products are not always visible as off-the-shelf final purchases to the average consumer. Nevertheless, there are some Ohio items that consumers will recognize including Procter and Gamble products, Smuckers jams and jellies, and DayGlo.

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Ohio is the site of the invention of the airplane, resulting from the experiments of the Wright Brothers in Dayton. While the actual production of aircraft in the USA is now centered elsewhere, a large experimental and design facility, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has been located near Dayton and serves in the co-ordination of production of US military aircraft. On the base are located Wright Hill and Huffman Prairie, where many of the earliest aerodynamic experiments of the Wright Brothers were performed. Ohio today also has many aerospace, defense, and NASA parts and systems suppliers scattered throughout the state.

Related Topics:
Wright Brothers - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

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As part of the Corn Belt, agriculture also plays an important role in the state's economy. There is also a small commercial fishing sector on Lake Erie, and the principal catch is yellow perch. In addition, however, Ohio's historical attractions, varying landscapes, and recreational opportunities are the basis for a thriving tourist industry. Over 2,500 lakes and 70,000 kilometers of river landscapes are a paradise for boaters, fishermen, and swimmers. Of special historical interest are the Native American archaeological sites—including grave mounds and other sites.

Related Topics:
Corn Belt - Native American

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The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Ohio's total state product in 2003 was $403 billion. Per capital personal income in 2003 was $30,129, 25th in the nation. Ohio's agricultural outputs are soybeans, dairy products, corn, tomatoes, hogs, cattle, poultry and eggs. Its industrial outputs are transportation equipment, fabricated metal products, machinery, food processing, and electric equipment.

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