In colonial times, Iowa was a part of French Louisiana and Spanish Louisiana; its state flag is patterned after the flag of France. After the Louisiana Purchase, people laid the foundation for an agriculture-based economy in the heart of the Corn Belt.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Iowa's agricultural economy made the transition to a diversified economy of advanced manufacturing, processing, financial services, information technology, biotechnology, and green energy production. Iowa is the 26th most extensive in land area and the 30th most populous of the 50 U.S states. Although its capital and largest city by population is Des Moines, the largest metropolitan area in the state is that of Omaha, Nebraska, which extends into three southwest Iowa counties along the Missouri River. Iowa has been listed as one of the safest states in which to live. Its nickname is the Hawkeye State.