Missouri Geography Basics Quiz
Location, borders, capital, regions (10 questions).
Missouri Geography Basics Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Missouri, often called the ‘Show Me State,’ boasts a rich and varied geography. From its critical location at the heart of the U.S. to its extensive river borders, strategic capital, and diverse physiographic regions, understanding Missouri’s geography is key to appreciating its unique character and history.
Key Geographic Aspects
Centrally located in the U.S., bridging the Midwest and Southern regions. Bounded by two of America’s greatest rivers.
Shares borders with 8 different states, the most of any U.S. state alongside Tennessee.
Jefferson City, located centrally on the Missouri River, serves as the state capital.
Diverse landscapes include the Ozark Plateau, the Bootheel, and fertile river plains.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri is uniquely positioned as a “Heartland State” in the central United States.
- It shares borders with eight states: Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
- The Mississippi River defines its entire eastern boundary, while the Missouri River flows across the state.
- Jefferson City, the capital, is centrally located on the Missouri River, serving as a hub for state governance.
- Significant physiographic regions include the forested Ozark Plateau in the south and the agriculturally rich Bootheel in the southeast.
- The state is home to two major metropolitan areas, St. Louis and Kansas City, each with unique geographic characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Missouri’s nickname related to its geography?
Missouri is often called the “Heartland State” due to its central location within the contiguous United States, and also the “Gateway State” because St. Louis historically served as a gateway to the American West.
Which two major rivers define Missouri’s geography?
The Mississippi River forms Missouri’s entire eastern border, and the Missouri River flows across the state from west to east, joining the Mississippi north of St. Louis.
How many states border Missouri?
Missouri borders eight states: Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas to the south, and Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska to the west. This makes it one of two states (the other being Tennessee) that borders the most other states.
Where is Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, located geographically?
Jefferson City is centrally located within the state, situated on the southern bank of the Missouri River. Its position was chosen for its accessibility and central location.
What are the prominent geographic regions of Missouri?
Missouri features several distinct regions, including the Ozark Plateau (southern Missouri, characterized by hills and forests), the Osage Plains (western Missouri), the Dissected Till Plains (northern Missouri), and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which includes the flat, fertile “Bootheel” in the southeast.
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