A state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa is often known as the "Food Capital of the World". It has been listed as one of the safest states in which to live. Des Moines is the state capital and largest city. Other major cities are Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Waterloo, Iowa City, and Council Bluffs. The state was admitted into the Union Dec. 28, 1846 and became the 29th state. It borders Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Missouri River, South Dakota, and Nebraska.