The State of Illinois, the Prairie State, is located in the central region of the United States and occupies 56,400 square-miles. The state is populated by more than 12 million and its government is divided into separate legislative, executive and judicial branches. Supreme executive power resides with the governor; supreme executive power residing with the governor, supreme judicial power with Illinois s Supreme, appellate, superior, municipal and justice courts and legislative power with general assembly comprised of a 59-member senate and a 118-member house of representatives. The state s name originated from the Algonquin Indian word for tribe of superior men. Residents as well as visitors take advantage of an array of activities and attractions, from historic sites and museums to outdoor activities, such as camping. In 1818, Illinois joined the U.S. as the 21st state.