Illinois is the most populous state in the Midwest, featuring a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and communities.
| Demographic Category | Distribution (Approximate) | | :--- | :--- | | **Population** | ~12.5 million | | **Race / Ethnicity** | White (Non-Hispanic): 59%, Hispanic/Latino: 17.5%, Black/African American: 14%, Asian: 6%, Two or more races: 2.5% | | **Age Groups** | Under 18: 22%, 18-64: 61%, 65 and over: 17% | | **Primary Languages** | English (77%), Spanish (13%), Polish, Mandarin, Tagalog | | **Religious Affiliation** | Christian (~71%), Unaffiliated (~22%), Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist (~7% combined) |