Major Economic Activities in the U.S. Midwest

The Midwest's diverse economy rests on five pillars:

1. Agriculture: Corn, soybeans, wheat, oats; major livestock (cattle, hogs, poultry) – global breadbasket
2. Manufacturing: Autos, steel, appliances, furniture; major tech presence (Google, Microsoft)
3. Retail: Major malls, outlets; e-commerce hubs (Amazon, eBay operations)
4. Tourism: National parks, museums, historic sites; major sports (Super Bowl, World Series hosts)
5. Financial Services: Major banks, insurance; Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade

Central location, transportation infrastructure, research universities, and skilled workforce sustain this diversity.