USA Minnesota | North America

Minnesota is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, bordering the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north, Lake Superior and Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and South Dakota and North Dakota to the west. The state is defined by its glaciated terrain, comprising over 11,000 lakes and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The capital city is St. Paul.

History & Culture

Minnesota was admitted to the Union in 1858 as the 32nd state. Its history is characterized by a strong Scandinavian and German heritage, along with significant indigenous populations (notably the Dakota and Ojibwe). Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (approx. 50%) and Catholic (22%). Independence Day (July 4) is the primary national holiday. Social etiquette emphasizes "Minnesota Nice"-a blend of polite reserve and aversion to direct confrontation-alongside a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

The official language is English. English proficiency is universal. Spanish, Hmong, and Somali are significant secondary languages, particularly in the Minneapolis-St. Paul (Twin Cities) metropolitan area.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 5.7 million, with an 83% urban and 17% rural distribution. Top export commodities include computer and electronic products ($4.4B), machinery ($3.8B), and medical instruments. GDP per capita is approximately $78,000 USD. The economy is driven by a high concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters (Target, 3M, UnitedHealth Group), life sciences, and agricultural innovation.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended for nationals of 19 countries and partially restricted for an additional 19-20 countries (totaling 39-40 affected nations). Citizens of most EU nations and the UK still require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) is strict regarding agricultural products.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal. Cash is increasingly rare in urban centers but remains used for small tips and at regional county fairs. ATM availability is high, with dense networks through banks like U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the Interstate Highway System (I-35, I-94). Amtrak provides rail service via the "Empire Builder" (Chicago to Seattle/Portland) and the "Borealis" (St. Paul to Chicago). The Twin Cities are served by an extensive light rail and bus system (Metro Transit). Domestic and international aviation is anchored by Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP).

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth. 4G LTE is the standard in rural areas. While the state set a goal for universal 100 Mbps broadband by 2026, significant gaps remain in remote northern regions and deep forest zones.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is humid continental, featuring four distinct seasons with extreme temperature variations. Winters (December–March) are severely cold and snowy; summers (June–August) are warm to hot and humid. The wettest months are typically June and July due to convective thunderstorms.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include extreme winter cold/wind chill, severe thunderstorms/tornadoes (primarily in spring), and tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease) in wooded areas. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

The Twin Cities (Finance/Retail/Tech): Hub cities are Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Southern Minnesota (Healthcare/Agri): Hub city is Rochester (Home of Mayo Clinic).

The North Shore/Arrowhead (Shipping/Nature): Hub city is Duluth.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.15 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $6.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Minnesota is the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" (officially 11,842). A prominent local legend is that of Paul Bunyan, a giant lumberjack of American folklore often accompanied by Babe the Blue Ox; statues commemorating the pair are found in Bemidji and Brainerd. Additionally, the Kensington Runestone remains a controversial artifact some claim is evidence of 14th-century Viking exploration in the region.