Chicago is the most populous city in Illinois and the third-most populous city in the United States. It has a population of 2,746,388 as of the 2020 census. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1837. It experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century, although it was also devastated by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which destroyed large areas of the city.Despite the fire, Chicago continued to grow and made significant contributions to urban planning and architecture. It is known for the Chicago School, the City Beautiful Movement, and the development of steel-framed skyscrapers.Today, Chicago is an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications, and transportation. It has the largest and most diverse derivatives market in the world and is home to O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports globally. The Chicago metropolitan area has one of the highest GDPs in the world, generating $689 billion in 2018. The city's economy is diverse, with no single industry employing more than 14% of the workforce.Chicago is also a popular tourist destination, known for its contributions to various art forms such as visual arts, literature, film, theater, comedy, food, dance, and music. The city is home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. It has a vibrant music scene, particularly in genres like jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop, gospel, and electronic dance music.Overall, Chicago is a dynamic and culturally rich city with a significant impact on various aspects of American life.
