Kansas is a state in the Midwestern United States.  In the 1800's, Kansas was part of the Wild West. Pioneers, railroads and cattle driven by cowboys crossed Kansas from 1850-1900. Abbreviation: KS Capital: Topeka (the name means "place where we dig potatoes") Temperature: 88 degrees, partly cloudy Time: 1:00 pm (1 hour behind us) Nickname: "The Sunflower State" or "The Wheat State" Population: 2.935 million (PA 12.8) Size: 82,278 sq mi (PA 46,000) Cost of living: 32,049 (PA $49,040) The cost of living in Kansas is  12% lower than the national average . Housing is 29% lower than the national average, while utilities are 3% lower. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 6% lower than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 6% lower. Minimum wage: $7.25 Statehood: January 29, 1861 State Flag:  Rolling hills identify the terrain near Fort Riley. American Indians hunting bison are reminders of the people ...