Between the Rockies in the west and the Appalachian Mountains in the east, is a large lowland area called the Midwest or the Interior Plains. The dry western part of the region is called the Great Plains. This region's geography is relatively flat with fertile soil, slow-moving rivers and grasslands. The Mississippi river and Missouri river are a part of this region.
The climate includes mild summers and cold winters.
The economic activities include large-scale farming, lumber, livestock, manufacturing and oil production.
Scientists believe that a great inland sea once covered the Interior Plains. Today, some parts are rich in resources such as coal and petroleum. Other parts offer fertile soil for farming and grasslands for raising cattle. Major cities of the Interior plains include Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago and Cincinnati.