**Q: What is the capital of Ohio?** **A:** Columbus is the state capital and the most populous city in Ohio.
**Q: What is Ohio's population?** **A:** Ohio has a population of approximately 11.8 million people.
**Q: What is the state bird?** **A:** The Northern Cardinal.
**Q: What is the state flower?** **A:** The Scarlet Carnation, chosen to honor President William McKinley.
**Q: Why is it called the Buckeye State?** **A:** It is named after the Ohio Buckeye tree, which produces a dark brown nut with a light patch resembling the eye of a deer (buck).
**Q: What are Ohio's major industries?** **A:** Manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, technology, automotive, and aerospace.
**Q: What is the state sales tax?** **A:** The state base sales tax is 5.75%, but local jurisdictions can add to it, bringing the average up to 7-8% depending on the county.
**Q: What time zone is Ohio in?** **A:** Ohio is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT).
**Q: Does Ohio have any National Parks?** **A:** Yes, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Akron and Cleveland.
**Q: What is the climate like?** **A:** Ohio has a humid continental climate, meaning warm/hot summers and cold winters with moderate to heavy snowfall in the northern lake-effect zones.
**Q: What is Cincinnati Chili?** **A:** A distinct regional chili spiced with cinnamon and cloves, typically served in "ways" over spaghetti with cheese, onions, or beans.
**Q: What are the major airports?** **A:** Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), John Glenn Columbus International (CMH), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG—which is actually in Kentucky).
**Q: What are the three largest cities?** **A:** Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati (often called the "Three Cs").
**Q: Is Ohio a swing state?** **A:** Historically, Ohio was the premier bellwether swing state, though recent electoral trends have seen it lean more conservative in statewide and national elections.
**Q: What states border Ohio?** **A:** Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It also shares a water border with Ontario, Canada, across Lake Erie.
**Q: When did Ohio become a state?** **A:** Ohio became the 17th state of the Union on March 1, 1803.
**Q: Are there mountains in Ohio?** **A:** There are no massive mountain ranges, but the eastern and southern parts of the state are located in the rugged foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
**Q: What are the major sports teams?** **A:** MLB: Reds, Guardians; NFL: Browns, Bengals; NBA: Cavaliers; NHL: Blue Jackets; MLS: Crew, FC Cincinnati.
**Q: What is the best time to visit?** **A:** Late spring through early autumn is ideal. October is particularly beautiful for fall foliage in the Hocking Hills.
**Q: Is Ohio safe to visit?** **A:** Yes. Like any state, it has areas of higher crime in major urban centers, but the vast majority of the state, including tourist destinations and state parks, is very safe.