The people of Wisconsin look far and wide beyond the borders of the state. They are actively engaged in cultural, commercial, educational, and environmental activities with people all around the world. This website provides links for Wisconsin residents seeking to make contacts abroad and people from other countries interested in our state.
Business Tourism Education
Transportation Outline of Wisconsin in Red Government Agencies & Contacts
Images of Wisconsin History & Culture Sister-States & Cities

Wisconsin is well integrated into the global economy.  To a greater degree than most states, Wisconsin's economy has relied on a combination of manufacturing and agriculture as a basis for its prosperity.  The state’s abundant natural resources and skilled labor force have led to the development of these sectors.  Wisconsin’s diverse manufacturing sector accounts for more than 25% of the state's earned income, ranking Wisconsin third among the United States in percentage of income earned from manufacturing.  Three-fifths of manufacturing employees work on durable goods.  Bio-technology and hi-tech segments of the economy have been growing significantly.  In 2004, Wisconsin firms exported over $12 billion worth of products to other countries.

Wisconsin is known as "America’s Dairyland" and ranks second in number of milk cows and milk production and first in production of cheese.  Dairy products account for more than 50% of Wisconsin farm cash receipts.  Wisconsin is the nation’s number one producer of corn for silage, cranberries, beets for canning, cabbage for kraut, snap beans for processing, and oats.

Tourism is also one of Wisconsin’s leading industries.  Wisconsin's forests, fields, and lakes, complemented with urban culture and nightlife, make the state a four-season natural playground.  Because of the love of the outdoors, the health of the natural environment is important to the people of Wisconsin.

The state's transportation system provides the gateway for Wisconsin citizens and businesses to access the global economy.  Businesses can use airports, railroads, harbors, and highways to deliver or receive international goods.  International travelers can reach the state via General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee or O'Hare International Airport (ORD), just south of Wisconsin or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), just west of the state.

Wisconsin's educational system, including primary, secondary, and post-secondary schooling, ranks among the finest in the country.  Each year, students in primary and secondary grades outperform the national averages in standardized tests.

Thousands of faculty and students are drawn from all over the world to the 13 university campuses and 13 two-year colleges of the UW System.  The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a world-class research institution, ranked number 2 in the United States for the number of doctorates awarded.  At the same time, Wisconsin recognizes the importance of sending its students abroad to learn about the wider world and develop the skills to succeed in an ever more interconnected world.  The friendships and professional relationships formed during these exchanges build long lasting bonds that can generate positive results for years to come.

The people of Wisconsin welcome the opportunity to create new and expand existing cultural, commercial, educational, and community relationships with people around the world.  We hope that you find this website useful in introducing you to our state.