Here in Iowa, we have so much great stuff going on: awesome education, low crime rates, a good job market, and so much more. Even though we Iowans are notoriously humble, it’s okay to brag once in a while. Here are 11 things we Iowans have to brag about:

1. We feed the country.
fishhawk/Flickr
Iowa produces more corn and soybeans than any other state in the nation, and even more than some countries, like Mexico.
2. And we fuel it, too.
Spencer Thomas/Flickr
Iowa produces twice as much ethanol as any other state, and is a leader in bio-diesel production.
3. We have the highest literacy rates in the nation.
Presidio of Monterey/Flickr
At 99%, Iowa has the highest literacy rate in the country, and according to TIME Magazine, reading makes us smarter and nicer. It must be no coincidence that we Iowans are known for being so nice.
4. And the highest graduation rates as well.
Pasco County Schools/Flickr
At 90%, Iowa has the highest graduation rate. Iowa also consistently ranks top in the nation for SAT and ACT test scores.
5. We're even home to one of the six UNESCO Cities of Literature.
Steve Shupe/Flickr
Iowa City is one of UNESCO's six Cities of Literature in the world, alongside Edinburgh, UK and Dublin, Ireland.

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6. Not to mention our state is among the safest in the nation.
Movoto
With a low overall crime rate and the second lowest murder rate, Iowa is the sixth safest place to live, according to Movoto.com.
7. It's also a great place to raise your children...
Michael Geminder/FLickr
According to Smart Asset, Cedar Rapids is the number one place for children, and Des Moines is the number three spot.
8. Or go to college...
Lynn Reihman/FLickr
Both Ames and Cedar Falls were ranked in the top 10 college towns to live in, according to Smart Asset, and Iowa City was ranked one of the best towns for adventure.
9. Or retire...
Photoflurry/Flickr
Hawaii is the number one place to retire, know what the second best is? Iowa, according to MoneyRates.com.
10. In general, Iowa is one of the very best places you could live.
Mark Hesseltine/Flickr
Iowa has the sixth highest income, the seventh most inexpensive housing, and the fourth lowest unemployment rates. Oh, but we're just a flyover state, don't mind us.
11. Not to mention, Iowans are hands-down the nicest people you will ever meet.
Phil Roeder/Flickr
They don't call it Iowa Nice for nothing.

Yeah, we know we’re pretty awesome – why not brag about it?

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