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Des Moines is the capital of and the most populous city in the State of Iowa, United States. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines, owing its name to the Des Moines River (French: Rivière Des Moines, meaning "River of the Monks"), until it was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857. It is also the county seat of Polk County. The five-county metropolitan area is ranked 92nd in terms of population in the United States according to 2006 estimates with 534,230 residents according to United States Census Bureau.
Des Moines is a major center for the insurance industry and also has a sizeable financial services and publishing business base. The city is the headquarters for the Principal Financial Group, the Meredith Corporation, and Ruan Transportation. Other major corporations such as Wells Fargo, ING Group, Marsh, and Pioneer Hi-Bred have large operations in or near the metro area. Forbes Magazine ranked Des Moines as the fourth "Best Place for Business" in 2007.
Recently, Des Moines has been experiencing rapid growth in the western and southern suburbs and is quickly becoming a large metropolitan area and national center for financial business.

Of Interest

News from The Des Moines Register

Iowa pays $6.6 million to settle claims in FY2010

Jul 30, 2010 6:28 pm

The state paid nearly $6.6 million in FY2010 to settle claims and resolve disputes caused by employee mistakes, misconduct or other damages.

Grassley support for Zaun sparks criticism

Jul 30, 2010 6:05 pm

A Democratic group is questioning Chuck Grassley’s support for a Republican candidate who has criticized federal subsidies for renewable fuels.

Injured RAGBRAI rider still critical

Jul 30, 2010 4:22 pm

A RAGBRAI rider injured in a crash Thursday morning remains in critical condition.

Here comes the rain again

Jul 30, 2010 11:54 am

Showers and thunderstorms are moving across Iowa this morning with rainfall rates of up to an inch or more per hour.

RAGBRAI riders salute coach Ed Thomas, marvel at Parkersburg’s grit

Jul 30, 2010 11:34 am

A steady trickle of bikers ventured off the formal route to visit the school where Thomas coached before he was killed by a former player in June 2009.

Old-time photo of the day: The flock

Jul 30, 2010 11:20 am

Click to view the photo. Check back daily for a new photo from the Register’s archives.

Court opts for family in DHS dispute

Jul 30, 2010 5:13 am

Niece, senator to oversee care of dementia sufferer pulled from his home.   |   Previous coverage: When should the state step in?

Construction to shut intersection near Living History Farms

Jul 30, 2010 5:03 am

Des Moines library trustees to look anew at schedules

Jul 30, 2010 5:00 am

The Des Moines Library Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting this morning to discuss changing the operating schedule of the North Side and Forest Avenue libraries again.

Campaigns bicker over vehicles

Jul 30, 2010 4:58 am

Terry Branstad’s campaign has violated a state law prohibiting purchase of vehicles - a statute the former governor signed into law.

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