Closer to Joliet, the greater the variety. Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, is the principal cultural, commercial, industrial, financial and transportation center in the interior of the country. The city's population is near three million and the metropolitan area population exceeds eight million. Chicago is famous for its extensive and varied manufacturing activities, its wholesale merchandising and as the nation's commercial aviation and railroad center. There are 10 commercial and two educational TV stations in Chicago and more than 80 radio stations.
Cable TV is available in many parts of the city and throughout the suburbs.
Chicago is headquarters for many national concerns and associations and an important publication center, especially for magazines. Chicago is one of the leading convention centers and hosts many exhibitions and special events. An important factor in the city's economy is its access by water transportation from both the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system. Ocean-going vessels reach Chicago and other great lakes ports through the St Lawrence Seaway. Chicago area ports are the busiest in the Great Lakes.