The capital of the state of Iowa, Des Moines is a major commercial center, a city that abruptly rises tall amongst the surrounding cornfields. Politically also, Des Moines is a critical city as the U.S Presidential race begins here. Des Moines is also famous for being the third largest center in the world for the insurance business. However, the city is not simply about business or politics. There are some good museums and some great restaurants here. The city has a substantial population of young professionals and many ethnic groups who have made this their home.  

The city was established in 1843 when a military fort was built at the confluence of the Des Moines and Racoon rivers. But soon trade and commerce became the defining characteristics of the city. In 1855, the Equitable Life and Insurance Corporation was set up here by Frederick Hubbell and there was no looking back, either for the city or for the insurance sector here.