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No. 8: Chicago
It may be buried deep in America's Midwest, but Chicago is a major global player. Home to dozens of major U.S. corporations, the tallest building in North America, and one of the world's busiest airports, this sometimes overlooked trading giant has three major financial markets whose value is rated second in the world. Chicago ranks third in the world for its ability to attract international students to its world-class universities. It also has great museums, music, and other performing arts.
