This overview of 34 mostly rural counties in southern Illinois is intended to: (1) provide a mid-1980s look at Southern Illinois and its potentials for those who want to learn about the region; (2) provide the basis for further study of the region's many aspects and potentials; and (3) provide basic overview material for those studying particular communities and sites for possible development. The report describes and evaluates the region's current status with regard to population characteristics, education, health, income and employment, water resources, transportation facilities, agriculture, forests and forestry, mining, manufacturing, utilities, regional retail perspective, and tourism and outdoor recreation. Discussion of each of these topics presents ideas and directions for action to overcome some of the region's problems and to take advantage of the region's diverse potentials. The concluding section discusses four controversial ideas for regional development: (1) a barge and pleasure boat canal crossing Southern Illinois from the Wabash or Ohio River to the Mississippi; (2) a major lake at about 400 feet above sea level with a dam across the Mississippi River at Thebes (Illinois); (3) a lake formed by a dam on the Big Muddy River; and (4) a major airport for Southern Illinois. (JHZ)