Michigan is a state located in the Great Lakes and Midwestern regions of the United States. Its name comes from the Ojibwe word 'mishigami' meaning 'large water' or 'large lake.' Michigan is the only US state composed of two peninsulas - the Lower Peninsula, often noted as shaped like a mitten, and the Upper Peninsula.
As of 2021, Michigan is the 10th most populous of the 50 United States, with the 11th most extensive land area. Its capital is Lansing, and its largest city is Detroit known worldwide for its predominance in auto manufacturing.
Michigan has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and high tech industry. The state is a leading producer of automobiles and automobile parts, as well as a variety of fruits including cherries, blueberries, and apples.
The state has over 11,000 inland lakes and close to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, the longest of any state. The state is rich in natural beauty, home to a number of state and national parks including the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.
Residents and natives of Michigan are referred to as Michiganders, Michiganians, or more rarely, Michiganites. The state's culture reflects its key role in the industrial history of the United States, being the birthplace of the automotive industry, and its diverse population which includes numerous immigrant groups. Michigan is also known for its sports teams, including the Detroit Lions (NFL), the Detroit Tigers (MLB), the Detroit Red Wings (NHL), and the Detroit Pistons (NBA).
