Michigan is the 11^th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 56,809 sq mi and water area of 40,001 sq mi. It acquired statehood on January 26, 1837. Michigan is the 26^th state of the 50 United States of America. The name is taken from that of Lake Michigan. Michigan is nicknamed The Wolverine State. The name refers to the importance of wolverine pelts to early trading posts.

Geography of Michigan

Capital City: Lansing.
Population & Density: As per the recent census, the population is above 10.1 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 175 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Flint, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Westland.
Neighbor States: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota(water border), Ohio, Wisconsin.
Natural Treasures: Gem - Chlorastrolite

State Facts:

Michigan Motto: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.
State Symbols: Bird - Robin, Fish - Brook Trout, Flower - Apple Blossom, Tree - White Pine.

Economy of Michigan

Personal income per Capita - $22,168 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Dairy products, Apples, Blueberries, Cattle, Vegetables, Hogs, Corn, Nursery Stock, Soybeans.
Industry - Motor vehicles and Parts, Machinery, Fabricated Metal Products, Food Processing, Chemical Products, Mining, Tourism.

History of Michigan

During both World Wars, the entire automobile industry switched to manufacturing tanks, jeeps, airplanes, and other needed war materials. This production helped to end the Great Depression. In 1955, a new copper mine opened in Ontonagon. Shipping was facilitated in 1957 with the completion of the Mackinac Bridge, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The 1970s brought another recession nationwide to the economy. With an increase in international markets, the automobile industry slumped. By 1980, Michigan had the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Gratefully, automotive sales increased in 1984 that reduced the state unemployment. Today Michigan leaders are looking for ways to attract new industries to the state. Tourism has increased and some computer-related businesses are moving into the state.

The design on Michigan's deep blue field has three mottoes:On a red ribbon - "One Nation Made Up of Many States" On a blue shield - "I will Defend" On a white ribbon - "If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look Around" On the blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with raised hand and holding a gun represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the eagle represents the United States. Flag adopted 1911.

Famous people of Michigan

Francis Ford Coppola (1939-) Writer, producer, and director, most famous for The Godfather, was born in Detroit.
Thomas Edison (1847-1931) Inventor, lived in Port Huron.
Henry Ford (1863-1947) Founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903; from Dearborn.
Tim Allen (1953-) Actor, famous for the T.V. series Home Improvement; grew up in Birmingham.

Interesting Facts about Michigan

• The first state police radio system in the world was established in 1929 by the Michigan State Police.
• In 1939, the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first air-conditioned car.
• The first people in the nation to receive assigned phone numbers lived in Detroit in 1879.
• The world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd is in Elsie.