# Michigan

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q1166](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1166)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michigan

## Summary
Michigan is a state in the United States of America, located in the Great Lakes region of the northern United States. It is the 11th most populous state and a key contributor to the U.S. economy, known for its automotive industry, natural resources, and strategic position along the Great Lakes. Michigan is divided into the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, bordered by Canada to the north and east, and Wisconsin and Illinois to the west.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: January 26, 1837 (admitted to the Union)
- **Capital**: Lansing (since 1847)
- **Largest City**: Detroit
- **Nickname**: "The Great Lakes State" and "The Wolverine State"
- **Motto**: "Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice" (Latin for "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you")
- **Anthem**: "My Michigan"
- **Area**: 96,810 square miles (250,493 km²), including water
- **Population**: 10,077,331 (2020 estimate)
- **Admission to the Union**: 26th state
- **Borders**: Canada (north and east), Wisconsin (west), Illinois (southwest), Ohio (southeast), and Indiana (south)
- **Time Zones**: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5) and Central Time Zone (UTC-6) in the Upper Peninsula
- **Highest Point**: Mount Arvon (1,979 ft / 603 m)
- **Lowest Point**: Lake Erie (571 ft / 174 m)
- **Major Industries**: Automotive, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism
- **Notable Universities**: University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University
- **Major Cities**: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor
- **Natural Features**: Great Lakes shoreline, Mackinac Bridge, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls
- **Government**: Federal presidential constitutional republic with a governor and state legislature
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: US-MI, Numeric: 26
- **Website**: [michigan.gov](https://michigan.gov)

## FAQs
**What is Michigan known for?**  
Michigan is renowned for its automotive industry, particularly in Detroit, its natural beauty with extensive Great Lakes shoreline, and its status as a leading agricultural producer. It is also home to prestigious universities like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

**When did Michigan become a state?**  
Michigan was admitted to the Union as the 26th state on January 26, 1837.

**What are Michigan's major geographic features?**  
Michigan is divided into the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, bordered by four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie). Key landmarks include the Mackinac Bridge, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Tahquamenon Falls.

**What is Michigan's economy driven by?**  
The state's economy is driven by automotive manufacturing, agriculture (especially cherries and blueberries), tourism, and education. Michigan is also a leader in engineering and technology innovation.

**What are Michigan's political leanings?**  
Michigan is considered a swing state in U.S. presidential elections, with a mix of urban Democratic strongholds like Detroit and Republican-leaning rural areas.

## Why It Matters
Michigan plays a critical role in the U.S. economy as a manufacturing and agricultural powerhouse. Its automotive industry, centered in Detroit, has historically been a cornerstone of American innovation. The state's natural resources, including the Great Lakes, support both industry and tourism, contributing significantly to the national economy. Michigan's universities drive advancements in research and education, while its strategic location along the U.S.-Canada border facilitates international trade. The state's diverse population and complex political dynamics make it a microcosm of broader national trends, influencing federal policy and cultural discourse.

## Notable For
- **Automotive Heritage**: Birthplace of the American automotive industry, with Detroit as its epicenter.
- **Great Lakes Access**: The only state to border four of the five Great Lakes, providing critical freshwater resources and shipping routes.
- **Educational Excellence**: Home to top-tier universities like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
- **Natural Diversity**: Features diverse landscapes, including forests, dunes, and waterfalls, protected in numerous state and national parks.
- **Cultural Contributions**: Significant influence in music (Motown), manufacturing, and labor history.
- **Political Importance**: A key battleground state in U.S. presidential elections.

## Body
### History and Governance
Michigan's history dates back to indigenous peoples, with French exploration in the 17th century. It became a U.S. territory in 1805 and a state in 1837. The state government operates under a constitution ratified in 1963, with a governor, legislature, and judiciary. Michigan has played pivotal roles in labor movements, civil rights, and industrialization.

### Economy and Industry
- **Automotive Industry**: Detroit is synonymous with American car manufacturing, with companies like Ford, GM, and Chrysler headquartered in the state.
- **Agriculture**: Leads in cherry and blueberry production, with significant contributions from dairy farming and Christmas tree cultivation.
- **Tourism**: Attracts visitors with its natural beauty, including the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island, and wineries.

### Geography and Environment
- **Peninsulas**: The Upper Peninsula (UP) is sparsely populated and heavily forested, while the Lower Peninsula contains most of the population and industry.
- **Climate**: Continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, varying by region.
- **Conservation**: Protects over 100 state parks and forests, emphasizing environmental stewardship.

### Culture and Demographics
- **Cities**: Detroit is a cultural hub known for Motown music and automotive history, while Ann Arbor hosts the University of Michigan.
- **Demographics**: Diverse population with significant African American, Arab American, and immigrant communities, particularly in Detroit.
- **Education**: Home to several top-ranked universities and research institutions.

### Related Entities
- **Upper Peninsula (UP)**: A distinct region with a strong identity, known for natural resources and outdoor recreation.
- **Great Lakes**: Central to Michigan's identity, economy, and ecology, supporting shipping, fishing, and tourism.
- **Canada**: Shares the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit River, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

### Challenges and Opportunities
- **Economic Diversification**: Transitioning from manufacturing to tech and renewable energy sectors.
- **Environmental Protection**: Balancing industrial needs with conservation of the Great Lakes and natural resources.
- **Urban Revitalization**: Efforts to rebuild cities like Detroit through innovation and investment.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Global LEI Index
3. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Michigan)
4. [Michigan Counties List. Michigan](https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-29701_31713_31714-97053--,00.html)
5. BnF authorities
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. [Determine the time zone for Michigan?. Michigan](https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-41009-2331--,00.html)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Czech National Authority Database
11. FIPS 10-4
12. MusicBrainz
13. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
14. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
15. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
16. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
17. [Michigan FAQ. Michigan Department of Natural Resources](http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0%2C1607%2C7-153-54463_54466_20829-54118--%2C00.html)
18. GeoNames
19. BBC Things
20. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
21. BabelNet
22. United States Summary: 2010, Population and Housing Unit Counts, 2000 Census of Population and Housing
23. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28943-Michigan-Vacations.html)
24. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
25. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
26. Google Maps
27. Enciclopedia Treccani
28. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
29. [Michigan](https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-26847-103397--,00.html)
30. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
31. Dizionario di Storia
32. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
33. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Michigan;3940542.html)
34. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
35. Golden
36. KBpedia
37. [Source](https://github.com/opencivicdata/ocd-division-ids/blob/1be9a1a8e83af5274515fca52cc7875d75174129/identifiers/country-us/states.csv)
38. museum-digital