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{{About|the U.S. state of Michigan}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Πολιτεία ΗΠΑ
| Όνομα = Michigan
| ΠλήρεςΌνομα = State of Michigan
| Σημαία = Flag_of_Michigan.svg
| Flaglink = [[Flag of Michigan|Flag]]
| Σφραγίδα = Seal of Michigan.svg
| Χάρτης = Michigan in United States.svg
| Ψευδώνυμο = The Great Lakes State, The Wolverine State, The Mitten State, Water (Winter) Wonderland
| Σύνθημα = {{lang|la|[[Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice]]}}<br /><small>([[English language|English]]: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you)</small>
| Πρώην = Michigan Territory
| Πρωτεύουσα = [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]]
| Δημώνυμο = Michigander, Michiganian or Yooper (in the Upper Peninsula)
| ΜεγαλύτερηΠόλη = [[Detroit]]
| ΜεγαλύτερηΜητροπολιτική = [[Metro Detroit]]
| Κυβερνήτης = [[Rick Snyder]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
| Αναπληρωτής Κυβερνήτης = [[Brian Calley]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
| ΝομοθετικόΣώμα = [[Michigan Legislature]]
| Άνωβουλή = [[Michigan Senate|Senate]]
| Κάτωβουλή = [[Michigan House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]
| Γερουσιαστές = [[Carl Levin]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]]) <br> [[Debbie Stabenow]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
| Αντιπρόσωπος=9 Republicans<br>6 Democrats
| PostalAbbreviation = MI
| TradAbbreviation = Mich.
| ΕπίσημηΓλώσσα = None (English, ''de-facto'')
| ΈκτασηΚατάταξη = 11th
| ΣύνολοΈκτασηUS = 96,716
| ΣύνολοΈκταση = 250,493
| ΠοσοστόΝερό = 41.5
| PopRank = 8th
| 2010Πληθ = 9,876,187 (2011 est)<ref name=PopEstUS/>
| ΠυκνότηταΚατάταξη = 17th
| 2010ΠυκνότηταUS = 174
| 2010Density = 67.1
| MedianHouseholdIncome = $44,627
| ΕισόδημαΚατάταξη = 21st
| ΣειράΕισόδου = 26th
| ΗμερομηνίαΕισόδου = January 26, 1837
| TimeZone = [[Eastern Time Zone (North America)|Eastern]]: [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]][[Eastern Time Zone|-5]]/[[Eastern Daylight Time|-4]]
| TZ1Where = most of state
| TimeZone2 = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central]]: [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]][[Central Standard Time|-6]]/[[Central Daylight Time|-5]]
| TZ2Where = 4 [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|U.P.]] counties
| Latitude = 41° 41' N to 48° 18' N
| Longitude = 82° 7' W to 90° 25' W
| ΠλάτοςUS = 386<ref name="MiB-pdf"/>
| Πλάτος = 621
| ΜήκοςUS = 456<ref name="MiB-pdf"/>
| Μήκος = 734
| HighestPoint = [[Mount Arvon]]<ref name=USGS>{{cite web|url=http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html|title=Elevations and Distances in the United States|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|year=2001|accessdate=October 24, 2011}}</ref><ref name=NAVD88>Elevation adjusted to [[North American Vertical Datum of 1988]].</ref>
| HighestElevUS = 1,979
| HighestElev = 603
| ΜέσοΥψομUS = 900
| ΜέσοΥψομ = 270
| LowestPoint = [[Lake Erie]]<ref name=USGS/><ref name=NAVD88/>
| LowestElevUS = 571
| LowestElev = 174
| ISOCode = US-MI
| Website = www.michigan.gov
}}
{{Infobox U.S. state symbols
|Name = Michigan
|Amphibian =
|Bird = [[American Robin]] (''[[Turdus migratorius]]'')
|Butterfly =
|Crustacean =
|Fish = [[Brook Trout]] (''[[Salvelinus fontinalis]]'')
|Flower = [[Apple|Apple blossom]] (''[[Malus domestica]]'')<br>'''Wildflower:''' [[Dwarf Lake Iris]] (''[[Iris lacustris]]'')
|Grass =
|Insect =
|Mammal = '''Unofficial:'''[[Wolverine]] (''[[Gulo gulo luscus]]'')<br>'''Game animal:''' [[White-tailed Deer]] (''[[Odocoileus virginianus]]'')
|Reptile = [[Painted Turtle]] (''[[Chrysemys picta]]'')
|Tree = [[Eastern White Pine]] (''[[Pinus strobus]]'')
|Beverage =
|Colors =
|Dance =
|Dinosaur =
|Firearm =
|Food =
|Fossil = [[Mastodon]] (''[[Mammut americanum]]'')
|Gemstone = [[Isle Royale greenstone]] or [[Chlorastrolite]]
|Instrument =
|Mineral =
|Poem =
|StateRock = [[Petoskey stone]]
|Shell =
|Ships =
|Soil = [[Kalkaska Sand]]
|Song = ''[[My Michigan]]'' [http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481-54116--,00.html#song1 website]
|Sport =
|Tartan =
|Toy =
|Other =
|Route Marker = M-28.svg
|Quarter = 2004 MI Proof.png
|Quartersize = 125px
|QuarterReleaseDate = 2004
|Boxwidth =275px
}}
 
'''Michigan''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Michigan.ogg|ˈ|m|ɪ|ʃ|ɨ|ɡ|ən}}) is a [[U.S. state|state]] located in the [[Great Lakes region]] of the [[Midwest]]ern [[United States]]. The name Michigan is the French form of the [[Anishinaabe language|Ojibwa]] word ''mishigamaa'', meaning "large water" or "large lake".<ref name="MiB-pdf">{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_lm_MiB_156795_7.pdf |title=Michigan in Brief: Information About the State of Michigan |accessdate=2006-11-28 |format=PDF |publisher=Michigan.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freelang.net/online/ojibwe.php?lg=gb|title=Freelang Ojibwe Dictionary |publisher=Freelang.net}}</ref> Michigan is the [[List of U.S. states and territories by population|8th most populous]] of the [[50 United States]], with the [[List of U.S. states and territories by area|11th most extensive]] total area. Its capital is [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]], and the largest city is [[Detroit]]. Michigan was admitted into the Union on January 26, 1837, as the 26th state.
 
Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline of any political subdivision in the world, being bounded by four of the five [[Great Lakes]], plus [[Lake Saint Clair (North America)|Lake Saint Clair]].<ref name="NOAA-CRM">{{cite web|url=http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/mi.html |title=NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management: My State: Michigan |publisher=Coastalmanagement.noaa.gov |date= |accessdate=2010-07-25}}</ref> Michigan is one of the leading U.S. states for [[recreational boat]]ing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insurancesalesman.com/life/michigan-life-insurance.htm |title=Michigan Life Insurance |publisher=InsuranceSalesman.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref> The state has 64,980 inland lakes and ponds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigandnr.com/PUBLICATIONS/PDFS/ifr/ifrlibra/technical/reports/2004-2tr.pdf |title=Compilation of Databases on Michigan Lakes |accessdate=2009-04-18 |format=PDF |publisher=MichiganDNR.com}}</ref> A person in the state is never more than {{convert/spell|6|mi|km}} from a natural water source or more than {{convert|85|mi|km}} from a Great Lakes shoreline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29938_30245-67959--,00.html |title=Michigan's State Facts |accessdate=1 January 2010 |publisher=State of Michigan}}</ref> It is the largest state by total area<ref>''I.e.'', including water that is part of state territory. [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] is the largest state by land area east of the Mississippi.</ref> east of the [[Mississippi River]].
 
Michigan is the only state to consist of two [[peninsulas]]. The [[Lower Peninsula of Michigan|Lower Peninsula]], to which the name Michigan was originally applied, is often noted to be shaped like a mitten. The [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]] (often referred to as "the U.P.") is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the [[Straits of Mackinac]], a {{convert/spell|5|mi|km|0|adj=on}} channel that joins [[Lake Huron]] to [[Lake Michigan]]. The two peninsulas are connected by the [[Mackinac Bridge]]. While sparsely populated, the Upper Peninsula is economically important due to its status as a tourist destination as well as its abundance of natural resources.
 
==History==
{{See also|Timeline of Michigan history|History of Michigan}}
When the first European explorers arrived, the most populous tribes were [[Algonquian peoples]], which include the [[Ottawa (tribe)|Ottawa]], the [[Ojibwe]] or ''Anishnaabeg'' (called Chippewa in French), and the [[Potawatomi]]. The ''Anishnaabeg'', whose numbers are estimated to have been between 25,000 and 35,000, were the largest.
 
The Anishnaabeg were established in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and [[northern Michigan]], and also inhabited northern [[Ontario]], northern [[Wisconsin]], southern [[Manitoba]], and northern and north-central [[Minnesota]]. The Ottawa lived primarily south of the [[Straits of Mackinac]] in northern and western Michigan, while the Potawatomi were primarily in the southwest. The three nations co-existed peacefully as part of a loose confederation called the [[Council of Three Fires]]. Other tribes in Michigan, in the south and east, were the [[Mascouten]], the [[Menominee]], the [[Miami (tribe)|Miami]], the [[Sac people|Sac]] (or Sauk), the [[Meskwaki|Fox]], and the [[Wyandot people|Wyandot]], who are better known by their French name, the Huron.
 
===17th century===
[[File:Pere Marquette.JPG|thumb|left|''Père Marquette and the Indians'' (1869), [[Wilhelm Lamprecht]]]]
 
French ''[[voyageurs]]'' and ''[[Coureur des bois|coureurs des bois]]'' explored and settled in Michigan in the 17th century. The first Europeans to reach what later became Michigan were those of [[Étienne Brûlé]]'s expedition in 1622. The first permanent European settlement was founded in 1668 on the site where Père [[Jacques Marquette]] established [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan]] as a base for Catholic missions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chronology of Michigan History |url=http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/manual/2003-2004/2003-mm-0003-0019-Chron.pdf |page=3 |accessdate=2009-09-30 }}</ref> Missionaries in 1671–75 founded outlying stations at [[Saint Ignace, Michigan|Saint Ignace]] and [[Marquette, Michigan|Marquette]]. Jesuit missionaries were well received by the Indian populations in the area, with relatively few difficulties or hostilities. In 1679, [[Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle]] built [[Fort Miami (Michigan)|Fort Miami]] at present-day [[St. Joseph, Michigan|St. Joseph]].
 
===18th century===
 
[[File:Michigan 1718.jpg|thumb|Approximate area of Michigan highlighted in [[Guillaume de L'Isle]]'s 1718 map]]In 1701, French explorer and army officer [[Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac]] founded [[Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit]] or "Fort Pontchartrain on-the-Strait" on the strait, known as the [[Detroit River]], between lakes [[Lake Saint Clair (North America)|Saint Clair]] and [[Lake Erie|Erie]]. Cadillac had convinced [[Louis XIV of France|King Louis XIV's]] chief minister, [[Louis Phélypeaux (1643-1727)|Louis Phélypeaux, Comte de Pontchartrain]], that a permanent community there would strengthen French control over the upper Great Lakes and discourage [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]] aspirations.
 
The hundred soldiers and workers who accompanied Cadillac built a fort enclosing one [[arpent]]<ref name=tbaytel>{{cite web| url =http://my.tbaytel.net/bmartin/cadillac.htm | title =Cadillac's Village or Detroit under Cadillac. | accessdate = January 5, 2007}}</ref><ref name=histdet>{{cite web| url = http://www.historydetroit.com/places/fort_ponchartrain.asp | title = History Detroit 1701–2001 | accessdate = January 5, 2007}}</ref> (about {{convert|0.85|acre|m2}}, the equivalent of just under {{convert|200|ft|m}} per side) and named it [[Fort Pontchartrain]]. Cadillac's wife, Marie Thérèse Guyon, soon moved to Detroit, becoming one of the first European women to settle in the Michigan wilderness. The town quickly became a major [[fur trade|fur-trading]] and shipping post. The ''Église de Saint-Anne'' (Church of Saint Ann) was founded the same year. While the original building does not survive, the congregation of that name continues to be active today. Cadillac later departed to serve as the French governor of Louisiana from 1710 to 1716. French attempts to consolidate the fur trade led to the [[Fox Wars]] between the [[Meskwaki]] (Fox) and their allies and the French and their Native allies.
 
At the same time, the French strengthened [[Fort Michilimackinac]] at the Straits of Mackinac to better control their lucrative fur-trading empire. By the mid-18th century, the French also occupied forts at present-day [[Niles, Michigan|Niles]] and Sault Ste. Marie, though most of the rest of the region remained unsettled by Europeans.
 
From 1660 to the end of French rule, Michigan was part of the Royal Province of [[New France]].<ref>The Province included the modern states of Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, two-thirds of Georgia, and small parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and Maine</ref> In 1759, following the [[Battle of the Plains of Abraham]] in the [[French and Indian War]] (1754–1763), Québec City fell to British forces. This marked Britain's victory in the [[Seven Years War]]. Under the 1763 [[Treaty of Paris (1763)|Treaty of Paris]], Michigan and the rest of New France east of the Mississippi River passed to Great Britain.<ref>''The Encyclopædia Britannica'', p. 158. 11th ed. (1910).</ref>
 
During the [[American Revolutionary War]], Detroit was an important British supply center. Most of the inhabitants were French-Canadians or Native Americans, many of whom had been allied with the French. Because of imprecise cartography and unclear language defining the boundaries in the 1783 Treaty of Paris, the British retained control of Detroit and Michigan after the [[American Revolution]]. When Quebec split into Lower and Upper Canada in 1790, Michigan was part of [[Kent County, Ontario|Kent County]], Upper Canada. It held its first democratic elections in August 1792 to send delegates to the new provincial parliament at Newark (now [[Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario|Niagara-on-the-Lake]]).<ref name=SFarmer>{{Cite book| last = Farmer | first = Silas | title = The history of Detroit and Michigan; or, The metropolis illustrated; a full record of territorial days in Michigan, and the annals of Wayne County | origyear = 1889 | url = http://name.umdl.umich.edu/bad1459.0001.001 | accessdate = 2006-06-15 | year = 2005 | publisher = University of Michigan Library | location = Ann Arbor, Michigan | page = 94 | chapter = Legislatures and Laws | chapterurl = http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=micounty;cc=micounty;rgn=full%20text;idno=BAD1459.0001.001;didno=BAD1459.0001.001;view=image;seq=00000152
}}</ref>
 
Under terms negotiated in the 1794 [[Jay Treaty]], Britain withdrew from Detroit and Michilimackinac in 1796. Questions remained over the boundary for many years, and the United States did not have uncontested control of the Upper Peninsula and [[Drummond Island]] until 1818 and 1847, respectively.
 
===19th century===
During the [[War of 1812]], [[Michigan Territory]] (effectively consisting of Detroit and the surrounding area) was surrendered after a nearly bloodless [[Siege of Detroit|siege]] in 1812. An attempt to retake Detroit resulted in a severe American defeat in the [[River Raisin Massacre]]. This battle is still the bloodiest ever fought in the state and had the highest number of American casualties of any battle in the war. Ultimately, Michigan was recaptured by Americans in 1813 after the [[Battle of Lake Erie]]. An invasion of Canada which culminated in the [[Battle of the Thames]] was then launched from Michigan. The more northern areas were held by the British until the peace treaty restored the old boundaries. A number of forts, including [[Fort Wayne (Detroit)|Fort Wayne]] were built in Michigan during the 19th century out of fears of renewed fighting with Britain.
[[File:Hauling at Thomas Foster's, by Jenney, J A (detail).jpg|thumb|upright|Lumbering pines in the late 1800s]]
The population grew slowly until the opening in 1825 of the [[Erie Canal]] connecting the Great Lakes and the Hudson River and New York City. The new route brought a large influx of settlers, who became farmers and merchants and shipped out grain, lumber, and [[iron ore]]. By the 1830s, Michigan had 80,000 residents, more than enough to apply and qualify for statehood. In October 1835 the people approved the Constitution of 1835, thereby forming a state government, although [[United States Congress|Congressional]] recognition was delayed pending resolution of a boundary dispute with [[Ohio]] known as the [[Toledo War]]. Congress awarded the "Toledo Strip" to [[Ohio]]. Michigan received the western part of the Upper Peninsula as a concession and formally entered the Union on January 26, 1837. The Upper Peninsula proved to be a rich source of lumber, iron, and copper. Michigan led the nation in lumber production from the 1850s to the 1880s. [[History of railroads in Michigan|Railroads]] became a major engine of growth from the 1850s onward, with [[History of Detroit|Detroit the chief hub]].
 
The first statewide meeting of the [[History of the Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] took place July 6, 1854, in [[Jackson, Michigan]], where the party adopted its platform. The state was heavily Republican until the 1930s. Michigan made [[Michigan in the American Civil War|a significant contribution]] to the [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] in the [[American Civil War]] and sent more than forty regiments of volunteers to the federal armies.
 
Modernizers and boosters set up systems for public education, including founding the [[University of Michigan]] (1817; moved to Ann Arbor in 1841), for a classical academic education; and Michigan State Normal School, (1849) now [[Eastern Michigan University]], for the training of teachers. In 1899, it became the first normal college in the nation to offer a four-year curriculum. Michigan Agricultural College (1855), now [[Michigan State University]] in East Lansing, was founded as the pioneer land-grant college, a model for those authorized under the Morrill Act (1862). Many other private colleges were founded as well, and the smaller cities formed high schools late in the century.<ref>Dunbar and May, ''Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State'', Chapter 14.</ref>
 
===20th and 21st centuries===
{{See also|History of Ford Motor Company}}
[[File:B-24 bomber at Willow Run.jpg|thumb|B-24s under construction at Ford's [[Willow Run]] line]]
Michigan's economy underwent a transformation at the turn of the 20th century. Many individuals, including [[Ransom E. Olds]], [[John Francis Dodge|John]] and [[Horace Elgin Dodge|Horace Dodge]], [[Henry Leland]], [[David Dunbar Buick]], [[Henry Bourne Joy|Henry Joy]], [[Charles Brady King|Charles King]], and [[Henry Ford]], provided the concentration of engineering know-how and technological enthusiasm to start the [[History of the automobile|birth of the automotive industry]].<ref>[[John B. Rae]], "Why Michigan?" in ''The Automobile and American Culture'', edited by David L. Lewis and Laurence Goldstein (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1983), 2-9.</ref> Ford's development of the moving assembly line in [[Highland Park, Michigan|Highland Park]] marked the beginning of a new era in transportation. Like the [[steamship]] and [[railroad]], it was a far-reaching development. More than the forms of public transportation, the automobile transformed private life. It became the major industry of [[Detroit]] and Michigan, and permanently altered the socio-economic life of the United States and much of the world.
 
With the growth, the auto industry created jobs in Detroit that attracted [[immigrants]] from Europe and migrants from across the U.S., including those from the [[Southern United States|South]]. By 1920, Detroit was the fourth largest city in the U.S. Residential housing was in short supply, and it took years for the market to catch up with the population boom. By the 1930s, so many immigrants had arrived that more than 30 languages were spoken in the public schools, and [[ethnic]] communities celebrated in annual heritage festivals. Over the years immigrants and migrants contributed greatly to Detroit's diverse urban culture, including popular music trends, such as the influential [[Motown Sound]] of the 1960s led by a variety of individual singers and groups.
[[File:Headquarters of GM in Detroit.jpg|thumb|left|[[List of tallest buildings in Detroit|Skyscrapers]] in downtown [[Detroit]]]]
[[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]], the second-largest city in Michigan, is also an important center of manufacturing. Since 1838, the city has also been noted for its [[furniture]] industry and is home to five of the world's leading office furniture companies. Grand Rapids is home to a number of major companies including [[Steelcase]], [[Amway]], and [[Meijer]]. Grand Rapids is also an important center for [[GE Aviation Systems]].
 
Michigan held its first [[United States presidential primary]] election in 1910. With its rapid growth in industry, it was an important center of union industry-wide organizing, such as the rise of the [[United Auto Workers]].
 
In 1920 [[WWJ (AM)]] in Detroit became the first radio station in the United States to regularly broadcast commercial programs. Throughout that decade, some of the country's largest and most ornate [[List of tallest buildings in Detroit|skyscrapers]] were built in the city. Particularly noteworthy are the [[Fisher Building]], [[Cadillac Place]], and the [[Guardian Building]], each of which is a [[National Historic Landmark]] (NHL).
 
Detroit continued to expand through the 1950s, at one point doubling its population in a decade. After [[World War II]], housing was developed in suburban areas outside city cores; newly constructed U.S. [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate Highways]] allowed commuters to navigate the region more easily. Modern advances in the auto industry have resulted in increased automation, high tech industry, and increased suburban growth since 1960.
 
Michigan is the leading auto-producing state in the U.S., with the industry primarily located throughout the [[Midwestern United States]], [[Ontario, Canada]], and the [[Southern United States]].<ref name= NAM>National Association of Manufacturers (February 2008).[http://www.nam.org/~/media/Files/State_Data/Michigan.ashx Facts about Michigan Manufacturing]. Retrieved on January 11, 2009.</ref> With almost ten million residents, Michigan is a large and influential state, ranking eighth in population among the fifty states. Detroit is the centrally located metropolitan area of the [[Great Lakes Megalopolis]] and the second largest metropolitan area in the U.S. linking the [[Great Lakes]] system.
[[File:Biomedical Science Research 2010.jpg|thumb|right|Biomedical Science Research Building at the UM Medical School supports the [[Michigan Life Sciences Corridor]].]]
The [[Metro Detroit]] area in [[Southeast Michigan]] is the largest metropolitan area in the state (roughly 50% of the population resides there) and the eleventh largest in the USA. The [[Grand Rapids metropolitan area]] in [[Western Michigan]] is the fastest-growing metro area in the state, with over 1.3&nbsp;million residents as of 2006. [[Metro Detroit]] receives more than 15 million visitors each year. Michigan has many popular tourist destinations which include areas such as [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]] on the [[Grand Traverse Bay]] in [[Northern Michigan]]. Tourists spend about $17&nbsp;billion annually in Michigan supporting 193,000 jobs.<ref name=Yousef>Yousef, Jennifer (December 23, 2009).[http://www.detnews.com/article/20091223/BIZ/912230323/1001/biz Michigan's winter tourism jumps obstacles]. ''The Detroit News''. Retrieved on December 27, 2009.</ref>
 
Michigan typically ranks third or fourth in overall [[Research & development]] (R&D) expenditures in the U.S.<ref name=MEDC1/><ref name=NSF/> The state's leading research institutions include the [[University of Michigan]], [[Michigan State University]] and [[Wayne State University]] which are important partners in the state's economy and the state's [[University Research Corridor]].<ref name="University Research Corridor">{{cite web|url=http://www.urcmich.org|title=University Research Corridor |publisher=Urcmich.org |date= |accessdate=2010-07-25}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> Michigan's public universities attract more than $1.5 B in research and development grants each year.<ref name=Bruns>Bruns, Adam (January 2009).[http://www.siteselection.com/features/2009/jan/Michigan/ How Are You Helping Companies Grow?].''Site Selection Magazine''. Retrieved on December 27, 2009.</ref> Agriculture also serves a significant role making the state a leading grower of fruit in the U.S., including blueberries, cherries, apples, grapes, and peaches.<ref name=MIAG/>
 
==Κυβέρνηση==
''Βλέπε επίσης:[[List of Governors of Michigan]], [[United States congressional delegations from Michigan]]''
[[File:71msc 1.jpg|180px|thumb|[[Michigan State Capitol]] in Lansing[[File:Michigan State Capitol Muses.jpg|220px|]]]]
[[File:712 michigan hofj edit.jpg|thumb|180px|[[Michigan Supreme Court]] at the Hall of Justice]]
 
===State government===
{{Main|Government of Michigan}}
 
Michigan is governed as a [[republic]], with three [[separation of powers|branches of government]]: the [[executive branch]] consisting of the [[Governor of Michigan]] and the other independently elected constitutional officers; the [[legislative branch]] consisting of the [[Michigan State House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] and [[Michigan Senate|Senate]]; and the [[judicial branch]] consisting of the [[Michigan Court System|one court of justice]]. The [[Michigan Constitution]] also allows for the direct participation of the electorate by statutory [[initiative]] and [[referendum]], [[recall election|recall]], and constitutional initiative and [[ratification|referral]] (Article II, § 9,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislature.mi.gov/printDocument.aspx?objName=mcl-article-ii-9&version=txt|title=Article II, § 9 of State Constitution |publisher= Michigan Legislature |accessdate= June 27, 2012}}</ref> defined as "the power to propose laws and to enact and reject laws, called the initiative, and the power to approve or reject laws enacted by the legislature, called the referendum. The power of initiative extends only to laws which the legislature may enact under this constitution"). [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] is the [[list of capitals in the United States|state capital]] and is home to all three branches of state government.
 
The [[Governor of Michigan|governor]] and the other state constitutional officers serve four-year terms and may be re-elected only once. The current governor is [[Rick Snyder]]. Michigan has two official [[Michigan Governor's Residence|Governor's Residences]]; one is in Lansing, and the other is at [[Mackinac Island]]. The other constitutionally elected executive officers are the [[Lieutenant Governor of Michigan|lieutenant governor]], who is elected on a joint ticket with the governor, the [[Secretary of State of Michigan|secretary of state]], and the [[Attorney General of Michigan|attorney general]]. The lieutenant governor presides over the [[Michigan Senate|Senate]], but only voting when ties occur, and is also a member of the cabinet. The secretary of state is the chief elections officer and is charged with running many licensure programs including motor vehicles, all of which are done through the branch offices of the secretary of state.
 
The [[Michigan Legislature]] consists of a 38-member Senate and 110-member [[Michigan State House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]. Members of both houses of the legislature are elected through [[first past the post]] elections by single-member electoral districts of near-equal population that often have boundaries which coincide with county and municipal lines. Senators serve four-year terms concurrent to those of the governor, while representatives serve two-year terms. The [[Michigan State Capitol]] was dedicated in 1879 and has hosted the executive and legislative branches of the state ever since.
 
===Law===
Michigan has had four [[Michigan Constitution|constitutions]], the first of which was ratified on October 5 and 6, 1835.<ref>{{cite web |first= Mark |last= Harvey |date= May 18, 2006 |title= Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1835 |url= http://michigan.gov/formergovernors/0,1607,7-212--56877--,00.html |publisher= State of Michigan |accessdate= June 27, 2012}}</ref> There were also constitutions from 1850 and 1908, in addition to the current constitution from 1963. The current document has a preamble, 11&nbsp;articles, and one section consisting of a schedule and temporary provisions. Michigan, like every US state except [[Louisiana]], has a [[common law]] legal system.
 
The [[Michigan Court System]] consists of two courts with primary jurisdiction (the Circuit Courts and the District Courts), one intermediate level appellate court (the [[Michigan Court of Appeals]]), and the [[Michigan Supreme Court]]. There are several administrative courts and specialized courts.
 
District courts are trial courts of [[limited jurisdiction]], handling most traffic violations, small claims, [[misdemeanor]]s, and civil suits where the amount contended is below $25,000. District courts are often responsible for handling the preliminary examination and for setting bail in felony cases. District court judges are elected to terms of six years. In a few locations, municipal courts have been retained to the exclusion of the establishment of district courts.
 
There are 57 circuit courts in the State of Michigan, which have [[original jurisdiction]] over all civil suits where the amount contended in the case exceeds $25,000 and all criminal cases involving [[felony|felonies]]. Circuit courts are also the only trial courts in the State of Michigan which possess the power to issue [[equitable remedies]]. Circuit courts have [[appellate jurisdiction]] from district and municipal courts, as well as from decisions and decrees of state agencies. Most counties have their own circuit court, but sparsely populated counties often share them. Circuit court judges are elected to terms of six years.
 
State appellate court judges are elected to terms of six years, but vacancies are filled by an appointment by the governor. There are four divisions of the Court of Appeals, being located in [[Detroit]], [[Grand Rapids]], [[Lansing]], and [[Marquette]]. Cases are heard by the Court of Appeals by panels of three judges, who examine the application of the law and not the facts of the case, unless there has been grevious error pertaining to questions of fact.
 
The Michigan Supreme Court consists of seven members who are elected on non-partisan ballots for staggered eight year terms. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction only in narrow circumstances, but holds appellate jurisdiction over the entire state judicial system.
 
In 1846 Michigan became the first state in the Union, as well as the first English-speaking government in the world,<ref>[http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?scid=11&did=276 Information on States Without the Death Penalty]{{Dead link|date=July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnestyusa.org/abolish/event2/history.html |title=History of the Death Penalty – Faith in Action – Working to Abolish the Death Penalty |publisher=Amnesty USA |date= |accessdate= July 25, 2010}}</ref> [[Capital punishment in Michigan|to abolish the death penalty]]. Historian [[David Chardavoyne]] has suggested that the movement to abolish capital punishment in Michigan grew as a result of enmity toward the state's neighbor, Canada. Under British rule, it made public executions a regular practice.
 
===Politics===
''Βλέπε επίσης:[[Elections in Michigan]], [[Political party strength in Michigan]]''
[[File:RickSnyder.jpg|thumb|left|Ο [[Κυβερνήτης του Μίσιγκαν]] [[Ρικ Σνάιντερ]] (Ρ) (2011–σήμερα)]]
 
Οι ψηφοφόροι της πολιτείας επιλέγουν υποψηφίους από αμφότερα τα μεγάλα κόμματα. Τα οικονομικά θέματα είναι σημαντικά στοις εκλογές του Μίσιγκαν. Τον επί δωδεκαετία Ρεπουμπλικανό Κυβερνήτη [[Τζον Ένγκλερ]] (1991–2003) διαδέχθηκε η Δημοκρατική [[Τζένιφερ Γκράνχολμ]] (2003–2011). Η πολιτεία έχει εκλέξει διαδοχικά Ρεπουμπλικανούς [[Michigan Attorney General|attorneys general]] δις από το 2003. Το [[Ρεπουμπλικανικό Κόμμα (ΗΠΑ)|Ρεπουμπλικανικό Κόμμα]] έχει την πλειοψηφία στη Βουλή και τη Γερουσία του τρέχοντος [[Νομοθετικό Σώμα του Μίσιγκαν|Νομοθετικού Σώματος του Μίσιγκαν]] (2011–present). Michigan supported the election of Republican Presidents [[Ronald Reagan]] and [[George H.W. Bush]]. The current Governor Rick Snyder (2011–present) is a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]].
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin:2em;"
|+ Presidential elections results<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/compare.php?year=2008&fips=26&f=1&off=0&elect=0&type=state|title=Presidential General Election Results Comparison – Michigan|publisher=US Election Atlas|accessdate=February 16, 2010|author=Leip, David}}</ref>
|-
!scope="col"|Έτος
!scope="col"|[[Ρεπουμπλικανικό Κόμμα (ΗΠΑ)|Ρεπουμπλικανοί]]
!scope="col"|[[Δημοκρατικό Κόμμα (ΗΠΑ)|Δημοκρατικοί]]
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 2008|2008]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|40,89% ''2.048.639''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''57,33%''' ''2.872.579''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 2004|2004]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|47.81% ''2,313,746''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''51.23%''' ''2,479,183''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 2000|2000]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|46,14% ''1.953.139''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''51,28%''' ''2.170.418''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1996|1996]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|38,48% ''1.481.212''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''51,69%''' ''1.989.653''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1992|1992]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|36,38% ''1.554.940''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''43,77%''' ''1.871.182''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fff3f3;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1988|1988]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''53,57%''' ''1.965.486''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|45,67% ''1.675.783''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fff3f3;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1984|1984]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''59,23%''' ''2.251.571''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|40,24% ''1.529.638''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fff3f3;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1980|1980]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''48,99%''' ''1.915.225''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|42,50% ''1.661.532''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fff3f3;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1976|1976]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''51,83%''' ''1.893.742''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|46,44% ''1.696.714''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fff3f3;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1972|1972]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''56.20%''' ''1,961,721''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|41.81% ''1,459,435''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1968|1968]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|41.46% ''1,370,665''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''48.18%''' ''1,593,082''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1964|1964]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|33.10% ''1,060,152''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''66.70%''' ''2,136,615''
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f0f0ff;"|[[Προεδρική εκλογή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών 1960|1960]]
| style="background:#fff3f3;"|48.84% ''1,620,428''
| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''50.85%''' ''1,687,269''
|}
 
However, the state has supported Democrats in the last five presidential election cycles. In 2008, [[Barack Obama]] carried the state over [[John McCain]], winning Michigan's 17 electoral votes with 57% of the vote. Democrats have won each of the last three, nine of the last ten, and 15 of the last 18 [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] elections in Michigan with confidence on national economic issues posing a challenge. Republican strength is greatest in the western, northern, and rural parts of the state, especially in the Grand Rapids area. Republicans also perform well in select areas of suburban Detroit, namely in affluent suburbs like the Grosse Pointe communities, Bloomfield Township, Northville Township, and Novi, as well as in communities with large upper middle-class populations like Rochester Hills. Democrats have performed strongest in urban parts of the state, in cities like [[Detroit, Michigan|Detroit]], [[Ann Arbor, Michigan|Ann Arbor]], [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]], and [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]]; they have also performed strongly in areas of suburban Detroit, namely in inner, working-class suburbs like Lincoln Park and Eastpointe; African American-majority suburbs like Southfield, Oak Park, and River Rouge; and other suburbs like West Bloomfield Township and Farmington Hills, which both have large Jewish and African-American populations, and suburbs of the Woodward Corridor, like Royal Oak, Berkley, Ferndale, and Huntington Woods are heavily Democratic voting blocs. Other suburbs, like middle-class Sterling Heights, lower middle- to middle-class St. Clair Shores, and Allen Park, are politically competitive for members of both parties.<ref>{{cite book |first1= Michael |last1= Barone |first2= Chuck |last2= McCutcheon |title= The Almanac of American Politics 2012 |year= 2011 |pages= 812–50 |location= Chicago |publisher= University of Chicago Press}}</ref>
 
Metropolitan Detroit, with approximately one-half of the state's population, remains a substantial factor in affecting its elections and political culture more broadly. Overall, Wayne County, where Detroit is located, remains heavily Democratic and voted 74% for Barack Obama and 25% for John McCain. Oakland County, with a moderate political culture, has increasingly shifted towards support for Democratic presidential candidates, and Macomb County, once a bastion of support for Democratic New-Deal politics, has shifted towards becoming an intense political battleground.<ref>{{cite book |first1= Michael |last1= Barone |first2= Chuck |last2= McCutcheon |title= The Almanac of American Politics 2012 |year= 2011 |pages= 850–65 |location= Chicago |publisher= University of Chicago Press}}</ref>
 
Historically, the first county-level meeting of the [[History of the Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] took place in [[Jackson, Michigan|Jackson]] on July 6, 1854,<ref>{{cite sign |author= Michigan Historical Marker Program |url= http://www.jacksonmich.com/markers/mark1.htm |title= Under the Oaks |location= Jackson, MI |distributor= [[Michigan Department of Natural Resources]] |date= February 18, 1956 |accessdate= July 25, 2010 |medium= Michigan Historical Marker }}</ref> and the party thereafter dominated Michigan until the [[Great Depression]]. In the [[United States presidential election, 1912|1912 election]], Michigan was one of the six states to support progressive Republican and third-party candidate [[Theodore Roosevelt]] for president after he lost the Republican nomination to [[William Howard Taft]].
 
Michigan remained fairly reliably Republican at the presidential level for much of the 20th century. It was part of Greater New England, the northern tier of states settled chiefly by migrants from New England who carried their culture with them. The state was one of only a handful to back [[Wendell Willkie]] over [[Franklin Roosevelt]] in [[United States presidential election, 1940|1940]], and supported [[Thomas E. Dewey]] in his losing bid against [[Harry S. Truman]] in [[United States presidential election, 1948|1948]]. Michigan went to the Democrats in presidential elections during the 1960s, and voted for Republican [[Richard Nixon]] in 1972.
 
Michigan was the home of [[Gerald Ford]], the 38th [[President of the United States]]. He was born in Nebraska and moved as an infant to Grand Rapids and grew up there.<ref>{{cite web |author= Staff |url= http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gf38.html |title= Biography of Gerald R. Ford |publisher=The White House |date= August 9, 1974 |accessdate= July 25, 2010}}</ref><ref name="ford-Nebraska">{{cite news|last= Funk |first= Josh |year= 2006 |url= http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/12/27/nebraska_born_ford_left_state_as_infant/ |title= Nebraska-Born, Ford Left State As Infant |agency= Associated Press |work= Boston Globe |accessdate= October 6, 2007 |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080507164532/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/12/27/nebraska_born_ford_left_state_as_infant/ |archivedate= May 7, 2008}}</ref> The [[Gerald R. Ford Museum]] is located in Grand Rapids, and the [[Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library]] is located on the campus of his alma mater, the [[University of Michigan]] in Ann Arbor.
 
Michigan does not recognize or perform same-sex marriages or other unions involving same-sex couples under [[Michigan State Proposal – 04-2 (2004)|a 2004 state constitutional amendment]].
 
===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Michigan}}
{{See also|List of Michigan county seats|List of counties in Michigan|List of municipalities in Michigan (by population)}}
 
State government is decentralized among three tiers – statewide, county and township. Counties are administrative divisions of the state, and townships are administrative divisions of a county. Both of them exercise state government authority, localized to meet the particular needs of their jurisdictions, as provided by state law. There are 83 [[List of counties in Michigan|counties in Michigan]].
 
Cities, [[State university system|state universities]], and villages are vested with [[home rule]] powers of varying degrees. Home rule cities can generally do anything that is not prohibited by law. The fifteen state universities have broad power and can do anything within the parameters of their status as educational institutions that is not prohibited by the state constitution. Villages, by contrast, have limited home rule and are not completely autonomous from the county and township in which they are located.
 
There are two types of [[Civil township|township]] in Michigan: ''general law'' township and ''charter''. [[Charter township]] status was created by the Legislature in 1947 and grants additional powers and stream-lined administration in order to provide greater protection against annexation by a city. As of April 2001, there were 127 charter townships in Michigan. In general, charter townships have many of the same powers as a city but without the same level of obligations. For example, a charter township can have its own fire department, water and sewer department, police department, and so on—just like a city—but it is not ''required'' to have those things, whereas cities ''must'' provide those services. Charter townships can opt to use county-wide services instead, such as deputies from the county sheriff's office instead of a home-based force of ordinance officers.
 
==Geography==
{{Further|Geography of Michigan|Protected areas of Michigan|List of Michigan state parks}}
{{wide image|MarquetteParkMI.png|900px|<center>[[Marquette Park (Mackinac Island)|Marquette Park]] on [[Mackinac Island]]</center>}}
Michigan consists of two peninsulas that lie between 82°30' to about 90°30' west longitude, and are separated by the Straits of Mackinac. The [[45th parallel north]] runs through the state—marked by highway signs and the Polar-Equator Trail<ref>[http://www.michiganhighways.org/other/polar.html Polar-Equator Trail], Michigan Highways</ref>—along a line including [[Mission Point Light]] near [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]], the towns of [[Gaylord, Michigan|Gaylord]] and [[Alpena, Michigan|Alpena]] in the Lower Peninsula and [[Menominee, Michigan|Menominee]] in the Upper Peninsula. With the exception of two small areas that are drained by the [[Mississippi River]] by way of the [[Wisconsin River]] in the Upper Peninsula and by way of the [[Kankakee River|Kankakee]]-[[Illinois River]] in the Lower Peninsula, Michigan is drained by the [[Great Lakes]]-[[St. Lawrence River|St. Lawrence]] watershed and is the only state with the majority of its land thus drained.
[[File:Sleeping Bear Dune Aerial View.jpg|thumb|upright|Aerial view of [[Sleeping Bear Dunes]]]]
The Great Lakes that border Michigan from east to west are [[Lake Erie]], Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and [[Lake Superior]]. It has more [[lighthouse]]s than any other state. The state is bounded on the south by the states of Ohio and Indiana, sharing land and water boundaries with both. Michigan's western boundaries are almost entirely water boundaries, from south to north, with Illinois and Wisconsin in Lake Michigan; then a land boundary with Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, that is principally demarcated by the [[Menominee River|Menominee]] and [[Montreal River (Wisconsin-Michigan)|Montreal River]]s; then water boundaries again, in Lake Superior, with Wisconsin and Minnesota to the west, capped around by the Canadian province of Ontario to the north and east.
 
[[File:Tahquamenon falls upper.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tahquamenon Falls]] in the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan]]]]
The heavily forested [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]] is relatively mountainous in the west. The [[Porcupine Mountains]], which are part of one of the oldest mountain chains in the world,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10319-54024--,00.html|title=Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources}}</ref> rise to an altitude of almost 2,000 feet (610&nbsp;m) above sea level and form the watershed between the streams flowing into Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The surface on either side of this range is rugged. The state's highest point, in the [[Huron Mountains]] northwest of Marquette, is [[Mount Arvon]] at {{convert|1979|ft|m}}. The peninsula is as large as Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island combined but has fewer than 330,000 inhabitants. They are sometimes called "Yoopers" (from "U.P.'ers"), and their speech (the "[[Yooper dialect]]") has been heavily influenced by the numerous [[Scandinavia]]n and Canadian immigrants who settled the area during the lumbering and [[Copper mining in Michigan|mining boom]] of the late 19th century.
 
[[File:Pointe Mouillee.jpg|thumb|The Pointe Mouillee State Game Area]]
The [[Lower Peninsula of Michigan|Lower Peninsula]] is shaped like a mitten and many residents hold up a hand to depict where they are from.<ref name="keilman20111209">{{cite news | url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-12-09/news/ct-talk-wisconsin-michigan-mitten-1209-20111209_1_wisconsin-department-tourism-new-image | title=Hand-to-hand combat | work=Chicago Tribune | date=2011-12-09 | accessdate=February 29, 2012 | author=Keilman, John}}</ref> It is {{convert|277|mi|km}} long from north to south and {{convert|195|mi|km}} from east to west and occupies nearly two-thirds of the state's land area. The surface of the peninsula is generally level, broken by conical hills and glacial [[moraine]]s usually not more than a few hundred feet tall. It is divided by a low water divide running north and south. The larger portion of the state is on the west of this and gradually slopes toward Lake Michigan. The highest point in the Lower Peninsula is either Briar Hill at {{convert|1705|ft|m}}, or one of several points nearby in the vicinity of [[Cadillac, Michigan|Cadillac]]. The lowest point is the surface of Lake Erie at {{convert|571|ft|m}}.
 
The geographic orientation of Michigan's peninsulas makes for a long distance between the ends of the state. [[Ironwood, Michigan|Ironwood]], in the far western Upper Peninsula, lies 630 highway miles (1,015&nbsp;km) from [[Lambertville, Michigan|Lambertville]] in the Lower Peninsula's southeastern corner. The geographic isolation of the Upper Peninsula from Michigan's political and population centers makes the U.P. culturally and economically distinct. Occasionally U.P. residents have called for [[secession]] from Michigan and establishment as a new state to be called "[[Superior (proposed U.S. state)|Superior]]".
 
A feature of Michigan that gives it the distinct shape of a mitten is [[the Thumb]]. This peninsula projects out into Lake Huron and the [[Saginaw Bay]]. The geography of the Thumb is mainly flat with a few rolling hills. Other peninsulas of Michigan include the [[Keweenaw Peninsula]], making up the [[Copper Country]] region of the state. The [[Leelanau County, Michigan|Leelanau Peninsula]] lies in the [[Northern Michigan|Northern Lower Michigan]] region. ''See Also [[List of regions of the United States#Michigan|Michigan Regions]]''
 
[[File:Little Sable Light Point Light Station - Michigan.jpg|thumb|left|[[Little Sable Point Light]] south of [[Pentwater, Michigan]]]]Numerous [[lake]]s and [[marsh]]es mark both peninsulas, and the coast is much indented. Keweenaw Bay, [[Whitefish Bay]], and the Big and [[Little Bay de Noc|Little]] Bays De Noc are the principal indentations on the Upper Peninsula. The [[Grand Traverse Bay|Grand]] and [[Little Traverse Bay|Little Traverse]], [[Thunder Bay (Michigan)|Thunder]], and [[Saginaw Bay|Saginaw]] bays indent the Lower Peninsula. Michigan has the second longest shoreline of any state—{{convert|3288|mi|km}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29938_30243-103397--,00.html |title=SOM – Does Michigan have the longest coast line in the United States? |publisher=Michigan.gov |date=2011-07-28 |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref> including {{convert|1056|mi|km}} of island shoreline.<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3677-15959--,00.html Shorelines of the Great Lakes], Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Retrieved July 8, 2010.</ref>
 
[[File:Michigan.svg|thumb|Michigan map, including territorial waters]]
The state has [[Islands of Michigan|numerous large islands]], the principal ones being the [[North Manitou Island|North Manitou]] and [[North Manitou Island|South Manitou]], [[Beaver Island (Lake Michigan)|Beaver]], and [[Fox Islands (Michigan)|Fox]] groups in Lake Michigan; [[Isle Royale]] and [[Grand Island (Michigan)|Grande Isle]] in Lake Superior; Marquette, [[Bois Blanc Island (Michigan)|Bois Blanc]], and [[Mackinac Island|Mackinac]] islands in Lake Huron; and [[Neebish Island|Neebish]], [[Sugar Island (Michigan)|Sugar]], and [[Drummond Island|Drummond]] islands in [[St. Marys River (Michigan-Ontario)|St. Mary's River]]. Michigan has about 150 [[lighthouse]]s, the most of any U.S. state. The first lighthouses in Michigan were built between 1818 and 1822. They were built to project light at night and to serve as a landmark during the day to safely guide the passenger ships and freighters traveling the Great Lakes. See [[Lighthouses in the United States#Michigan|Lighthouses in the United States]].
 
The [[List of Michigan rivers|state's rivers]] are generally small, short and shallow, and few are navigable. The principal ones include the [[Detroit River]], [[St. Marys River (Michigan-Ontario)|St. Marys River]], and [[St. Clair River]] which connect the Great Lakes; the [[Au Sable River (Michigan)|Au Sable]], [[Cheboygan River|Cheboygan]], and [[Saginaw River|Saginaw]], which flow into Lake Huron; the [[Ontonagon River|Ontonagon]], and [[Tahquamenon River|Tahquamenon]], which flow into Lake Superior; and the [[St. Joseph River (Lake Michigan)|St. Joseph]], [[Kalamazoo River|Kalamazoo]], [[Grand River (Michigan)|Grand]], [[Muskegon River|Muskegon]], [[Manistee River|Manistee]], and [[Escanaba River|Escanaba]], which flow into Lake Michigan. The state has 11,037 inland lakes (totaling {{convert|1305|sqmi|km2|0}} of inland water) in addition to {{convert|38575|sqmi|km2}} of Great Lakes waters. No point in Michigan is more than six miles (10&nbsp;km) from an inland lake or more than {{convert|85|mi|km}} from one of the Great Lakes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20829-54118--,00.html#wolver |title=Why is Michigan sometimes called "The Wolverine State?" |accessdate=11 January 2009 |work=Michigan FAQ |publisher=Department of History, Arts and Libraries |quote=Another nickname for Michigan is the "Great Lake State." Michigan's shores touch four of the five Great Lakes, and Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes. In Michigan, you are never more than six miles from an inland lake or more than 85&nbsp;miles from a Great Lake. }} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
 
The state is home to a number of areas maintained by the [[National Park Service]] including: [[Isle Royale National Park]], located in Lake Superior, about {{convert|30|mi|km|0}} southeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Other national [[protected areas]] in the state include: [[Keweenaw National Historical Park]], [[Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore]], [[Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore]], [[Huron National Forest]], [[Manistee National Forest]], [[Hiawatha National Forest]], [[Ottawa National Forest]] and [[Father Marquette National Memorial]]. The largest section of the [[North Country National Scenic Trail]] passes through Michigan.
 
With 78 [[state park]]s, 19 state recreation areas, and 6 [[state forests]], Michigan has the largest state park and [[state forest]] system of any state. These parks and forests include [[Holland State Park]], [[Mackinac Island State Park]], [[Au Sable State Forest]], and [[Mackinaw State Forest]].
 
===Adjacent states and provinces===
{{Geographic location
|Centre = Michigan
|North = [[Ontario]]
|Northeast = [[Ontario]]
|East = [[Ontario]]
|Southeast = [[Ohio]] & [[Ontario]]
|South = [[Indiana]] & [[Ohio]]
|Southwest = [[Illinois]] & [[Indiana]]
|West = [[Wisconsin]]
|Northwest = [[Minnesota]]
}}
 
===Climate===
{{climate chart|[[Detroit, MI]] (L.P.)
|21|32|1.21
|22|35|1.43
|29|45|1.79
|40|58|2.21
|50|70|3.69
|61|79|2.55
|66|84|2.54
|64|82|2.40
|56|74|2.55
|45|61|2.45
|36|49|2.49
|25|37|2.03
| float = left
| units = imperial
| source = [http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=dtx]
}}
{{climate chart|[[Marquette, MI]] (U.P.)
|13|26|1.80
|14|29|1.31
|22|37|2.01
|32|48|2.33
|41|60|2.56
|51|69|2.67
|57|75|2.61
|58|75|2.63
|51|67|3.25
|40|55|3.14
|29|41|2.63
|18|30|1.95
| float = right
| units = imperial
| source = [http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mqt]
}}
Michigan has a [[humid continental climate|continental climate]], although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of [[Saginaw Bay]] and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Dfa'') with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen ''Dfb''), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February the state is frequently subjected to heavy [[lake-effect snow]]. The state averages from {{convert|30|-|40|in|cm}} of precipitation annually, however some areas in the northern lower peninsula and the upper peninsula average almost 160" of snowfall per year.<ref>"[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/apx/snow/snowfallAvg.php Mean Annual Snowfall]", NWS Gaylord Region, 31-Aug-2010</ref> Michigan's highest recorded temperature is {{convert|112|F|C}} at [[Mio, Michigan|Mio]] on July 13, 1936, and the coldest recorded temperature is {{convert|-51|F|C}} at [[Vanderbilt, Michigan|Vanderbilt]] on February 9, 1934.<ref name="netstate">{{cite web |url=http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/mi_geography.htm |title=The Geography of Michigan |publisher=netstate.com |accessdate=March 20, 2011}}</ref>
 
The entire state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 [[tornado]]es per year, which are more common in the extreme southern portion of the state. Portions of the southern border have been nearly as vulnerable historically as parts of [[Tornado Alley]]. For this reason, many communities in the very southern portions of the state are equipped with tornado sirens to warn residents of approaching tornadoes. Farther north, in the Upper Peninsula, tornadoes are rare.<ref name="Thunderstorm hazards">[http://www.srh.noaa.gov/key/HTML/tstmhazards.htm]{{dead link|date=November 2011}} srh.noaa.gov. Retrieved November 1, 2006.</ref>{{-}}
 
===Geology===
The geological formation of the state is greatly varied. Primary boulders are found over the entire surface of the Upper Peninsula (being principally of primitive origin), while Secondary deposits cover the entire Lower Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula exhibits Lower [[Silurian]] sandstones, limestones, copper and iron bearing rocks, corresponding to the Huronian system of Canada. The central portion of the Lower Peninsula contains coal measures and rocks of the [[Permo-Carboniferous]] period. [[Devonian]] and sub-Carboniferous deposits are scattered over the entire state.
 
==Demographics==
{{See also|Michigan census statistical areas}}
[[File:Michigan population map.png|thumb|Michigan population distribution]]
[[File:MichiganAncestry.svg|thumb|Map showing the largest ancestry group in each county (2008)]]
 
{{USCensusPop
| 1800 = 3757
| 1810 = 4762
| 1820 = 7452
| 1830 = 28004
| 1840 = 212267
| 1850 = 397654
| 1860 = 749113
| 1870 = 1184059
| 1880 = 1636937
| 1890 = 2093890
| 1900 = 2420982
| 1910 = 2810173
| 1920 = 3668412
| 1930 = 4842325
| 1940 = 5256106
| 1950 = 6371766
| 1960 = 7823194
| 1970 = 8875083
| 1980 = 9262078
| 1990 = 9295297
| 2000 = 9938444
| 2010 = 9883640
| estyear = 2011
| estimate = 9876187
| footnote = Source: 1910–2010<ref>{{cite web|author=Resident Population Data |url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |title=Resident Population Data – 2010 Census |publisher=2010.census.gov |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref>
}}
 
===Population===
The [[United States Census Bureau]] estimates that the population of Michigan was 9,876,187 on July 1, 2011, a -0.08% decrease since the [[2010 United States Census]].<ref name=PopEstUS>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/totals/2011/tables/NST-EST2011-01.csv|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011|format=[[comma-separated values|CSV]]|work=2011 Population Estimates|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]], Population Division|date=December 2011|accessdate=December 21, 2011}}</ref>
 
The [[center of population]] of Michigan is located in [[Shiawassee County, Michigan|Shiawassee County]], in the southeastern corner of the [[civil township]] of [[Bennington Township, MI|Bennington]], which is located northwest of the village of [[Morrice, Michigan|Morrice]].<ref>{{cite web| title = Population and Population Centers by State – 2010 | publisher = United States Census Bureau | accessdate = 2011-04-05 | url = http://www.census.gov/geo/www/2010census/centerpop2010/CenPop2010_Mean_ST.txt}}</ref>
 
As of the 2010 [[American Community Survey]] for the U.S. Census, the state had a foreign-born population of 592,212, or 6.0% of the total. Michigan has the largest [[Dutch American|Dutch]], [[Finnish American|Finnish]], and [[Macedonian American|Macedonian]] populations in the United States.
 
The [[2010 United States Census|2010 Census]] reported:
* [[White American|White]]: 78.9% ([[Non-Hispanic Whites]]: 76.6%)
* Black or [[African American]]: 14.2%
* [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]]: 0.6%
* [[Asian American|Asian]]: 2.4%
* [[Pacific Islander American|Pacific Islander]]: <0.1%
* Some other race: 1.5%
* [[Multiracial American|Multiracial]]: 2.3%
* [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (of any race): 4.4%
 
The ten largest reported ancestries in Michigan are:<ref>{{cite web|author=American FactFinder, United States Census Bureau |url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?fpt=table |title=Michigan – Selected Social Characteristics in the United States: 2008–2010 |publisher=Factfinder.census.gov |date= |accessdate=2011-12-29}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Germany}} [[German American|German]] (22.3%)
* {{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Irish American|Irish]] (11.9%)
* {{flagicon|England}} [[English American|English]] (10.1%)
* {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Polish American|Polish]] (9.0%)
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Franco American|French or French Canadian]] (6.7%)
* {{Flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Dutch American|Dutch]] (5.1%)
* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italian American|Italian]] (4.7%)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Americans|American]] (4.6%)
* {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Scottish American|Scottish]] (2.4%)
* {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Swedish American|Swedish]] (1.7%)
 
The large majority of Michigan's population is Caucasian. [[European American|Americans of European descent]] live throughout Michigan and most of Metro Detroit. Large European American groups include those of [[German American|German]], [[Irish American|Irish]], [[French American|French]], [[Belgian American|Belgian]] and [[British American|British]] ancestry. People of [[Scandinavian Americans|Scandinavian]] descent, especially those of [[Finnish American|Finnish]] ancestry, have a notable presence in the Upper Peninsula. Western Michigan is known for the [[Dutch American|Dutch]] heritage of many residents (the highest concentration of any state), especially in metropolitan Grand Rapids.
 
About 300,000 people trace their descent from the [[Middle East]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3233636&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312|title=Detroit Expects Half of Iraqi Refugees}}</ref> [[Dearborn, Michigan|Dearborn]] has a sizeable [[Arab American|Arab]] community, with many [[Assyrian/Chaldean/Syriac Americans|Assyrian/Chaldean/Syriac]], and [[Lebanese American|Lebanese]] who immigrated for jobs in the auto industry in the 1920s along with more recent [[Yemeni American|Yemenis]] and [[Iraqi Americans|Iraqis]].<ref>Miyares, Ines M. and Airriess, Christopher A. (2007). ''Contemporary Ethnic Geographies in America'', p. 320. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 0-7425-3772-2.</ref> African Americans, who came to Detroit and other northern cities in the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] of the early 20th century, form a majority of the population of the city of Detroit and of other cities, including Flint and [[Benton Harbor, Michigan|Benton Harbor]].
 
An individual from Michigan is called a "[[Michigander]]" or "Michiganian".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-54463_54466_20829-54118--,00.html#michiganian|title=Michiganian or Michigander? |publisher=Michigan.gov |accessdate= 15 August 2012}}</ref> Also at times, but rarely, a "Michiganite".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/michiganite|title=Merriam Webster Dictionary}}</ref> Residents of the Upper Peninsula are sometimes referred to as "Yoopers" (a phonetic pronunciation of "U.P.ers"), and Upper Peninsula residents sometimes refer to those from the lower as "[[trolls]]" (they live below the [[Mackinac Bridge|bridge]]).<ref>[http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903220424 Meyer, Zlati, ''You Haven't Lived Here until ... You've mastered Michigan Slang'', March 22, 2009],{{dead link|date=November 2011}} ''[[Detroit Free Press]]''</ref>
 
===Religion===
Breakdown of religious adherence in Michigan based on a 2007 Pew survey:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/graphics/pew-religion-08/flash.htm|title=USA Today: Topography of Faith|accessdate=2012-08-15}}</ref>
*Total Christian: 79%
**Catholic: 23%
**Total Protestant: 53%
***Mainline: 19%
***Evangelical: 26%
***Black: 8%
**Mormon: 1%
**Orthodox: <0.5%
**Jehovah's Witness: 1%
**Other Christian: <0.5%
 
*Other religions: 5%
**Jewish: 1%
**Muslim: 1%
**Buddhist: 1%
**Hindu: <0.5%
**Other World Religions: <0.5%
**Other Faiths: 1%
 
*Unaffiliated (atheist, agnostic, non-religious, etc.): 17%
 
*Don't know/No Answer: 1%
 
The [[Catholic Church]] has six dioceses and one archdiocese in Michigan, the [[Diocese of Gaylord]], [[Diocese of Grand Rapids]], [[Diocese of Kalamazoo]], [[Diocese of Lansing]], [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette|Diocese of Marquette]], [[Diocese of Saginaw]] and [[Archdiocese of Detroit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/History+and+Archives+12437/History+-+Province+of+Detroit.htm |title=The Official Web Site for the Archdiocese of Detroit |publisher=Aodonline.org |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref> The Catholic Church is the largest denomination by number of adherents, according to a survey in the year 2000, with 2,019,926 parishioners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/26_2000.asp |title=The Association of Religion Data Archives &#124; Maps & Reports |publisher=Thearda.com |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref> The Roman Catholic Church was the only organized religion in Michigan until the 19th century, reflecting the territory's French colonial roots. Detroit's St. Anne's parish, established in 1701 by [[Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac]], is the second-oldest Catholic parish in the country.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jim Orlando - KQA Communications |url=http://www.ste-anne.org/dempsey.html |title=Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church |publisher=Ste-anne.org |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref> On March 8, 1833, the Holy See formally established a diocese in the Michigan territory, which included all of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas east of the Mississippi River. When Michigan became a state in 1837, the boundary of the Diocese of Detroit was redrawn to coincide with that of the State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/History+and+Archives+12437/History+of+the+Archdiocese+-+Summary.htm |title=The Official Web Site for the Archdiocese of Detroit |publisher=Aodonline.org |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref>
 
The largest Protestant denominations were the [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]] with 244,231 adherents; followed by the [[United Methodist Church]] with 222,269; and the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] with 160,836 adherents. In the same survey, Jewish adherents in the state of Michigan were estimated at 110,000, and Muslims at 80,515.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/26_2000.asp|title=The Association of Religion Data Archives}}</ref> The [[Lutheran Church]] was introduced by [[Germans|German]] and [[Scandinavia]]n immigrants; Lutheranism is the second largest religious denomination in the state. The first [[Jewish]] [[synagogue]] in the state was [[Temple Beth El (Detroit, Michigan)|Temple Beth El]], founded by twelve German Jewish families in Detroit in 1850.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbeonline.org/aboutus/history|title=History}}</ref> In West Michigan, Dutch immigrants fled from the specter of religious persecution and famine in the Netherlands around 1850 and settled in and around what is now Holland, Michigan, establishing a "colony" on American soil that fervently held onto Calvinist doctrine that established a significant presence of Reformed churches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crcna.org/pages/history_of_crc.cfm |title=Historical Journey of the CRC - Christian Reformed Church |publisher=Crcna.org |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref> [[Islam]] was introduced by immigrants from the Near East during the 20th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/26_2000.asp|title=Michigan – Religions}}</ref>
 
==Economy==
{{See also|List of companies based in Michigan|Economy of metropolitan Detroit}}
[[File:2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Detroit.jpg|thumb|left|Michigan is the center of the American automotive industry. Pictured is the [[Shelby Mustang|Ford Shelby GT500]] at the [[North American International Auto Show]] in Detroit. The GT500 is manufactured in Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan assembly plant.]]
 
The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimated Michigan's 2010 gross state product at $384.1 B.<ref>{{cite web|title=GDP by State|url=http://greyhill.com/gdp-by-state|publisher=Greyhill Advisors|accessdate=7 September 2011}}</ref> In May 2012, the state's [[List of U.S. states by unemployment rate|unemployment rate]] was 8.5%.<ref>[http://www.bls.gov/lau/ Bls.gov]; Local Area Unemployment Statistics</ref><ref name=MILMI>[http://www.milmi.org/ Michigan Labor Market Information]. Retrieved June 14, 2012.</ref>
{{Publicly traded companies in Michigan}}
Products and services include automobiles, food products, information technology, aerospace, military equipment, furniture, and mining of copper and iron ore. Michigan is the third leading grower of [[Christmas tree]]s with {{convert|60520|acre|km2|0}} of land dedicated to Christmas tree farming.<ref>[http://www.nass.usda.gov/census/census02/volume1/us/st99_2_035_036.pdf]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christmastree.org/statistics_industry.cfm#findings |title=National Christmas Tree Association: Industry Statistics |publisher=Christmastree.org |date= |accessdate=2010-07-25}}</ref> The beverage [[Vernors]] was invented in Michigan in 1866, sharing the title of oldest soft drink with [[Hires Root Beer]]. [[Faygo]] was founded in Detroit on November 4, 1907. Two of the top four pizza chains were founded in Michigan and are headquartered there: [[Domino's Pizza]] by [[Tom Monaghan]] and [[Little Caesars]] Pizza by [[Mike Ilitch]].
 
Since 2009, GM, Ford, and Chrysler have managed a significant reorganization of their benefit funds structure after a volatile stock market which followed the [[September 11 attacks]] and [[early 2000s recession]] impacted their respective U.S. pension and benefit funds ([[OPEB]]).<ref>Sloan, Allan (April 10, 2007).[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/09/AR2007040901262.html GM's High-Performance Pension Machine] ''Washington Post'', D02.</ref><ref>Lindorff, Dave (April 19, 2005).[http://www.counterpunch.org/lindorff04192005.html Health Care Costs and the Jobs Flight to Canada] ''Counterpunch''. Retrieved on April 24, 2007.</ref> General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler reached agreements with the [[United Auto Workers]] Union to transfer the liabilities for their respective health care and benefit funds to a 501(c)(9) [[Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association]] (VEBA). Manufacturing in the state grew 6.6% from 2001 to 2006,<ref name=autogenerated1>National Association of Manufacturers (February 2008).[http://www.nam.org/~/media/Files/State_Data/Michigan.ashx Facts about Michigan Manufacturing]. Retrieved on June 17, 2009.</ref> but the high speculative price of oil became a factor for the U.S. auto industry during the [[Late-2000s recession|economic crisis of 2008]] impacting industry revenues. In 2009, GM and Chrysler emerged from [[Chapter 11]] restructurings with financing provided in part by the U.S. and Canandian governments.<ref name=Garrett>Garrett, Major (March 31, 2009).[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/31/white-house-plots-gm-bankruptcy-unsure-taxpayers-recoup-billion-investment/ White House Plots GM Bankruptcy, Unsure When Taxpayers Will Recoup $50&nbsp;Billion Investment].''Fox News''. Retrieved on June 23, 2009.</ref><ref name=Stoll>Stoll, John D., and Neil King Jr. (July 10, 2009).[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124722154897622577.html GM Emerges From Bankruptcy].''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved on July 10, 2009.</ref> GM began its [[initial public offering]] (IPO) of stock in 2010.<ref name=IPO>Stoll, John D., and David McLaughlin (July 2, 2009).[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124646098696280443.html General Motors Aims for IPO Next Year].''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved on July 10, 2009.</ref> For 2010, the Big Three domestic automakers have reported significant profits indicating the beginning of rebound.<ref>Shoenberger, Robert (May 25, 2010).[http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/rebounding_auto_industry_boost.html Rebounding auto industry boosts Shiloh Industries' second-quarter sales, profit]. ''Cleveland.com''. Retrieved on September 18, 2010.</ref><ref name=Schroeder>Schroeder, Robert (July 30, 2010).[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/obama-says-us-auto-industry-on-rebound-2010-07-30 Obama says U.S. auto industry on rebound]. ''Wall Street Journal.'' Retrieved on September 9, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/12/news/companies/gm_results/index.htm GM posts profit, CEO Whitacre to retire].''CNN Money''. Retrieved on September 18, 2010.</ref><ref name=Cwiek>Cwiek, Sarah (November 30, 2010).[http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1731658/Michigan.Morning.Edition/New.study.shows.strong.economic.recovery.in.Metro.Detroit New study shows strong economic recovery in Metro Detroit]. ''NPR Michigan''. Retrieved December 4, 2010.</ref>
 
Michigan ranks fourth in the U.S. in high tech employment with 568,000 high tech workers, which includes 70,000 in the automotive industry.<ref name=MEDCHiTech>MEDC (2009).[http://www.michigan.org/medc/hitechfocus/ Michigan: High Technology Focus]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}. ''State of Michigan''. Retrieved on June 23, 2009.</ref> Michigan typically ranks third or fourth in overall [[Research & development]] (R&D) expenditures in the [[United States]].<ref name=MEDC1>MEDC,(2009).[http://michiganadvantage.org/MIAdvantage/Getting-the-UpperHand/Default.aspx Michigan Advantage]{{dead link|date=November 2011}} ''State of Michigan''. Retrieved on June 23, 2009.</ref><ref name=NSF>NSF 01-320 (2001).[http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/databrf/nsf01320/sdb01320.htm R&D Spending is Highly Concentrated in a Small Number of States] National Science Foundation</ref> Its research and development, which includes automotive, comprises a higher percentage of the state's overall [[gross domestic product]] than for any other U.S. state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agiweb.org/gap/cvd/CVD04Michigan.pdf |title=Federal Scientific R&D in Michigan |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref> The state is an important source of [[engineering]] job opportunities. The domestic auto industry accounts directly and indirectly for one of every ten jobs in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (2006) |url=http://www.autoalliance.org/economic/ |title=From the 2003 Study "Contributions of the Automotive Industry to the U.S. Economy" University of Michigan and the Center for Automotive Research |accessdate=January 3, 2009}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
 
Michigan was second in the U.S. in 2004 for new corporate facilities and expansions. From 1997 to 2004, Michigan was the only state to top the 10,000 mark for the number of major new developments;<ref name=NAM/><ref>MEDC (2005) [http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/ArticleNews/print/PRNEWS/20050303/2005_03_03_12_0813_1322091 Michigan#2 in the Nation for New Corporate Facilities and Expansions in 2004] Globeinvestor.com</ref> however, the effects of the [[late 2000s recession]] have slowed the state's economy. In 2008, Michigan placed third in a site selection survey among the states for luring new business which measured capital investment and new job creation per one million population.<ref name=siteselection>[http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2009/may/Comp-Awards/ King of the Hill: Top ten competitive states for 2008].''Siteselection.com''. Retrieved on July 8, 2009.</ref> In August 2009, Michigan and Detroit's auto industry received $1.36 B in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy for the manufacture of electric vehicle technologies which is expected to generate 6,800 immediate jobs and employ 40,000 in the state by 2020.<ref name=priddle>Priddle, Alisa and David Shepardson (August 6, 2009).[http://www.detnews.com/article/20090806/AUTO01/908060429/1148/auto01/Mich.+gets+$1.3B+battery+jolt Mich. gets $1.3B battery jolt].''The Detroit News''. Retrieved August 6, 2009.</ref> From 2007 to 2009, Michigan ranked 3rd in the U.S. for new corporate facilities and expansions.<ref name=Lane>Lane, Amy (March 5, 2010). [http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100305/BRIGHTSIDE/303059985 Michigan retains 3rd-place ranking by Site Selection magazine].''Crains Detroit Business''. Retrieved on April 17, 2010.</ref><ref name=Medernach>Medernach, Karen and Mike O'Conner (March 2010).[http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2010/mar/cover/0709_NewCorpFacilities.pdf 2007–2009 New Corporate Facilities and Expansions].''Site Selection magazine''. Retrieved on April 17, 2010.</ref>
 
As leading research institutions, the [[University of Michigan]], [[Michigan State University]],and [[Wayne State University]] are important partners in the state's economy and the state's [[University Research Corridor]].<ref name="University Research Corridor"/> Michigan's public universities attract more than $1.5 B in research and development grants each year.<ref name="Bruns"/> The [[National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory]] is located at Michigan State University. Michigan's workforce is well-educated and highly skilled, making it attractive to companies. It has the third highest number of engineering graduates nationally.<ref>[http://www.dteenergy.com/dteEnergyCompany/economicDevelopment/whyMichigan.html Economic development: Why Michigan?].''DTE''. Retrieved on December 27, 2009.</ref>
 
[[Detroit Metropolitan Airport]] is one of the nation's most recently expanded and modernized airports with six major runways, and large aircraft maintenance facilities capable of servicing and repairing a [[Boeing 747]] and is a major hub for [[Delta Air Lines]]. Michigan's schools and colleges rank among the nation's best. The state has maintained its early commitment to public education. The state's infrastructure gives it a competitive edge; Michigan has 38 [[deep-water port|deep water ports]].<ref>MEDC (2006). [http://www.michigan.org/medc/miinfo/mimaps/combo.asp?ContentId=DD3B9F9F-FB6D-481B-B2F3-72491F7B6054&QueueId=1&ContentTypeId=10019 Commercial Ports]{{dead link|date=November 2011}} State of Michigan</ref> In 2007, Bank of America announced that it would commit $25&nbsp;billion to community development in Michigan following its acquisition of LaSalle Bank in [[Troy, Michigan|Troy]].<ref name=Bank>Crain's Detroit Business (October 4, 2007).[http://www.metromodemedia.com/innovationnews/bankofamerica3807.aspx Bank of America commits $25&nbsp;billion for community development in Michigan]. ''Metro Mode Media''.Retrieved on January 3, 2008.</ref>
 
Michigan led the nation in job creation improvement in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Headapohl|first=Jackie|title=Michigan led the nation in job creation improvement in 2010|url=http://www.mlive.com/jobs/index.ssf/2011/02/michigan_led_the_nation_in_job_creation.html|work=mlive.com|accessdate=8 March 2011|date=28 February 2011}}</ref>
 
===Taxation===
Michigan's personal [[income tax]] is set to a flat rate of 4.35%. In addition, 22&nbsp;cities impose income taxes; rates are set at 1% for residents and 0.5% for non-residents in all but four cities.<ref name=city-income-tax>{{cite web |author= Staff |date= December 22, 2011 |url= http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,4676,7-238-43715-153955--F,00.html |title= What cities impose an income tax? |publisher= Michigan Department of Treasury |accessdate= June 28, 2012}}</ref> Michigan's state [[sales tax]] is 6%, though items such as food and medication are exempted from sales tax. [[Property tax]]es are assessed on the local level, but every property owner's local assessment contributes six [[Mill (currency)|mills]] (a rate of $6 dollars per $1000 of property value) to the statutory State Education Tax. Property taxes are appealable to local boards of review and need the approval of the local electorate to exceed millage rates prescribed by state law and local charters. In 2011, the state repealed the Michigan Business Tax and replaced it with a 6% corporate income tax which substantially reduces taxes on business.<ref>{{cite news |last= Luke |first= Peter |date= May 25, 2011) |url= http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/05/gov_rick_snyder_signs_michigan.html |title= Gov. Rick Snyder signs Michigan business/income tax overhaul into law]. |work= Bridge Magazine |accessdate= December 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Bell |first= Dawson |date= November 18, 2011 |url= http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111118/NEWS04/311180025/Michigan-Supreme-Court-hands-Gov-Rick-Snyder-victory-plan-tax-pensions |title= Michigan Supreme Court hands Gov. Rick Snyder a victory on plan to tax pensions |work= Lansing State Journal |accessdate= December 3, 2011}}</ref> Article IX of the Constitution of the State of Michigan also provides limitations on how much the state can tax.
 
===Agriculture===
[[File:Michigan Cherries, 2009 July.jpg|thumb|left|Michigan is the leading U.S. producer of [[Cherry|tart cherries]], [[Blueberry|blueberries]], [[pickling cucumber]]s, [[red beans]] and [[petunia]]s.]]
A wide variety of commodity crops, fruits, and vegetables are grown in Michigan, making it second only to California among U.S. states in the diversity of its agriculture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/Notes/2000Notes/NotesJulAug00Thiel.PDF|format=PDF |title= Michigan agricultural exports |first= Craig |last=Thiel, Fiscal Analyst |accessdate= September 3, 2008}}</ref> The state has 55,000 farms utilizing {{convert|10000000|acre|km2}} of land which sold $6.6&nbsp;billion worth of products in 2008.<ref>[http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Michigan/Publications/MichiganFactSheets/STHILGTS.pdf Michigan 2008–2009 Highlights], National Agricultural Statistics Service, Michigan Field Office, Michigan Department of Agriculture, NR-09-77 David D. Kleweno, Director October 8, 2009</ref> The most valuable agricultural product is milk. Leading crops include corn, soybeans, flowers, wheat, sugar beets and potatoes. Livestock in the state included 1 million cattle, 1&nbsp;million hogs, 78,000 sheep and over 3&nbsp;million chickens. Livestock products accounted for 38% of the value of agricultural products while crops accounted for the majority.
 
Michigan is a leading grower of fruit in the U.S., including blueberries, cherries, apples, grapes, and peaches.<ref name=MIAG>[http://web1.msue.msu.edu/fruit/bluberry.htm Michigan Blueberries]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}. Agriculture Experiment Station. ''Michigan State University''. Retrieved on January 3, 2008.</ref><ref>Hanson, Eric, Department of Horticulture. [http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/modsr/sr589201.html Small Fruit Crops]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}. Ag Experiment Station Special Reports (07/28/98). ''Michigan State University''. Retrieved on January 3, 2008.</ref> Plums, pears, and strawberries are also grown. These fruits are mainly grown in [[West Michigan]] due to the moderating effect of Lake Michigan on the climate. There is also significant fruit production, especially cherries, but also grapes, apples, and other fruits, in Northwest Michigan along Lake Michigan. Michigan produces [[Michigan wine|wines]], beers and a multitude of processed food products. [[Kellogg's]] cereal is based in Battle Creek, Michigan and processes many locally grown foods. [[Thornapple Valley]], [[Ball Park Franks]], [[Koegel Meat Company]], and [[Hebrew National]] sausage companies are all based in Michigan.
 
Michigan is home to very fertile land in the [[Flint/Tri-Cities]] and "[[the Thumb|Thumb]]" areas. Products grown there include corn, sugar beets, navy beans, and soy beans. Sugar beet harvesting usually begins the first of October. It takes the sugar factories about five months to process the 3.7&nbsp;million tons of sugarbeets into 970&nbsp;million pounds of pure, white sugar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigansugar.com/about/education/growing.php |title=Michigan Sugar Company – Education |publisher=Michigansugar.com |date= |accessdate=2010-07-25}}</ref> Michigan's largest sugar refiner, [[Michigan Sugar Company]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://michigansugar.com/|title=Michigan Sugar Company}}</ref> is the largest east of the Mississippi River and the fourth largest in the nation. Michigan Sugar brand names are Pioneer Sugar and the newly incorporated Big Chief Sugar. Potatoes are grown in [[Northern Michigan]], and corn is dominant in [[Central Michigan]]. Alfalfa, cucumbers, and asparagus are also grown.
 
===Tourism===
{{See also|List of National Historic Landmarks in Michigan|List of Registered Historic Places in Michigan|List of museums in Michigan}}
Michigan's tourists spend $17.2&nbsp;billion per year in the state, supporting 193,000 tourism jobs.<ref name="Lane">Lane, Amy (May 25, 2011).[http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110525/FREE/110529946/report-tourism-spending-increase-in-2010-was-biggest-ever-in-michigan# Report: Tourism spending increase in 2010 was biggest ever in Michigan].''Crain's Detroit Business''. Retrieved July 16, 2011.</ref> Michigan's tourism website ranks among the busiest in the nation.<ref>Great Lakes IT Report. (May 3, 2007,).[http://www.glitr.com/Article.asp?id=401608&spid Michigan's Tourism Website No. 1 in the U.S]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}. Retrieved on August 10, 2007.</ref> Destinations draw vacationers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts from across the United States and [[Canada]]. Michigan is fifty percent [[forest]] land, much of it quite remote. The forests, lakes and thousands of miles of beaches are top attractions. Event tourism draws large numbers to occasions like the [[Tulip Time Festival]] and the [[National Cherry Festival]].
[[File:Grand Hotel-Mackinac Island.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island)|Grand Hotel]] on [[Mackinac Island]] is a classic image of Michigan tourism.]]
 
In 2006, the Michigan State Board of Education mandated that all public schools in the state hold their first day of school after the [[Labor Day]] holiday, in accordance with the new Post Labor Day School law. A survey found that 70% of all tourism business comes directly from Michigan residents, and the Michigan Hotel, Motel, & Resort Association claimed that the shorter summer in between school years cut into the annual tourism season in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imakenews.com/tourism/index000142517.cfm |title=Michigan Tourism Business |publisher=Imakenews.com |date= |accessdate=2010-07-25}}</ref>
 
[[Tourism in metropolitan Detroit]] draws visitors to leading attractions, especially [[The Henry Ford]], the [[Detroit Institute of Arts]], and the [[Detroit Zoo]], and to [[sports in Detroit]]. Other museums include the [[Detroit Historical Museum]], the [[Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History]], museums in the [[Cranbrook Educational Community]], and the [[Arab American National Museum]]. The metro area offers four major casinos, [[MGM Grand Detroit]], [[Greektown Casino|Greektown]], [[Motor City Casino|Motor City]], and [[Caesars Windsor]] in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; moreover, Detroit is the largest American city and metropolitan region to offer casino resorts.<ref name=Mink>Mink, Randy, and Karen Mink (July 2001).Detroit Turns 300 – Detroit 300 Festival. ''Travel America'', World Publishing Co., Gale Group.</ref>
[[File:Holland State Park.jpg|thumb|Lake Michigan beach at [[Holland State Park]]]]
Hunting and fishing are significant industries in the state. Charter boats are based in many Great Lakes cities to fish for salmon, trout, walleye and perch. Michigan ranks first in the nation in licensed hunters (over one million) who contribute $2&nbsp;billion annually to its economy. Over three-quarters of a million hunters participate in [[white-tailed deer]] season alone. Many school districts in rural areas of Michigan cancel school on the opening day of firearm deer season, because of attendance concerns.
 
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources manages the largest dedicated state forest system in the nation. The forest products industry and recreational users contribute $12&nbsp;billion and 200,000 associated jobs annually to the state's economy. Public hiking and hunting access has also been secured in extensive commercial forests. The state has the highest number of golf courses and registered [[snowmobile]]s in the nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-38948-121641--,00.html|title=Economic Impact - Natural Resources Boost Michigan's Economy |publisher=Michigan.gov}}</ref>
 
The state has numerous [[historical marker]]s, which can themselves become the center of a tour.<ref>[http://www.michmarkers.com/Frameset.htm Michigan Historical Markers] [http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17449_18638_18654-107240--,00.html Traveling Through time: A guide to Michigan Historical Markers]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> The [[Great Lakes Circle Tour]] is a designated scenic road system connecting all of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.great-lakes.net/tourism/circletour/ |title=Great Lakes Circle Tour |publisher=Great-lakes.net |date=2005-07-05 |accessdate=2010-07-25}}</ref>
 
With its position in relation to the Great Lakes and the countless ships that have foundered over the many years in which they have been used as a transport route for people and bulk cargo, Michigan is a world-class scuba diving destination. The [[Michigan Underwater Preserves]] are 11 underwater areas where wrecks are protected for the benefit of sport divers.
 
==Transportation==
[[File:Mackinac Bridge Sunset.jpg|thumb|[[Mackinac Bridge]]]]
Michigan has nine international crossings with [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]:
* [[Ambassador Bridge]], North America's busiest international border crossing the [[Detroit River]]
* [[Blue Water Bridge]], a twin-span bridge ([[Port Huron, Michigan]], and [[Point Edward, Ontario]], but the larger city of [[Sarnia|Sarnia, Ontario]], is usually referred to on the Canadian side)
* Blue Water Ferry ([[Marine City, Michigan]], and Sombra, Ontario)
* [[Michigan Central Railway Tunnel|Canadian Pacific Railway tunnel]]
* [[Detroit–Windsor Truck Ferry]] ([[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]], and [[Windsor, Ontario]])
* [[Detroit–Windsor Tunnel]]
* [[Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge|International Bridge]] ([[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan]], and [[Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario]])
* [[St. Clair Tunnel|St. Clair River Railway Tunnel]] ([[Port Huron, Michigan]], and [[Sarnia|Sarnia, Ontario]])
* [[Walpole Island]] Ferry ([[Algonac, Michigan]], and [[Walpole Island]] First Nation, Ontario)
 
A second international bridge is currently under consideration between [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]] and [[Windsor, Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.partnershipborderstudy.com|title=Detroit River International Crossing Study Website}}</ref>
 
===Railroads===
{{See also|List of Michigan railroads|History of railroads in Michigan}}
Michigan is served by four [[Class I railroad]]s: the [[Canadian National Railway]], the [[Canadian Pacific Railway]], [[CSX Transportation]], and the [[Norfolk Southern Railway]]. These are augmented by several dozen [[short line railroad]]s. The vast majority of rail service in Michigan is devoted to [[freight rail|freight]], with Amtrak and various scenic railroads the exceptions.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://michigan.gov/documents/MDOT_Official_Rail_130897_7.pdf | title=Railroads Operating in Michigan | work=Michigan Department of Transportation | accessdate=2008-02-15|format=PDF}}</ref>
 
{{Main|Michigan Services}}
[[Amtrak]] passenger rail services the state, connecting many southern and western Michigan cities to Chicago, Illinois. There are plans for [[commuter rail]] for Detroit and its [[suburbs]] (see [[SEMCOG Commuter Rail]]).<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070210234916/http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070122/NEWS06/701220388/1001/BUSINESS05 Commuter rail plan to Detroit gets a push: Amtrak from Ann Arbor], January 22, 2007, Kathleen Gray, ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'', via Internet Archive</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marp.org/detroitcommuter.htm|title=Commuter rail service facts}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/03/commuter_rail_line_will_have_s.html Commuter rail line will have stop in Ypsilanti], John Mulcahy, ''The Ann Arbor News'', March 10, 2009</ref>
 
===Roadways===
[[File:Michigan entrance sign.JPG|thumb|right|Welcome sign]]
{{See also|Michigan State Trunkline Highway System|List of County-Designated Highways in Michigan|l2=County-Designated Highways in Michigan}}
[[Interstate 75 in Michigan|Interstate&nbsp;75]] (I-75) is the main thoroughfare between [[Detroit]], [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]], and [[Saginaw, Michigan|Saginaw]] extending north to [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan|Sault Sainte Marie]] and providing access to [[Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario]]. The [[freeway]] crosses the [[Mackinac Bridge]] between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Branching highways include [[Interstate 275 (Michigan)|I-275]] and [[Interstate 375 (Michigan)|I-375]] in Detroit; [[Interstate 475 (Michigan)|I-475]] in Flint; and I-675 in Saginaw.
 
[[Interstate 69 in Michigan|I-69]] enters the state near the Michigan–[[Ohio]]–[[Indiana]] border, and it extends to [[Port Huron, Michigan|Port Huron]] and provides access to the [[Blue Water Bridge]] crossing into [[Sarnia]], Ontario.
 
[[Interstate 94 in Michigan|I-94]] enters the western end of the state at the Indiana border, and it travels east to Detroit and then northeast to Port Huron and ties in with I-69. [[Interstate 194 (Michigan)|I-194]] branches off from this freeway in [[Battle Creek, Michigan|Battle Creek]]. I-94 is the main artery between [[Chicago]] and Detroit.
 
[[Interstate 96|I-96]] runs east–west between Detroit and [[Muskegon, Michigan|Muskegon]]. [[Interstate 496|I-496]] loops through [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]]. [[Interstate 196|I-196]] branches off from this freeway at [[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]] and connects to I-94 near [[Benton Harbor, Michigan|Benton Harbor]]. [[Interstate 696|I-696]] branches off from this freeway at [[Novi, Michigan|Novi]] and connects to I-94 near [[St. Clair Shores, Michigan|St Clair Shores]].
 
[[U.S. Route 2 in Michigan|U.S. Highway 2]] (US&nbsp;2) enters Michigan at the city of [[Ironwood, Michigan|Ironwood]] and runs east to the town of [[Crystal Falls, Michigan|Crystal Falls]], where it turns south and briefly re-enters [[Wisconsin]] northwest of [[Florence (CDP), Wisconsin|Florence]]. It re-enters Michigan north of [[Iron Mountain, Michigan|Iron Mountain]] and continues through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the cities of [[Escanaba, Michigan|Escanaba]], [[Manistique, Michigan|Manistique]], and [[St. Ignace, Michigan|St. Ignace]]. Along the way, it cuts through the [[Ottawa National Forest|Ottawa]] and [[Hiawatha National Forest|Hiawatha]] national forests and follows the northern shore of [[Lake Michigan]]. Its eastern terminus lies at exit&nbsp;344 on I-75, just north of the Mackinac Bridge.
 
===Airports===
{{See also|List of airports in Michigan}}
The [[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport]], located in the western suburb of [[Romulus, Michigan|Romulus]], was in 2010 the 16th busiest airfield in North America measured by passenger traffic.<ref>[http://www.aci-na.org/sites/default/files/_rankings-2010nam_.xls Airports Council International 2010 Final Airport Traffic Report]{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref> The [[Gerald R. Ford International Airport]] in Grand Rapids is the next busiest airport in the state, served by eight airlines to 23 destinations. Flint [[Bishop International Airport]] is the third largest airport in the state, served by four airlines to several primary hubs. Smaller regional and local airports are located throughout the state including on several islands.
 
==Important cities and townships==
[[File:DowntownDetroit.jpg|thumb|The Detroit skyline along the [[Detroit International Riverfront|International Riverfront]]]]
[[File:Grskyline2.jpg|thumb|The Grand Rapids skyline centered on the [[Grand River (Michigan)|Grand River]]]]
[[File:1 Lansing Pan.jpg|thumb|A Lansing sunset]]
[[File:Flint skyline2.jpg|thumb|Downtown Flint as seen from the [[Flint River (Michigan)|Flint River]]]]
[[File:DownTownAA1 copy.jpg|thumb|The Ann Arbor skyline as seen from [[Michigan Stadium]]]]
 
{{further2|[[List of cities, villages, and townships in Michigan]]}}
 
The largest municipalities in Michigan are (according to [[2010 United States Census|2010 Census]]):
{{clear left}}
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; margin-right:60px"
|-
! Rank
! City
! Population
! Image
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Detroit, Michigan|Detroit]]
| 713,777
| rowspan="10" | [[File:MichiganCities.svg|float:right|thumb|250px|Map showing largest Michigan municipalities]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]]
| 188,040
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 3
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Warren, Michigan|Warren]]
| 134,056
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 4
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Sterling Heights, Michigan|Sterling Heights]]
| 129,699
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 5
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]]
| 114,297
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 6
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Ann Arbor, Michigan|Ann Arbor]]
| 113,934
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 7
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]]
| 102,434
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 8
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Dearborn, Michigan|Dearborn]]
| 98,153
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 9
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Livonia, Michigan|Livonia]]
| 96,942
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 10
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Clinton Charter Township, Michigan|Clinton Township]]
| 96,796
|}
 
Other important cities include:
<!-- Due to the need to keep this list short, please discuss additions on the talk page first. -->
* [[Battle Creek, Michigan|Battle Creek]] ("Cereal City U.S.A.", world headquarters of [[Kellogg Company]])
* [[Benton Harbor, Michigan|Benton Harbor]] / [[St. Joseph, Michigan|St. Joseph]] (headquarters of [[Whirlpool Corporation]])
* [[East Lansing, Michigan|East Lansing]] (home of [[Michigan State University]])
* [[Holland, Michigan|Holland]] (home of [[Tulip Time]], the largest tulip festival in the U.S.)
* [[Jackson, Michigan|Jackson]] (headquarters of [[CMS Energy]])
* [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]] (Largest city in southwest Michigan and home to [[Western Michigan University]])
* [[Manistee, Michigan|Manistee]] (home to the world's largest salt plant, owned by [[Morton Salt]])
* [[Marquette, Michigan|Marquette]] (largest city in the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]] with 19,661 people and home of [[Northern Michigan University]])
* [[Midland, Michigan|Midland]] (headquarters of the [[Dow Chemical Company]] and the [[Dow Corning Corporation]])
* [[Pontiac, Michigan|Pontiac]] (major automobile manufacturing center, and home of the [[Pontiac Silverdome]])
* [[Saginaw, Michigan|Saginaw]] (the largest of the Tri-Cities, which also consist of [[Bay City, Michigan|Bay City]] and [[Midland, Michigan|Midland]], and home to [[Saginaw Valley State University]])
* [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan|Sault Ste. Marie]] (home of the [[Soo Locks]] and [[Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge]])
* [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]] ("Cherry Capital of the World", making Michigan the country's largest producer of cherries)
 
Half of the wealthiest communities in the state are located in [[Oakland County, Michigan|Oakland County]], just north of Detroit. Another wealthy community is located just east of the city, in [[Grosse Pointe, Michigan|Grosse Pointe]]. Only three of these cities are located outside of Metro Detroit. The city of Detroit itself, with a per capita income of $14,717, ranks 517th on the list of [[Michigan locations by per capita income]]. [[Benton Harbor, Michigan|Benton Harbor]] is the poorest city in Michigan, with a per capita income of $8,965, while [[Barton Hills, Michigan|Barton Hills]] is the richest with a per capita income of $110,683.
 
==Education==
{{See also|List of colleges and universities in Michigan|List of high schools in Michigan}}
 
Michigan's education system provides services to 1.6&nbsp;million K-12 students in public schools. More than 124,000 students attend private schools and an uncounted number are home-schooled under certain legal requirements.<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/documents/NPSHS_numbers_05_131608_7.pdf Number of Non Public Schools in Michigan], Michigan Department of Education, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/documents/numbsch_26940_7.pdf Number of Public Schools in Michigan], Michigan Department of Education, 2010</ref> The public school system has a $14.5&nbsp;billion budget in 2008–2009.<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/b1011-09_319754_7.pdf 2008–2009 BULLETIN 1011 Analysis of Michigan Public School Districts Revenues and Expenditures], Michigan Department of Education, 2009</ref> Michigan has a number of public universities spread throughout the state and numerous private colleges as well. Michigan State University has one of the largest enrollments of any U.S. school. [[Michigan State University]], the [[University of Michigan]], and [[Wayne State University]] are the three major research institutions in the state.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education (RU/VH: Research Universities (very high research activity)) | publisher = The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching | year = 2010 | url = http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/lookup_listings/srp.php?clq=%7B%22basic2005_ids%22%3A%2215%22%7D&start_page=standard.php&backurl=standard.php&limit=0,50 | accessdate = March 9, 2011}}</ref>
 
==Professional sports==
{{Main|List of Michigan professional sports teams}}
Michigan's major-league sports teams include: [[Detroit Tigers]] [[baseball]] team, [[Detroit Lions]] [[American football|football]] team, [[Detroit Red Wings]] [[ice hockey]] team, and the [[Detroit Pistons]] men's [[basketball]] team. All of Michigan's major league teams play in the Metro Detroit area.
 
The Pistons played at Detroit's [[Cobo Arena]] until 1978 and at the [[Pontiac Silverdome]] until 1988 when they moved into [[The Palace of Auburn Hills]]. The Detroit Lions played at [[Tiger Stadium (Detroit)|Tiger Stadium]] in Detroit until 1974, then moved to the [[Pontiac Silverdome]] where they played for 27 years between 1975–2002 before moving to [[Ford Field]] in Detroit in 2002. The Detroit Tigers played at Tiger Stadium (formerly known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium) from 1912 to 1999. In 2000 they moved to [[Comerica Park]]. The Red Wings played at [[Olympia Stadium]] before moving to [[Joe Louis Arena]] in 1979.
 
Thirteen-time Grand Slam champion [[Serena Williams]] was born in Saginaw. The [[Michigan International Speedway]] is the site of [[NASCAR]] races and Detroit was formerly the site of a Formula One World Championship [[Detroit Grand Prix|Grand Prix]] race. From 1959 to 1961, [[Detroit Dragway]] hosted the [[NHRA]]'s U.S. Nationals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.50th-usnationals.com/apcm/templates/50th_history.asp?articleid=802&zoneid=52 |title=50th Anniversary Mac Tools U.S. Nationals: History |publisher=50th-usnationals.com |date= |accessdate=2011-11-05}}</ref> Michigan is home to one of the major canoeing marathons: the {{convert|120|mi|km|adj=on}} [[Au Sable River Canoe Marathon]]. The [[Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race]] is also a favorite. Professional hockey got its start in [[Houghton, Michigan|Houghton]], when the Portage Lakers were formed.
 
==State symbols and nicknames==
Michigan is, by tradition, known as "The Wolverine State," and the [[University of Michigan]] takes the wolverine as its mascot. The association is well and long established: for example, many [[Detroit]]ers volunteered to fight during the [[American Civil War]] and [[George Armstrong Custer]], who led the Michigan Brigade, called them the "Wolverines". The origins of this association are obscure; it may derive from a busy trade in wolverine furs in [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan|Sault Ste. Marie]] in the 18th century or may recall a disparagement intended to compare early settlers in Michigan with the vicious mammal. Wolverines are, however, extremely rare in Michigan. A sighting in February 2004 near [[Ubly, Michigan|Ubly]] was the first confirmed sighting in Michigan in 200 years.<ref name="msnbc">
{{Cite news
| title = First Michigan wolverine spotted in 200 years
| url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4374309/
| author = Runk, David
| date = 25 February 2004
| agency = Associated Press
| accessdate = 23 December 2008
}}</ref> The animal was found dead in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news| last=Bell |first=Dawson |date=2010-03-15 |title=Only known wolverine in the Michigan wild dies|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20100315/NEWS06/100315027/1318/Only-wolverine-in-Mich.-wild-dies}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
<div style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
* [[State nickname]]s: ''Wolverine State'', ''Great Lakes State'', ''Mitten State'', ''Water-Winter Wonderland''
* [[List of U.S. state mottos|State motto]]: ''[[Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice]]'' (Latin: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you) adopted in 1835 on the coat-of-arms, but never as an official 'motto'. This is a paraphrase of the epitaph of British [[architect]] Sir [[Christopher Wren]] about his masterpiece, [[St. Paul's Cathedral]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netstate.com/states/mottoes/mi_motto.htm|title=Michigan state motto, at least on its coat of arms}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(1vf2tp45f2zrc43menveha55))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-2-22&queryid=21357829&highlight=state%20AND%20motto|title=Law enacting State Court of Arms}}</ref>
* [[State song]]: ''[[My Michigan]]'' (official since 1937, but disputed amongst residents),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160--54116--,00.html|title=Michigan's State Songs}}</ref> ''[[Michigan, My Michigan]]'' (Unofficial State Song, since the civil war)
[[File:Dwarf Lake Iris.jpg|thumb|[[Dwarf Lake Iris]]]]
* [[List of U.S. state birds|State bird]]: [[American Robin]] (since 1931)
* [[List of U.S. state mammals|State animal]]: [[Wolverine]] (traditional)
* State game animal: [[White-tailed deer]] (since 1997)
* [[List of U.S. state fish|State fish]]: [[Brook trout]] (since 1965)
* [[List of U.S. state reptiles|State reptile]]: [[Painted Turtle]] (since 1995)
* [[State fossil]]: [[Mastodon]] (since 2000)
* [[List of U.S. state flowers|State flower]]: [[Apple|Apple blossom]] (adopted in 1897, official in 1997)
* State wildflower: [[Dwarf Lake Iris]] (since 1998). Known as ''Iris lacustris'', it is a federally listed threatened species.
* [[List of U.S. state trees|State tree]]: [[Eastern White Pine|White pine]] (since 1955)
* [[List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones|State stone]]: [[Petoskey stone]] (since 1965). It is composed of fossilized [[coral]] (''Hexagonaria pericarnata'') from long ago when the middle of the continent was covered with a shallow sea.
* [[List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones|State gem]]: [[Chlorastrolite|Isle Royale greenstone]] (since 1973). Also called ''chlorastrolite'' (literally "green star stone"), the mineral is found on [[Isle Royale]] and the [[Keweenaw peninsula]].
* [[50 State Quarters|State Quarter]]: U.S. coin issued in 2004 with the Michigan motto "Great Lakes State."
* [[List of U.S. state soils|State soil]]: [[Kalkaska Sand]] (since 1990), ranges in color from black to yellowish brown, covers nearly {{convert|1000000|acre|km2|adj=on}} in 29 counties.
</div>
 
===Sister states===
* {{Flag icon|Japan}} [[Shiga Prefecture]], [[Japan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ci.birmingham.mi.us/home/index.asp?page=419|title=Birmingham Sister City Program}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|China}} [[Sichuan|Sichuan Province]], [[Peoples Republic of China]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scfao.gov.cn/2005/2.html|title=Briefing on Sichuan International Sister Cities Cooperation and Development Week 2005}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
 
==See also==
{{portal|Michigan|Michigan Highways|New France|Metro Detroit}}
*[[Outline of Michigan]]
*[[Index of Michigan-related articles]]
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Michigan|List of National Register of Historic Places in Michigan]]
*[[List of people from Michigan]]
*[[Michigan fossil hunting]]
*[[USS Michigan|USS ''Michigan'']]
{{clear}}
 
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
 
==Further reading==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* Bald, F. Clever, ''Michigan in Four Centuries'' (1961)
* Browne, William P. and – Kenneth VerBurg. ''Michigan Politics & Government: Facing Change in a Complex State'' University of Nebraska Press. 1995.
* Bureau of Business Research, Wayne State U. ''Michigan Statistical Abstract'' (1987).
* [http://clarke.cmich.edu/ Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Bibliographies for Michigan by region, counties, etc.].
* Dunbar, Willis F. and George S. May. ''Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State'' (1995) [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0802870554 excerpt and text search]
* Michigan, State of. ''Michigan Manual'' (annual), elaborate detail on state government.
* Press, Charles et al., ''Michigan Political Atlas'' (1984).
* Public Sector Consultants. ''Michigan in Brief. An Issues Handbook'' (annual)
* Rich, Wilbur. ''Coleman Young and Detroit Politics: From Social Activist to Power Broker'' (Wayne State University Press, 1988).
* Rubenstein, Bruce A. and Lawrence E. Ziewacz. ''Michigan: A History of the Great Lakes State.'' (2nd ed. 2008)
* Sisson, Richard, Ed. ''The American Midwest: An Interpretive Encyclopedia'' (2006)
* Weeks, George, ''Stewards of the State: The Governors of Michigan'' (Historical Society of Michigan, 1987).
{{Refend}}
 
==External links==
{{Sister project links}}
*{{osmrelation|165789}}
* [http://www.michigan.gov/ State of Michigan government website]
* [http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=MI Energy Data & Statistics for Michigan]
* [http://www.infomi.com/city/ Info Michigan, detailed information on 630 cities]
* [http://www.michmarkers.com/ Michigan Historic Markers]
* [http://www.michiganhistorymagazine.com/ Michigan History Magazine]
* [http://clarke.cmich.edu/lighthouses/lhtime1.htm Michigan Lighthouse Chronology – Clark Historical Library]
*[http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/states/michigan/ Michigan State Guide from the Library of Congress]
* [http://www.michigan.org/ Michigan Official Travel Site]
* {{Wikitravel|Michigan}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Michigan}}
* [http://www.ers.usda.gov/statefacts/mi.htm Michigan State Fact Sheet] from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
* [http://www.mupc.net/ Michigan Underwater Preserves Council]
* [http://www.mml.org/ The Michigan Municipal League]
* [http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=MI USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Michigan]
{{clear}}
 
{{Michigan|expanded}}
{{United States political divisions}}
{{United States topics}}
 
{{succession
| preceded = [[Arkansas]]
| office = [[List of U.S. states by date of statehood]]
| years = Admitted on January 26, 1837 (26th)
| succeeded = [[Florida]]
}}
 
{{Coord|display=title|44.34|N|85.58|W|region:US-MI_type:adm1st_scale:3000000}}
 
[[Category:Michigan| ]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1837]]
[[Category:States of the United States]]
 
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[[ta:மிச்சிகன்]]
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[[yo:Michigan]]
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[[bat-smg:Mėčėgans]]
[[zh:密歇根州]]
Ανακτήθηκε από "https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/Χρήστης:Ιων/αμμοδοχείο"