Quick Facts
Capital:
Lansing
Population: 10,095,643
Total Area: 97,990 square miles
Top Industry: Advanced Manufacturing
Located
in the northern Midwest section
of the United State, Michigan is a state known for its automobile
industry, the urban city of Detroit, and its miles of shoreline along
the Great Lakes. Made up of two peninsulas, the state is often
referred to as "the mitten" because of its geographical shape.
The
Michigan Economy
As previously mentioned, the automobile
industry comprises a large portion of Michigan's economy. In fact,
Detroit is known as the center of the American automobile industry. But
Michigan has other very important industries, including
agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
Manufacturing
- The automobile
industry falls under this main industry; Michigan is home to a number
of automobile factories for American car companies including Ford and
General Motors. Other products widely manufactured in the state
include military equipment, iron, copper, cereal products, and
furniture.
Tourism
- When one thinks of a
tourist destination, Michigan may not be the first place to come to
mind. However, the state has gained quite a reputation among outdoor
enthusiasts and nature lovers. People travel to Michigan for the
hunting, fishing, and camping.
Agriculture
- Michigan is a leading
grower of fruit in the United States; products grown include
blueberries, cherries, apples, and grapes. Michigan is also the
third largest producer of Christmas trees in the U.S.
Michigan
Transportation
Michigan is home to a number of
well-traveled interstates; many are main roadways that truck drivers
who drive throughout the state as well as the country travel on
often.
I-75
is a main roadway that connects
the cities of Detroit and Flint and encompasses the Mackinac Bridge,
which is a toll bridge that connects Michigan's two peninsulas.
I-69
enters Michigan near the
Ohio/Indiana border and heads northeast.
I-94
enters west Michigan through
Indiana and heads east to Detroit.
I-96
is a major east and west
interstate between Detroit and Muskegen.
