Portal:Michigan/Intro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michigan is a state in the Midwestern area of the United States of America. With an area of 253,793 km² (97,990 sq mi) and a population of 9,938,444 (2000 census), Michigan is the 11th largest state by area and 9th by population. The name is derived from the Chippewa Indian word mishi-gami, meaning "great water" which was originally applied to Lake Michigan.
Bounded by four of the Great Lakes, Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the continental United States, the longest total shoreline of any state except Alaska (including island shorelines), and more recreational boats than any other U.S. state. No point in Michigan is ever more than 137 km (85 miles) from a Great Lake.
Michigan is the only state composed of two separate peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is nicknamed "The Mitten" as it resembles the shape of a mitten. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is nicknamed "The U.P."; the residents of the peninsula are called Yoopers (from U.P.-ers).
