15 Fast Facts about Michigan

Michigan in many ways is all about water. Even the name Michigan is based on the Chippewa word “meicigama” meaning “great water”. It has about 65,000 inland lakes and ponds and borders four of the five Great Lakes. The state has the longest shoreline in the continental U.S. – nearly 5,300 kilometers (3,300 miles). “The Mitten”, as it is called by the locals, is the only state in the U.S which consists of two peninsulas.

Home to Henry Ford, the Mackinac Bridge and the Red Wings, here are 15 fast facts about Michigan.

Fast Facts about Michigan:

1. Capital: Lansing
2. U.S. State Abbreviation: MI
3. Admission to Statehood: January 26, 1837
4. # State to Enter Union: 26th
5. Time Zone(s): Eastern & Central
6. Nickname: Wolverine State | Great Lakes State
7. Largest City: Detroit
8. Number of Representatives: 14
9. Bird: American Robin
10. Flower: Apple Blossom (Malus coronaria)
11. Flag Colors: Blue with the state coat of arms
12. Demonym: Michigander
13. Border States: Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin
14. Population (2013): 9,895,622; Rank: 9 of 50
15. Motto/Slogan: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you

Want to learn more? Check out these 15 fast facts about Texas.