Location: Located in the Midwestern United States, Michigan is a glove-shaped state surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. It is known as “The Great Lakes State” and “The Mitten State.”
State Capital: Lansing
Largest City: Detroit
Population: Approximately 10,128,000 (2025 estimate), ranking 10th in the United States. There are approximately 25,000 Japanese Americans and 30,000 Korean Americans.
Area: 250,493 km² (slightly larger than Japan’s main island of Honshu)
Statehood: January 26, 1837 (the 26th state)
Geographic Structure: Michigan consists of two peninsulas, the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula, which are connected by the Mackinac Bridge.
Time Zone: Eastern Time (only the westernmost part of the Upper Peninsula observes Central Time)
History: Michigan developed as the heartland of the automotive industry. It is home to the “Big Three”—Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler—and has a proud history as a center of manufacturing that has helped drive the world.The name “Michigan” comes from the Indigenous word “Mishigami,” meaning “great lake” or “large body of water.”
Highlights: Michigan offers a unique blend of abundant natural beauty and urban culture, as seen in cities like Detroit. From lakeside resorts in summer to some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the country and beautiful snowy landscapes in winter, Michigan offers something different in every season.
