Michigan

Michigan is a state in the United States. The name is derived from Lake Michigan, which in turn is believed to come from the Chippewa Indian word meicigama, meaning "great water." Bounded by four of the Great Lakes, Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the continental United States, the longest total shoreline after Alaska (including island shorelines http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29938_30243-103397--,00.html), and more recreational boats than any other state in the union.

Economy

Michigan is primarily known as the birthplace of the automobile industry. However, it is also home to a thriving tourist industry, with destinations such as Traverse City, Mackinac Island, Saugatuck and the entire Upper Peninsula drawing vacationers, hunters and nature enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada. Although it has an urban image to non-visitors, Michigan is actually 50 percent forest, much of it quite remote. Both the forests and thousands of miles of beaches are heavy draws. Tourists also flock to many of the museums, particularly those in the Detroit area.

Related Topics:
Automobile - Traverse City - Mackinac Island - Saugatuck - Upper Peninsula - United States - Canada

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Hunting is a major component of Michigan's economy. Michigan ranks 1st in the nation in licensed hunters (over one million) who contribute $2 billion annually to its economy. Over three-quaters of a million hunters particpate in White-tailed deer season alone. Some K-12 school districts in rural areas of Michigan go so far as to cancel school on the opening day of rifle season, due to safety and attendance concerns.

Related Topics:
Hunting - White-tailed deer

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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 billion and 200,000 associated jobs annually to its economy. Michigan has more than 90 native species of trees, more than all of Europe combined.

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See also: List of companies based in Michigan

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• State income
• The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Michigan's total state product in 2003 was $365 billion. Per capital personal income in 2003 was $31,178, 20^th in the nation.
• Major industries/products
• Automobiles (General Motors, Ford, Daimler-Chrysler), Amway, Cereal (Kellogg's), Copper, Furniture (Steelcase, Herman Miller, Haworth), Iron
• state taxes