Michigan is located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States. The name of the state itself comes from the Native American word "Michigama" which means "great lake." True to its name, Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, giving it the longest freshwater coastline of any political subdivision in the world. One noteworthy piece of trivia is that a person in Michigan is never more than six miles away from a fresh water source, or more than 85 miles away from a Great Lakes shoreline.

There are 83 counties in the state of Michigan. It is interesting to note that the boundaries for these counties have not undergone substantial changes since 1897. The most populous county in the state is Wayne County, followed by Oakland. Other highly populated areas in the state are Genesee, Macomb and Kent Counties. Michigan is the eighth most populated state in the U.S.

Michigan is the birthplace of the U.S. automotive industry, beginning with Henry Ford's first manufacturing plant in Highland Park. Automotive manufacturing is a major commerce of Detroit and Michigan. The state is also home to two of the U.S. largest pizza chains, Dominos and Little Caesars.

With all its beauty and industry, Michigan still has its share of troubles. The unemployment rate is the highest in the nation, at 10.6%. Increasing numbers of working class people are having a hard time finding work. Crime happens in Michigan as it does everywhere else, and the state has a system that responds to criminal acts. Incarceration rates in Michigan are 457 per 100,000 residents, closely approaching the national average of 502.

DUI Laws
Michigan DUI laws reflect the philosophy that the best way to prevent drunk driving is to administer strong punishments to those who break the law.The goal of these laws is to deter would be offenders by showing them that they will have a high price to pay for breaking the DUI laws. Along with jail time and fines, a person found guilty of driving under the influence can have their license suspended.

Gun Laws
The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects our right to bear arms, but that doesn't mean that everyone is allowed to have or use a gun. Michigan gun laws very clearly outline who can own, buy or sell a firearm. The laws also delineates an approved legal method for transport of guns. If you are planning to own, operate or sell a gun in Michigan, it's important that you familiarize yourself with these laws.

Unusual Laws
Every state has some crazy laws on the books, and Michigan is not exempt. For example, it is legal for a robber to file a lawsuit if they get hurt while burglarizing your home. In Detroit, it's illegal to let your pig run free in the city unless the pig is wearing a nose ring.

Detroit also prohibits men from scowling at their wives, but only on Sundays. Husbands who give the stink eye Monday through Saturday need not worry.