Indiana: Hoosier State

Indiana, in the Midwest, is known as the "Hoosier State" (origin disputed) and for Indianapolis 500 motor race, college basketball passion, and manufacturing heritage. The state blends industrial cities with agricultural land and Midwestern values.

Indianapolis, the capital and largest city, hosts the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is iconic in motorsports. Notre Dame University is in South Bend. Indiana Dunes National Park provides Lake Michigan beaches. The state has rolling farmland and limestone quarries.

Indiana's economy includes manufacturing (automotive, steel, pharmaceuticals), agriculture, and logistics. The state is a crossroads with major highways connecting regions. Basketball is hugely popular (Milan inspired "Hoosiers" film). Indiana has produced vice presidents (Dan Quayle, Mike Pence), entertainers (David Letterman, Michael Jackson), and writers (Kurt Vonnegut). Conservative politics and manufacturing heritage define culture.