DETROIT – Detroit is the most populous city in Michigan, with a population of 639,111 as of the 2020 census. It is a major cultural center known for its contributions to music, art, architecture, and design, along with its historical automotive background. [^1]
Founded in 1701, Detroit became a crucial industrial hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ranking as the fourth-largest city in the U.S. by 1920. The city thrived due to the automotive industry, making the Detroit River the busiest commercial hub globally. [^1]
Detroit’s population peaked at 1.85 million in 1950 but has since decreased by over 65% due to factors like industrial changes, job losses in the auto industry, and rapid suburbanization. In 2013, Detroit filed for bankruptcy, a status it successfully emerged from in December 2014. [^1]
Known as a key center of the U.S. automotive industry, Detroit is home to major car manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis North America. It boasts the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a significant hub airport, and stands as the second-busiest international crossing in North America with its Canadian neighbor, Windsor. [^1]
Detroit’s rich cultural heritage has influenced music genres like Motown, techno, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and punk. It has a unique architectural landscape, with conservation efforts preserving historic buildings and venues. Detroit has become a popular tourist destination, receiving 16 million visitors annually and earning recognition as a UNESCO “City of Design” and a must-visit place in Time’s list of World’s Greatest Places. [^1]