Detroit, nicknamed Motor City, for its huge role in the automotive industry, is the largest city in Michigan, and also one of the largest in the United States. It is also one of the oldest cities in the Midwest, and has the largest Arab population outside the Middle East. The ethnic composition of Detroit plays a huge role in the culture with large pockets of African Americans, Bulgarians, Belgians and Arabs residing within the city and its suburbs.
Detroit has a reputation as being a city of high crime, an ongoing problem many cities face, yet its diversity and economic bustle allow the city to be spotlighted for a more positive role in society. Playing a major role in automotive history, Detroit enjoys an economy that boasts not only the car industry titans Ford and GM but several major advertising agencies have offices in Detroit as well.
Detroit offers both residents and visitors a number of entertainment options from a wide array of theater possibilities, including Broadway productions, big-name concerts and smaller plays and shows. There are three casinos in the city, a compelling reason for any slot machine lover to pay this town a visit; and a diverse nightlife including bars, lounges and clubs. Detroit sporting events are popular; and Pistons basketball, Tigers baseball, Lions football, and Red Wings hockey all enjoy a large fan base in the area.
Belle Isle, a unique urban park, located on the Detroit River, is a haven for bird watchers, and houses the nation's oldest freshwater aquarium. It also has a zoo and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which offers a developmental history of the Great Lakes.
Detroit is surrounded by a number of distinctive suburbs, both affluent and well-known, including Ann Arbor, Grosse Point, Birmingham, West Bloomfield and Dearborn.
Detroit is located in the southeastern most region of Michigan, along the Detroit River. The city is just across the river from Windsor, Canada, a popular tourist spot for its chic restaurants, shopping and most of all, legalized gambling. Transportation between Detroit and Windsor is available via the Windsor Tunnel or the Ambassador Bridge.
