Situated in the northwestern corner, Indiana's four largest cities span only two counties, while the rest of the landscape is mainly farmland and forest. Its close proximity to Chicago maintains the agricultural economy.
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Although Indiana is known as the Hoosier State, it has also been called the all-American state because its citizens are thought to be firm believers in the American work ethic and local self-determination.
Since Indiana is tied directly to the export trade, it ranks high in the nation in per capita for exporting. One out of seven jobs are directly tied to the export trade. It is also home to nineteen of the "Big Three" automotive plants and more than three hundred of its suppliers. With more than seventy thousand farmers contributing over $4 billion in annual revenue, agriculture becomes Indiana’s second industry.
Statewide sales tax is six percent with local options for one percent additional food and beverage tax. Local counties may also levy local lodging taxes from one to five percent.
Boating and sailing can be enjoyed on the twenty-five miles of beaches on Lake Michigan between Gary and Michigan City. By following scenic US-12 you will be experiencing part of the eleven hundred miles of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour highway system. The large population of Amish must also be included in the state’s tourist attractions, with their food, crafts and furniture.
The state is home to eighty thousand acres of state owned fish and wildlife areas. Hunting is one of the biggest sports there with the best areas for quail and deer being in the wooded Cumberland foothills. Certain areas of the Hoosier National Forest are also used for hunting. State Parks also offer camping, picnicking and several forms of water recreation. Generally the parks charge a fee for their usage.
