Indiana is a state located in the United States’ Midwest. Its borders are as follows: the Ohio River and Kentucky to the south and southeast; the Wabash River and Illinois to the west; Michigan to the north and northeast; Ohio to the east; and Lake Michigan to the northwest. Indiana, also known as “the Hoosier State,” is the 17th most populous and 38th largest state in terms of area among the 50 states. Indianapolis is the nation’s capital and largest city. On December 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union.