Indiana became the 19th state in the United States on December 11, 1816.The state's capital and largest city is Indianapolis.Indiana is located in the Midwestern region of the United States.The state is known as the "Crossroads of America" because of its central location and the many major highways that intersect in the state.Indiana is home to the famous Indianapolis 500, a prestigious annual auto race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.The state's official nickname is the "Hoosier State," and residents of Indiana are often referred to as "Hoosiers."Indiana is known for its rich basketball tradition, with the Indiana Pacers in the NBA and the Indiana Hoosiers in college basketball being popular teams.The state is also known for its agricultural production, especially in corn and soybeans.Indiana is bordered by Michigan to the north, Ohio to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Illinois to the west.The state has a diverse geography, including flat plains in the northern region and rolling hills and forests in the southern part of the state.