Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Estado Miranda is one of the 23 states (estados) into which Venezuela is divided. It is ranked second in population among Venezuelan states, after Zulia state. In 2007, it had approximately 2,857,943 residents. It also has the greatest Human Development Index in Venezuela according to the Venezuelan National Institute of Statistics. Miranda is also important center for political, economic, cultural and commercial activities. The state relies on a government of 21 municipal mayorships and one governor.