Miranda State (Spanish: Estado Miranda, IPA: [esˈtaðo miˈɾanda]) is one of the 23 states (estados) of Venezuela and the second most populous after Zulia State. As of June 30, 2010, it has approximately 2,987,968 residents. It also has the greatest Human Development Index in Venezuela, according to the Venezuelan National Institute of Statistics. Miranda is an important center for political, economic, cultural and commercial activities.