Miranda State (, ) is one of the 23 states (estados) of Venezuela and the second most populous after Zulia State. As of the 2011 census, it had a population of 2,675,165 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. The state relies on a government of 21 municipal mayor-ships and one governor.