midland

Midland is a geographic term used to denote the central part of a larger area or country. The name derives from mid and land, reflecting its position at the middle of a region. It is widely used in toponymy to describe central zones and their surrounding hinterlands.

In England, the Midlands refers to a broad central region that is commonly divided into the East Midlands and the West Midlands. This area has historically been a focal point of industry, transport, and urban growth, with major cities including Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, and Coventry. The Midlands combines urban centers with rural landscapes and serves as a substantial economic and logistical corridor, due in part to its location and legacy from the Industrial Revolution.

Outside the United Kingdom, Midland is used as a place name in several countries. There are towns and cities named Midland in the United States (for example, Texas and Michigan), as well as Midland in Ontario, Canada, and Midland in Western Australia. In addition, various counties or administrative entities may bear the name Midland. The widespread use of the term reflects its function as a generic descriptor for central or middle-ground locations rather than a single political unit.

The term Midland also appears in corporate and cultural contexts, where it is employed to convey regional identity or geographical scope. As a toponym, it is one of many midland-designated places worldwide, each with its own local history and characteristics.