Sterling Heights has more sister cities than anywhere else in Michigan

To foster cultural exchange and contribute to global thinking within its community, Sterling Heights has relationships with 8 sister cities across the globe. 

A sister city relationship is a long-term partnership between two cities in different countries designed to create business, educational, and cultural exchanges between the regions. Tons of Michigan cities have sister cities throughout the world—but none have more than Sterling Heights. 

Sterling Heights, a Detroit suburb with a population of about 133,000, has eight sister cities—ranging from small coastal towns to major capital cities—in six countries. Keep reading to learn more about each one. 

1. Ankawa, Iraq 

Ankawa is Sterling Heights’ newest sister city. Ankawa, located more than 6,000 miles away from Sterling Heights in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, became a sister city to the Detroit suburb in August. About 90 percent of the city’s population is Chaldean, and Sterling Heights is also home to a significant population of Chaldean residents. This sister city partnership isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s meant to promote commerce and Caldean culture and includes initiatives such as a teacher exchange program and remote learning opportunities for college students. 

Ankawa has a population of about 65,000 and is a hub for the Assyrian Christian community. According to Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, the vibrant city “holds deep significance for many of our residents.”

2. Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Jaffna and Sterling Heights became sister cities in 2016. Jaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and was the capital of a Tamil kingdom for centuries. The port city is located on a peninsula and is home to Nallur Kandaswamy, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant Hindu temples. It’s about 8,666 miles away from Sterling Heights and is a bit smaller, with a population of about 88,000. 

Jaffna was originally founded as a trading town, but in recent years, new shopping malls and hotels have helped boost the city’s growing tourism industry. 

3. Shengjin, Albania

Shengjin, a coastal town in Albania, formed a sister city partnership with Sterling Heights in 2013. The small town is located almost 5,000 miles away from Sterling Heights on the Adriatic Sea and is known for its beautiful beaches. With a population of about 7,000 people, Shengjin is significantly smaller than Sterling Heights, but it has a lot to offer residents and visitors. It’s especially popular during the summer months when the weather is warmer, and tourists flock from all over to enjoy its natural beauty, including sand dunes, wetlands, and the sea.

4. Sant’ Elia Fiumerapido, Italy 

In 2010, Sterling Heights formed a city sister partnership with Sant’ Elia Fiumerapido—its second such partnership with an Italian city (more on the first one later). Located in the Lazio region of Italy, about 4,600 miles from Sterling Heights, Sant’ Elia Fiumerapido is a quaint community with a population of about 6,000. 

5. Sorsogon City, Philippines

Sorsogon City was established in 2000 after two municipalities—Bacon and Sorsogon—merged together to form it. Seven years later, it entered into a sister city agreement with Sterling Heights. Sorsogon City, located about 8,000 miles away from Sterling Heights, is known as the Gateway to Southern Philippines and has a population of about 180,000. The bustling city has a tropical rainforest climate and receives tons of rainfall throughout the year. 

Sorsogon City is a hub for commerce and trade, but tourism is also a major contributor to the economy. Historic buildings, museums, parks, and beaches attract visitors to the up-and-coming city. 

6. Cassino, Italy 

Cassino became Sterling Heights’ first Italian sister city when the partnership was finalized in 2006. Located in Southern Italy, almost 5,000 miles from Sterling Heights, this city has a population of about 36,000. The city center is located in a valley at the foot of two mountains—Cassino and Cairo—and about 17 miles from the coast of the Gulf of Gaeta. Cassino is home to many archeological sites, including a castle that overlooks the city, as well as several war cemeteries, museums, and parks. 

7. City of Legazpi, Philippines 

With a population of more than 200,000, the City of Legazpi is Sterling Heights’ biggest sister city. It’s also Sterling Heights’ first sister city in the Philippines (the partnership dates back to 1999). As the capital of the province of Albay, the City of Legazpi is the region’s center for tourism and commerce. It’s split into two districts—​​Legazpi Port and the Old Albay District—and is home to Mayon Volcano, an active volcano that’s a popular tourist destination. In 2012, Zac Efron rode an ATV around the volcano during a trip to Legazpi. The iconic volcano was also featured on “The Amazing Race Asia” and “The Amazing Race Philippines.”

8. Tetovo, North Macedonia 

In 1982, Tetovo became Sterling Heights’ first sister city. About 5,000 miles away from Sterling Heights in North Macedonia, Tetovo is a developing city with a rich history. It was founded in the 14th century and was under Ottoman rule for about five centuries. Located in the shadows of Sar Mountain, Tetovo is home to many historic structures, including fortresses, churches, and bridges. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.