Idaho

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Idaho

Idaho is a state in the Western United States. It produces almost a third of the potatoes grown in the US and is the most politically conservative state in the nation. The capital of Idaho is Boise. The most populous city is Boise followed by Nampa and Pocatello. It is the among the twenty least populous states in the nation with a population of 1,293,953 according to the 2000 census.

The state name may have originated from a steamship which traveled the Columbia River. "Idaho" is a coined or invented word, and is probably not derived from the Indian phrase "E Dah Hoe (How)" supposedly meaning "gem of the mountains."

Geography The state is in the Mountain census region. It has a surface area of 83,570 square miles, and 0.98% of the surface area is covered by water. It is the among the fifteen largest states in area. Idaho has an arid steppe and warm summer continental climate. It ranks among the bottom ten in the total amount of surface water among the fifty states. Hell's Canyon is the deepest gorge in America. The state is bounded on the north by the Canadian province of British Columbia and the U.S. state of Montana and on the east by Wyoming. To the south lie Utah and Nevada and to the west are Oregon and Washington. The highest point in the state is Borah Peak with an elevation of 12,662 feet. Elk River is home to the largest tree in the state, the Idaho Champion Western Red Cedar. More than 18 feet in diameter and standing 177 feet tall it is estimated to be over 3000 years old.

History The Shoshone and Nez Pierce were some of the native American tribes living in the area that would become Idaho during the initial European exploration and settlement. The first documented European exploration of the area was by Pierre De la Verendrye (1743). In 1809 British and American fur trappers established a settlement at Kullyspell House by Lake Pend Oreille. Mormon Pioneers founded the first permanent colony at Franklin in 1860. The land that would later become Idaho was acquired from Territorial claim negotiated with Great Britain. It was carved out of Dakota and Washington Territories. Idaho did not have an Enabling Act prior to its admission as a State. Idaho was admitted as the 43rd state on July 3, 1890 by an Act of Congress recognizing a State government already formed. The Appaloosa horse was first bred in the Kamiah Valley by the ancestors of the present day Nez Perce.

Further Information Related websites Official website

Business and Economy The economic product (GSP or gross state product) of the state in 2003 was 40,403 million dollars. The state produces various commodities including cattle, dairy products, potatoes, wheat and hay. Electronic equipment, electronics manufacturing, farming, and lumber are notable industries. From 2000 to 2003 the GSP increased by 13.37%. Idaho's GSP represents 0.37% percent of the combined GSP of the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Society and Culture Two time Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street was born in Triumph. A person from Idaho is called a Idahoan. The state is nicknamed the Gem State. Its tourism slogan is “Great Potatoes. Tasty Destinations.”

Demographics The population was 1,006,749 at the time of the 1990 census. The State's population in 2003 was estimated to be 1,366,332 by the US Census Bureau. The state experienced an estimated growth of 5.6% between 2000 and 2003. Idaho's population is homogenous with a population more than 90% white. According to the 2003 census, the ethnic breakdown of the state is: White: 91% Black: 0.4% Indian: 1.4% Asian: 0.9% Pacific Islander: 0.1% Other Races: 4.2% Two or more races: 2% The state's latinos represent 7.9% of the total population. 88% of the population classifies itself as non-latino white.

Quick Facts Capital: Boise State Nickname: Gem State State Bird: Mountain Bluebird State Motto: Esto Perpetua (It is perpetual) State Flower: Syraga State Tree: Western Pine State Gem: Star Garnet State Horse: Appaloosa State Song: "Here We Have Idaho" State Folk Dance: Square dance State Fish: Cutthroat Trout State Fossil: Hagerman horse fossil

Regional Area

Surface: 83574 sq.mi Population: 1,293,953 Located in: North America Area Code: 208 President/Governor: Dirk Kempthorne Flag/Coat of Arms: