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Colorado, "The Centennial State"

Abbreviation: CO

The state's name comes from a Spanish word meaning "red" or "ruddy", the color of much of the state's terrain. Called the "Centennial State", because it became the 38th state when the U.S. turned 100 in 1876, Colorado is most closely associated with the Rocky Mountains and has numerous peaks over 14,000 feet. Prospectors discovered gold in the middle of the last century, and the mining booms beginning in the late 1850s spurred Colorado's initial growth. The state's economy broadened when irrigated agriculture developed, and by the late 19th century livestock raising had become important. Early industry was based on the processing of minerals and agricultural products. In the second half of the 20th century the industrial and service sectors have expanded greatly. The state's economy is diversified and is notable for its concentration of scientific research and high-technology industries. Denver is an important financial center. Colorado is a state of unusual natural beauty. The scenic wonders of the Rocky Mountains attract tourists in both summer and winter. In the summer and fall, visitors enjoy camping, hiking, hunting and fishing. Old mining towns and Native American cliff dwellings lure tourists interested in history. In winter, skiers visit famous Colorado resorts such as Aspen and Vail.

GOVERNMENT

Capital: Denver
Governor: Bill Owens, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Wayne A. Allard, R (to Jan. 2009); Ken Salazar, D (to Jan. 2011)
House of Representatives: 7 districts | Search by zip code

STATISTICS

Population (April 2000): 4,301,261; National Rank: 24; Percent change since 1990:30.6% ; State Rank based on Percent Change: 3
Land Area: 103,730 sq mi. (268,660 sq km); National Rank: 8
10 largest cities (2000): Denver, 554,636; Colorado Springs, 360,890; Aurora, 276,393; Lakewood, 144,126; Fort Collins, 118,652; Arvada, 102,153; Pueblo, 102,121; Westminster, 100,940; Boulder, 94,673 Thornton, 82,384

ECONOMY

Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 173,772; National rank: 21; Percent change since 1990: 57%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 3 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $33,455; National Rank: 7 (110% of the national average)
State Merchandise Exports 2002: 5,521: National Rank: 27
Agriculture: Cattle, wheat, dairy products, corn, hay.
Industry: Scientific instruments, food processing, transportation equipment, machinery, chemical products, gold and other mining, tourism.

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