States and Territories
Idaho, the "Gem State"
Abbreviation: ID
The state's name is thought to be an Indian name, Ee-dah-hoe, which means "gem of the mountains." Idaho, the 43rd state, joined the U.S. in 1890. Logging as well as mining are big industries in the state. But the state is probably best known for its potatoes. Idaho has a rugged landscape with some of the largest unspoiled natural areas in the country. Idaho is a Rocky Mountains state with exciting scenery and enormous natural resources. Idaho has towering, snow-capped mountain ranges, swirling white rapids, peaceful lakes and steep canyons. The churning waters of Snake River rush through Hells Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Shoshone Falls plunges down rugged cliffs from a height greater than that of Niagara Falls. Idaho is a skier's paradise but also provides excellent opportunities for hikers and campers during the summer.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Boise
Governor: Dirk Kempthorne, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Larry E. Craig, R (to Jan. 2009); Mike Crapo, R (to Jan. 2011)
House of Representatives: 2 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 1,293,953; National Rank: 39; Percent change since 1990: 28.5%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 5 Land Area: 82,751 sq mi. (214,325 sq km); National Rank: 14
10 largest cities (2000): Boise City, 185,787; Nampa, 51,867; Pocatello, 51,466; Idaho Falls, 50,730; Meridian, 34,919; Coeur d'Alene, 34,514; Twin Falls, 34,469; Lewiston, 30,904; Caldwell, 25,967; Moscow, 21,291
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 36,905; National rank: 45; Percent change since 1990: 52%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 6 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $24,506; National Rank: 42 (81% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 1,966; National Rank: 41
Agriculture: Cattle, potatoes, dairy products, wheat, sugar beets, barley.
Industry: Food processing, lumber and wood products, machinery, chemical products, paper products, silver and other mining, tourism.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information