Idaho - Political
 
CapitalBoise
Largest CityBoise
Major CitiesPocatello, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Coeur D’ Alene, Lewiston
NicknamesGem State
Area83,564 sq. miles
Population1,166,740
 
Idaho - Physical features
 
Mountain RangesRocky Mts, Bitteroot Range, Clearwater Mts, Salmon River Mts, Sawtooth Range, Lost River Range, Lemhi Range, Beaverhead Mts
LakesLake Pend Orielle, Lake Coeur D’ Alene, Priest Lake, Bear Lake
Plains/PlateausSnake River Plain, Great Basin, Columbia Plateau
RiversSnake, Salmon, Clearwater
Highest PointBorah Peak
Bordering StatesWashington (northwest), Oregon (west), Nevada (southwest), Utah (southeast), Wyoming (east), Montana (northeast), Canada- British Columbia (north)
National ParksYellowstone NP (partially located in Wyoming and Montana)
Key ProductsPotatoes, Wood Products, Cattle, Mining, Tourism
Natural ResourcesForests, Fertile Soil from lava flows (especially in the Snake River Plain)
 
Idaho - History
 
1805-1806Area explored by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who entered Idaho by the Lemhi Pass.
1860First permanent settlement in Idaho established by the Mormons at Franklin.
1890Admitted as the 43rd state.
 
Idaho - Facts
 
  • Hells Canyon, on the Idaho-Oregon border, is the deepest gorge in North America.
  • Sun Valley Resort, located high in the mountains in south-central Idaho, has golf, skiing, and swimming facilities that make it a thrilling tourist destination, and is touted as one of the best resort and vacation areas in the nation.
  • Idaho is the nation’s top potato producer.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument, located in south-central Idaho, is home to volcanoes that settlers in the region once believed resembled those on the moon, and hence the place took its present name.
  • Shoshone Falls, located on the Snake River at a height of 212 feet, are higher than the Niagara Falls.