Idaho Map
About Idaho
Located in the country’s northwestern region, Idaho is the 14th largest state in the United States. With an estimated population of 1,634,464, Idaho is the 39th most populous state in the country. Boise is the capital as well as the largest city of Idaho. Comprising 44 counties, Idaho is also known by its nickname the ‘Gem State’.
Idaho Counties
There are a total of 44 counties in Idaho at present. The largest county in Idaho is Idaho County, covering an area of 8485 square miles and the smallest county is Payette county covering an area of 408 square miles (1060 km2). Check this Idaho County Map which locates all the counties of Idaho on the map.
History of Idaho
Humans seem to have inhabited the area since 14,500 years ago. But prior to the arrival of the Europeans, Native American Tribes were the dominant people in the area. In modern times, both the United States and Great Britain laid claim to Idaho, which was a part of the Oregon Country; however, in 1846, the United States was successful in gaining undisputed jurisdiction over the area. With Oregon becoming a state, Idaho remained in the original Oregon Territory. On March 4, 1863, the Idaho Territory was created. In 1865, Boise became the capital of Idaho. On July 3, 1890, Idaho became the 43rd state in the United States.
Geography of Idaho
Idaho covers an area of 83,570 square miles. To its northeast is located the state of Montana and to the east is Wyoming. The two states of Nevada and Utah are located to the south while Washington and Oregon are located to the west. To the north of Idaho lies the Canadian province of British Columbia. Since Idaho is a Rocky Mountain state, its landscape is basically rugged. Some important rivers of Idaho are the Clearwater River, Snake River, Salmon River, and the Clark Fork/Pend Oreille River.
With a height of 12,662 feet, Borah Peak is the highest point in the state. Some prominent mountain ranges in Idaho are the Sawtooth Range, White Cloud Mountains, Salmon River Mountains, Bitterroot Range, and the Clearwater Mountains, among others.
Travel Destinations in Idaho
The Sun Valley Resort is popular among skiing enthusiasts, while the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is popular for its hiking and horseback riding trails as well as the opportunities it provides in the fields of snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Hell’s Canyon is a popular tourist destination and the deepest gorge in North America. Other than this, visitors can also take a trip to Shoshone Indian Ice Caves, Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site, Lake Coeur d’Alene and other wonderful attractions.
Transportation in Idaho
Boise Airport and Spokane International Airport are two important airports in Idaho. Some prominent rail services that cross through the state are Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific Railroad, Canadian Pacific Railway and Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Some important interstate highways are US Route 95, I-84, I-86 and I-15.
Education in Idaho
The University of Idaho, which was founded in the Idaho city of Moscow in 1889, is the oldest university in the state. Some other reputed universities in the state are Boise State University and Idaho State University.
Interesting Facts About Idaho
- Idaho is at times called the ‘Potato State’.
- After English, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the state.
- Idaho is the 7th least densely populated state of the US.
