Outline of Idaho
Idaho is a Rocky Mountain state of the United States with exciting scenery and enormous natural resources. Idaho has towering, snow-capped mountain ranges, swirling white rapids, peaceful lakes, and steep canyons. The canyons of Idaho's Snake River include Hells Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Shoshone Falls, on the Snake River, plunges down rugged cliffs from a height greater than that of Niagara Falls. Among the mountains in the northern part of the state lies quiet Lake Pend Oreille, one of the world's most beautiful lakes. Boise, which is in the southwestern part of the state, is the capital and the largest city of Idaho.
Idaho's natural resources include fertile soil, rich mineral deposits, thick forests, and great water supplies. Idaho farmers grow sugar beets, wheat, and many other crops. But Idaho's most famous crop is potatoes. Idaho ranks first among the states in potato production. Beef and dairy cattle are also a major source of farm income in Idaho.
The processing of such electronic goods as computer microchips is the chief manufacturing activity in Idaho. The production of farm and forest products continues to be of great importance to the state's economy.
Most of Idaho's workers are employed in service industries, which include education, recreation, and retail trade. Spending by tourists benefits many service industries. Idaho also has an important mining industry. The state's leading mineral products include silver, phosphate rock, and gold.
About two-fifths of Idaho's people live in one of the state's two metropolitan areas. One-third of the state's residents live in the Boise metropolitan area. Boise is Idaho's largest city and capital. During the early 1960's, rapidly growing Boise annexed all or parts of the surrounding areas of Franklin, Mountain View, and Whitney. Nampa, Idaho's second largest city, is within the Boise metropolitan area.
Idaho's natural wonders thrill thousands of sightseers every year. Visitors can go with experienced guides on exciting boat trips through Hells Canyon and along the Salmon River. Hunters in Idaho shoot deer, bear, elk, pheasant, partridge, and duck in the forests and mountains and on the plains. Fishing enthusiasts catch bass, crappie, whitefish, and numerous varieties of trout in the state's quiet lakes and rushing streams.
Idaho is a skier's paradise. Its ski trails rank among the most popular in the world. Idaho's best-known ski resort is Sun Valley. This resort, which is in the southern part of the state, lies 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by high mountain peaks. Other favorite Idaho ski resorts include Bogus Basin, near Boise; Brundage, near McCall; Schweitzer, near Sandpoint; Silver Mountain, near Coeur d'Alene; Pebble Creek, near Pocatello; and Grand Targhee, near Driggs.
The name Idaho was first suggested in 1860 for the area that became the Colorado Territory in 1861. But the name was rejected because it was not an Indian word. In 1863, the name was chosen for the territory that included what is now the state of Idaho. The popular name of Idaho is the Gem State.
