Idaho

Idaho, state in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States; bordered on the east by Montana and Wyoming, on the south by Utah and Nevada, on the west by Oregon and Washington, and on the north by British Columbia.

Land and climate

Idaho is dominated by the Rockies, including the Bitter-root, Salmon River, and Sawtooth ranges. About 50 of the state's peaks are over 10,000 ft (3,000 m) high. The Snake River (1,038 mi/1,671 km) flows across southern Idaho and curves north to form part of the western boundary of the state. The irrigated Snake River Plain is Idaho's major agricultural region. The high mountains have cool summers and severe winters, while the summers are hot on the Snake River Plain. Principal cities are Boise, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls.

Economy

Unlike many of the other western states, Idaho has vast water resources, and its dams provide hydroelectric power and water for irrigation. Idaho's chief agricultural products are cattle and dairy goods, and it is the leading producer of potatoes in the United States. Lumber and wood products are major manufactures of the heavily forested state, as are processed foods. The Sunshine Mine is the largest silver-producing mine in the country. Tourism is also important.

Government

Idaho's constitution, adopted in 1889, provides for a governor, serving a 4-year term. The legislature consists of a 42-member senate and an 84-member house elected to 2-year terms. The state sends 2 senators and 2 representatives to the U.S. Congress.

History

The area was inhabited by Native Americans more than 10,000 years ago. The first European Americans to explore the Idaho region were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1805. At that time local tribes included the Nez Percé, Shoshone, Coeur d'Alene, and others. David Thompson, a British fur trader, set up idaho's first trading post in 1809, and Mormons founded Franklin, Idaho's first permanent settlement, in 1860. That same year, gold was discovered, attracting scores of settlers. In 1863, the Idaho Territory was established. The U.S. Army defeated the Nez Percé Indians in 1877. Agriculture expanded during the early 20th century with the development of irrigation projects. Increasing demands for hydroelectric power led to the construction of a series of dams on the Snake River in the 1950s and 1960s. Agriculture remains an important sector of Idaho's economy, although other industries, including tourism, continue to grow.