Colorado is the highest US state, with 58 mountain peaks above 4,267 m, the Rocky Mountains, world-famous ski resorts at Aspen and Vail, and the geographic centre of the Rocky Mountain West in Denver.
Geography & climate
Colorado lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 39°N, 105.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 269,601 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Colorado all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Colorado is Denver, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Denver, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 5.8M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Colorado was admitted to the Union in 1876 as the 38th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Colorado is nicknamed “The Centennial State”, with the state motto Nil sine numine (Nothing without providence). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Colorado is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Colorado.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Colorado offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Colorado can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | CO | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Denver | — |
| Largest city | Denver | — |
| US region | West | — |
| Population | 5.8M | people |
| Area | 269,601 | km² |
| Statehood | 1876 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 38 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Centennial State | — |
| Motto | Nil sine numine (Nothing without providence) | — |
| Latitude | 39 | degrees |
| Longitude | -105.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Colorado has the highest mean elevation of any US state at 2,070 m above sea level — and Denver is exactly one mile (1,609 m) above sea level.
