Idaho is a mountainous Rocky-Mountain state best known for potato production, the Salmon River Canyon (one of North America's deepest), and the resort town of Sun Valley.
Geography & climate
Idaho lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 44.5°N, 114.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 216,443 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 Idaho all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Idaho is Boise, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Boise, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 1.9M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Idaho was admitted to the Union in 1890 as the 43rd 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
Idaho is nicknamed “The Gem State”, with the state motto Esto perpetua (Let it be perpetual). 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 Idaho 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 Idaho.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Idaho 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 Idaho can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | ID | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Boise | — |
| Largest city | Boise | — |
| US region | West | — |
| Population | 1.9M | people |
| Area | 216,443 | km² |
| Statehood | 1890 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 43 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Gem State | — |
| Motto | Esto perpetua (Let it be perpetual) | — |
| Latitude | 44.5 | degrees |
| Longitude | -114.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Idaho produces about one-third of all US potatoes — over 5 billion kg per year — and the state's licence plates proudly read 'Famous Potatoes'.
