Wyoming is the least populous US state, dominated by Yellowstone (the world's first national park, established 1872) and the Grand Tetons, and was the first US state to grant women the vote in 1869.
Geography & climate
Wyoming lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 43°N, 107.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 253,335 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 Wyoming all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Wyoming is Cheyenne, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Cheyenne, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 580K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Wyoming was admitted to the Union in 1890 as the 44th 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
Wyoming is nicknamed “The Equality State”, with the state motto Equal rights. 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Wyoming 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 Wyoming can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | WY | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Cheyenne | — |
| Largest city | Cheyenne | — |
| US region | West | — |
| Population | 580K | people |
| Area | 253,335 | km² |
| Statehood | 1890 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 44 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Equality State | — |
| Motto | Equal rights | — |
| Latitude | 43 | degrees |
| Longitude | -107.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Wyoming was the first US territory or state to grant women the right to vote, in 1869 — 51 years before the 19th Amendment did so nationally.
