Idaho is a state in the Northwest of the United States. Idaho borders the Canadian state of British Columbia to the north, Oregon and Washington to the east, Nevada and Utah to the south, and Montana and Wyoming to the west. The state has a size of 216,632 km² and is one of the larger states in the USA in terms of area. He was admitted to the Union in 1890.
Northern Idaho is often regarded as an extension of the Pacific
Northwest region, characterized by its dramatic shift from the
undulating, fertile hills of the Palouse—known for their
extensive wheat and grain fields—to the rugged peaks of the
Bitterroot Mountains, which form part of the expansive Rocky
Mountain system. This area benefits from maritime influences,
resulting in a temperate rainforest climate with higher
precipitation, humidity, and moderated winters. In contrast,
southern Idaho is generally aligned with the Intermountain West,
featuring vast plains and valleys ideal for agriculture, and it
adheres to the Mountain Time Zone (while northern Idaho observes
Pacific Time, with the divide roughly along the Salmon River).
To provide a clearer picture of Idaho's diverse geography,
here's a breakdown of its key regions, including major features,
climates, economies, and notable locations:
Northern
Idaho: This panhandle region, in the Pacific Time Zone,
encompasses sparsely populated areas north of the Salmon River.
It boasts dense forests, including parts of the North American
inland temperate rainforest, with abundant precipitation from
coastal air masses. Key features include Lake Coeur d'Alene, the
Priest River, and mountain ranges like the Bitterroot and
Clearwater Mountains. The climate is maritime-influenced, with
milder winters and higher humidity. Economy revolves around
natural resources, timber, tourism, and outdoor recreation;
major towns include Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, and the Port of
Lewiston (the farthest inland seaport on the West Coast).
North Central Idaho: Overlapping with northern areas, this
forested zone experiences significant maritime precipitation,
leading to lush landscapes and rivers like the Clearwater and
Salmon. It includes the Palouse hills transitioning to
mountains, with a focus on agriculture (grains) and forestry.
Climate features cloudy, humid conditions with moderate
temperatures. Notable spots are Lewiston and Moscow; economy
includes farming, education (University of Idaho in Moscow), and
some mining.
Southwestern Idaho: Centered in the Treasure
Valley along the western Snake River Plain, this urbanized area
in the Mountain Time Zone is bounded by the Owyhee and Boise
Mountains. It's home to the state's capital, Boise, and
surrounding cities like Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell. The
semi-arid climate has hot summers, cool evenings, and low annual
precipitation (around 11-12 inches in Boise). Economy thrives on
technology, government, agriculture (potatoes, onions), and
services; features include the Boise River and nearby wilderness
areas for hiking and skiing.
Central Idaho: This region spans
the central Snake River Plain and includes rugged mountains like
the Sawtooth Range and the Frank Church-River of No Return
Wilderness (the largest contiguous wilderness in the contiguous
U.S. at 2.3 million acres). In the Mountain Time Zone, it has a
continental climate with variable precipitation. Key attractions
are Borah Peak (Idaho's highest at 12,662 feet) and the Salmon
River; economy focuses on outdoor tourism, ranching, and limited
mining, with towns like Salmon and Challis.
South Central
Idaho: Encompassing the Magic Valley around Twin Falls, this
area in the Mountain Time Zone features fertile plains irrigated
by the Snake River, supporting intensive agriculture. Climate is
semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters, but irrigation
enables crop production. Highlights include Shoshone Falls
(taller than Niagara) and the Snake River Canyon; economy is
agriculture-driven (dairy, potatoes, sugar beets), with growing
tourism; major city is Twin Falls.
Eastern Idaho: This
semi-arid region in the Mountain Time Zone includes the eastern
Snake River Plain and mountain foothills, with a continental
climate featuring wetter summers, drier winters, and extreme
temperature swings (record lows below -50°F). It hosts Idaho
Falls and is near Yellowstone National Park's western edge.
Economy includes nuclear research (Idaho National Laboratory),
agriculture, and tourism; natural features are the Lost River
Range and vast lava fields.
Southeastern Idaho: Part of the
eastern area in the Mountain Time Zone, it shares the
continental climate with pronounced seasonal differences.
Centered around Pocatello, it includes Cache Valley and
tributaries of the Snake River. Economy blends agriculture,
education (Idaho State University), phosphate mining, and
outdoor activities; features include lava tube caves and
proximity to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Boise — As Idaho's bustling capital and most populous city, Boise
prioritizes showcasing public art and preserving its rich heritage. It
blends modern urban amenities with a charming, close-knit community
vibe. Tech giants like Micron Technology play a key role in the local
job market, employing thousands in the high-tech sector. The city
features an array of memorials, the Idaho Discovery Center for
interactive science exhibits, the Boise Art Museum with diverse
collections, and a dynamic downtown full of shops and eateries.
Entertainment venues include multiple movie theaters, the Morrison
Center for the Performing Arts hosting Broadway shows and concerts, and
the Idaho IceWorld skating rink. Travel is convenient thanks to the
Boise Airport and a mix of local and chain hotels. With a 2020
population of 235,684, Boise is nicknamed the "City of Trees" due to its
extensive urban forestry efforts. Additional highlights include the
Basque Block celebrating the city's large Basque community with
festivals like Jaialdi, the Boise Greenbelt for riverside trails and
recreation, Zoo Boise in Julia Davis Park, and the historic Old Idaho
State Penitentiary offering tours of its preserved cells and grounds.
Coeur d'Alene — Situated in northern Idaho amid rugged mountains, this
city offers prime access to scenic lakes perfect for outdoor recreation.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, it boasts a population of
54,628 (2020 census) and serves as a hub for tourism. Historically tied
to mining, timber, and railroads since its founding in 1878, the economy
now thrives on tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing, with attractions
like the Coeur d'Alene Resort featuring a world-famous floating golf
green. Key spots include Tubbs Hill for hiking trails, McEuen Park with
playgrounds and an amphitheater, and the Museum of North Idaho for
regional history. Annual events such as the Ironman Triathlon, Holiday
Light Show, and Art on the Green draw visitors year-round, while nearby
Silverwood Theme Park and ski resorts add to the adventure options.
Idaho Falls — Acting as the economic and farming powerhouse of eastern
Idaho, this city hosts the Idaho National Laboratory, a major center for
nuclear research. With a 2020 population of 64,818, it originated in the
1860s as a bridge crossing on the Snake River and grew through railroads
and irrigation projects. The economy balances agriculture—like potatoes
and grains—with healthcare, retail, and INL's 8,000+ jobs. Notable
attractions encompass the Museum of Idaho with dinosaur exhibits, the
scenic River Walk along the Snake River featuring art and trails, the
Idaho Falls Zoo, and the Mountain America Center for events. It's also a
gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, plus home to the
Idaho Falls Temple and sports teams like the Chukars baseball club.
Moscow — This vibrant town revolves around the University of Idaho,
blending agricultural roots with a lively college atmosphere. Boasting a
2020 population of 25,435, it was settled in the 1870s and named
possibly after the Russian city or a Native American term. The economy
centers on the university, which drives research and education,
alongside farming in the fertile Palouse region. Attractions include the
UI Arboretum and Botanical Garden, downtown historic sites like the
Moscow Public Library (a Carnegie building), and parks with trails such
as the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail connecting to nearby Pullman,
Washington. Events like the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Farmers
Market, and Renaissance Fair add cultural flair, while the Hamilton-Lowe
Aquatics Center offers family-friendly recreation.
Pocatello —
Located in southern Idaho, this town is anchored by Idaho State
University, fostering an educational and community-oriented environment.
With a 2020 population of 56,320, it traces its history to the 1830s
Fort Hall trading post and boomed as a railroad hub in the 1880s,
earning the "Gate City" nickname. The economy includes education,
healthcare, manufacturing (like ON Semiconductor), and agriculture, with
facilities like the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center. Highlights
feature the Idaho Museum of Natural History, Museum of Clean, Fort Hall
Replica, and the Stephens Performing Arts Center for shows. Outdoor
perks include the Portneuf River Greenway trails, Pebble Creek ski
resort, and annual events like the Simplot Games track meet and
Pocatello Marathon.
Sandpoint — Renowned for exceptional skiing and a
stunning lake, this northern Idaho gem is surrounded by mountains and
natural beauty. Home to 8,639 residents (2020 census), it developed in
the 1880s with railroads and timber, shifting to tourism
post-Depression. The economy focuses on tourism, manufacturing (like
Quest Aircraft), and retail, serving a broader region. Top draws include
Lake Pend Oreille for boating and fishing, Schweitzer Mountain Resort
(Idaho's largest ski area), and scenic byways like the International
Selkirk Loop. Events such as the Festival at Sandpoint music series,
Winter Carnival, and Lost in the 50s car show enhance its appeal,
earning it accolades as America's "Most Beautiful Small Town."
Shelley — Famous for its annual Spud Day festival, this small community
celebrates Idaho's potato heritage with fun events. With a 2020
population of 4,785, it was founded in 1904 and named after settler John
F. Shelley. Tied to agriculture, especially potatoes, the economy
revolves around farming and local traditions like school breaks for
harvest. The Idaho Annual Spud Day, held since 1927, includes parades,
spud-picking contests, free baked potatoes, and a demolition derby.
Attractions also feature the Shelley Greenbelt, a 2-mile trail along the
Snake River with picnic areas and family spots near North Bingham County
Park.
Stanley — Close to the majestic Sawtooth Mountains, this spot
provides endless outdoor adventures, such as exploring Redfish Lake
right at the base of the peaks. Boasting a small 2020 population of 116,
it emerged in the early 1900s in the Sawtooth Valley and is part of the
Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The economy leans on tourism and
recreation, with its remote location ideal for stargazing in the Central
Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. Key activities include hiking, scenic drives on
the Ponderosa Pine and Sawtooth Byways, and events like the Sawtooth
Mountain Mamas Craft Fair and Sawtooth Valley Gathering music festival.
It's also near the epicenter of a 2020 magnitude 6.5 earthquake and has
appeared in films like Pale Rider.
Twin Falls — As Idaho's newest
major city and the central point for the south-central region, it
thrives as a commercial hub. With a 2020 population of 51,807, it was
founded in 1904 through irrigation projects by I.B. Perrine and named
for nearby waterfalls. The economy emphasizes agriculture, food
processing (e.g., Chobani yogurt plant), and retail, with growth in
healthcare and wind energy. Attractions highlight the Snake River
Canyon, including Shoshone Falls (taller than Niagara), the Perrine
Bridge for BASE jumping, and Pillar Falls. It's famed for Evel Knievel's
1974 rocket jump attempt, and serves as a base for exploring the Magic
Valley's historic sites and outdoor pursuits.
Custer Ghost Town
Nestled in central Idaho, Custer is a preserved
historic mining town that was founded in 1879 and named after General
George Armstrong Custer. It once thrived with a population of around 600
by 1896, featuring amenities like a schoolhouse, jail, Miners Union
Hall, post office, and even a baseball team. Business declined after the
closure of major mines, turning it into a ghost town by 1910. Today,
it's managed by the Challis National Forest, listed on the National
Register of Historic Places since 1981, and includes restored structures
such as the Empire Saloon and schoolhouse for visitors to explore.
Sun Valley Ski Resort
Sun Valley holds the distinction of being
America's first premier destination ski resort, established in 1936 by
Union Pacific Railroad chairman Averell Harriman to boost tourism. It
quickly became a celebrity hotspot, where Ernest Hemingway penned "For
Whom the Bell Tolls" in 1939. The resort encompasses Bald Mountain for
advanced skiing and Dollar Mountain for beginners, offering year-round
activities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fly fishing, and
mountain biking in the stunning Northern Rockies setting.
Craters
of the Moon National Monument
This otherworldly volcanic preserve in
Idaho showcases immense expanses of stark, lifeless-appearing lava flows
alongside exciting lava tubes ripe for adventure and discovery. Spanning
about 750,000 acres, it includes the Great Rift volcanic zone stretching
over 50 miles, with a 7-mile scenic loop road (currently closed to
vehicles until spring 2026 but open for hiking and biking). Visitors can
enjoy hiking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing in
winter, and exploring unique geological formations like cinder cones and
spatter cones.
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This
vast wilderness area traces the path of the Snake River through the
impressive Hells Canyon, plunging to depths of up to 9,300 feet—deeper
than the Grand Canyon—and extends northward to Lewiston, at the meeting
point of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers. As the largest contiguous
federally managed wilderness in the contiguous U.S. at 2.367 million
acres, it features rugged mountains, deep canyons, and wild whitewater
rivers, providing habitat for diverse wildlife including wolves, black
bears, mountain lions, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. It's
ideal for backcountry activities like rafting, hiking, and wildlife
observation, bordered by other wilderness areas like Selway-Bitterroot.
Yellowstone National Park
Recognized as the globe's inaugural
national park, Yellowstone hosts the densest population of mammals in
the lower 48 states and is predominantly situated in Wyoming, with minor
extensions into Montana and Idaho. Its famous Old Faithful geyser is
most accessible from Idaho via Idaho Falls and the West Entrance near
West Yellowstone, Montana, though road access for vehicles is limited to
summer months (May through early November), switching to snow vehicles
in winter. Established in 1872, the park covers nearly 9,000 square
kilometers, with just 1% in Idaho, offering opportunities for hiking,
wildlife viewing, and exploring geothermal features from nearby gateways
like Island Park, only 20 minutes from the west entrance.
Nez
Perce Indian Reservation
Located just east of Lewiston, this
reservation is the homeland of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people, whose
ancestors provided crucial assistance to Lewis and Clark during their
expedition's harsh winter. Encompassing north-central Idaho and
historically spanning about 16 million acres before reductions, it now
offers cultural experiences through Nez Perce Tourism, including
interactive storytelling, songs, dances, and land/water journeys. The
associated Nez Perce National Historical Park features 38 sites across
four states, highlighting their rich history, with enterprises like
cultural tours and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail tracing their
1877 flight.
City of Rocks National Reserve
Positioned along
Idaho's southern boundary, this reserve draws outdoor enthusiasts with
its intricate network of towering granite boulders, some soaring over
100 meters, making it a prime spot for hiking and rock climbing.
Renowned as a world-class climbing destination since the 1970s, it
boasts over 1,000 routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.14 in difficulty, both
traditional and sport styles. Hiking options include easy trails like
the 250-foot Window Arch Trail or the 1-mile Geological Interpretive
Trail, plus activities such as camping, horseback riding, and mountain
biking amid dramatic scenery.
Lewis and Clark National Historic
Trail
From May 1804 to September 1806, a group of 32 men, one woman,
and a baby—collectively the Corps of Discovery—journeyed from the
Midwest's plains to the Pacific Ocean's edge. In Idaho, the expedition
first entered at Lemhi Pass on August 12, 1805, with key sites along the
trail's 3,700-mile route, including auto tour routes and high-potential
historic spots. The Idaho portion highlights interactions with the Nez
Perce and rugged terrain, offering visitors opportunities to follow the
path via driving loops, hiking, and exploring commemorative sites.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
As the largest national recreation area in the United States, Sawtooth
spans an impressive landscape in central Idaho. Covering 756,000 acres,
it includes over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks exceeding 10,000 feet,
and more than 300 high-elevation alpine lakes. Outdoor pursuits abound,
from hiking and backpacking to whitewater rafting, rock climbing,
kayaking, mountain biking, camping, and fishing, all amid four mountain
ranges and grassy valleys.
As everywhere, English is spoken in Idaho. A special feature is that potatoes are not called "potatoes" but "spuds".
All major cities are served. Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary Horizon Airlines are the best, but United, America West, and Southwest Airlines also fly to Idaho. If you want to go south, you fly to Boise, alternatively to Salt Lake City and drive from there to Idaho. For the Yellowstone National Park in neighboring Wyoming, Idaho Falls Airport is a good choice, from where you can then drive to West Yellowstone (Montana). Spokane Airport in Washington State is ideal for the north.
Idaho is bordered to the west by Washington and Oregon, to the south
by Nevada and Utah, to the east by Montana and Wyoming, and to the north
by the Canadian province of British Columbia (the Idaho-CB border is 77
km long). The landscape is covered by one of the best preserved natural
regions in the country, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains and with
enormous natural springs.
The state also has high, snow-capped
mountain ranges, many waterfalls and waterfalls, calm lakes and deep,
steep canyons. The strong currents of the Snake River flow through Hells
Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. Shoshone
Falls falls from a height even higher than Niagara Falls.
The
highest point in Idaho (3,798 m.) is Borah Peak in the Lost River
Mountains, north of Mackay; and the lowest takes place in Lewiston,
where the Clearwater River empties into the Snake and continues its
course towards Washington.
Idaho has a large number of lakes, the largest located in the
Panhandle. The largest in area is Lake Pend Oreille, with about 345 km²,
which is also the fifth deepest in the United States and receives the
waters of the Clark Fork River and the Pack River and is drained by the
Pend Oreille River of the same name.
In Idaho, many of the rivers
have been dammed, the main reservoirs being those of Dworshak (on the
North Fork of the Clearwater River), American Falls, Brownlee and
Palisades (on the Snake River), and Lucky Peak, Blackfoot, Island Park,
Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch.
The main lakes in the state are
Coeur d'Alene, Priest, Payette (McCall), Pend Oreille, Lowell, Henry,
Stanley, Redfish, Alturas, Petit and Sawtooth.
Most of the state drains towards the Pacific slope, the main
collector being the Snake River, which is, without a doubt, the longest
and most important river in Idaho. It is followed in importance by
several of its tributaries, such as the Clearwater River, the Salmon
River, the Boise River, the Bruneau River, the Henry's Fork Branch, and
the Payette River.
A small part of the state, located in the
southern part, drains to the Great Basin, mainly through the Bear River.
Approximately 41% of the state's territory is covered in forests,
many of which are located in the Central and Northern Rocky Mountains.
The varieties of pine, fir, spruce, cedar, hemlock and other conifers
stand out. The Ponderosa pine, resistant to drought, grows in regions
that do not exceed 500 mm of rainfall per year, and the white represents
the state tree (it grows in humid areas). Other native specimens are:
Douglas fir, western red cedar, and lowland spruce. Aspen, usually
southern, is quite common, as is Panhandle birch. Most of the southern
region of Idaho is arid and has small shrubs and steppe vegetation,
although some cotton trees stand out on the banks of some streams.
Forestry is a practice benefiting the federal government, while a small
portion of land is privatized.
Mosses, ferns, and wild herbs (or
weeds) are typical among the Idaho borders. Some varieties of orchid are
found inside forest areas, and other flowers such as violets emerge in
good weather.
The lilac or syringa is the state flower.
Idaho is the natural habitat of many of the country's largest mammals,
including elk, antelope, elk, grizzly bear, and cougar, as well as mule
deer and white-tailed deer. Mountain sheep and goats can be seen in the
Rockies. There are also a number of smaller mammals such as the beaver,
the coyote, the red fox, the lynx, the muskrat, the weasel, the otter,
the badger, the rabbit, the gopher, the mink, the raccoon, the marmot. ,
the marten and the chipmunk.
Among the reptiles, the lizard and
the snake stand out, with the rattlesnake being the one that represents
the greatest danger.
The state is also a transit area for
hundreds of birds that head south in the autumn. Mallard ducks, Canada
geese and swans make their stop in Idaho, just as gulls and swallows do
when they detour inland. Other sea birds include the heron, kingfisher,
white pelican, coot, two-crested cormorant, curlew, etc. Regarding local
birds, we find some types of grouse and quail, collared pheasant,
partridge, golden and bald eagle, peregrine falcon, owl, owl and other
wide range of species (crow, robin, etc.). The blue bird, which is under
protection, is considered official and representative of Idaho.
Finally, among the fish we can find salmon, trout, bass, catfish,
sturgeon, etc.
The climate is mostly arid in the plain regions and in the valleys,
while in the mountainous areas humidity predominates and lends itself
more to the presence of occasional rainfall. Winters are generally very
cold and summers quite warm.
Low temperatures occur frequently in
the east, with averages of -2 to -10 °C in January. However, the
mountains protect the state from strong polar cold waves and act as
thermal regulators. In summer, the hottest end is the southwest, while
the coolest is in the heights.
The mountains are more likely to
receive heavy snowfall, and the plains are also those that experience
droughts in the absence of rain (between 200 and 500 mm). The Panhandle
is the wettest region, where the rain gauge registers up to more than
1000 mm. Finally, many of the storms occur during the winter and often
manifest as snow, leaving many parts of Idaho isolated for long periods.
Idaho is perhaps the only state to be named practically as a result
of an error. In the early 1860s, when the United States Congress
contemplated the possibility of administering territory in the Rocky
Mountains, the eccentric and influential George M. Willing suggested the
name "Idaho," claiming that it derived from a Shoshone word meaning "the
sun that rises in the mountains" or the "gem of the mountains." Willing
later clarified that he invented the term himself. As a result, Congress
made the decision to call it Colorado Territory in February 1861.
However, the word “Idaho” did not disappear. The same year that
Congress created Colorado, a county called Idaho was founded east of
Washington, in honor of a ship of the same name that had anchored on the
banks of the Columbia River in 1860. It is not clear if the ship was
before or after Willing's statement. Despite this, a portion of
Washington Territory that included Idaho County was used to create the
state of the same name in 1863. Leaving aside the lack of information
about the origin of the name, many twentieth-century textbooks agreed
that It came from the Shoshone "ee-da-how."
In excavations between 1997 and 2019 at the Cooper's Ferry site, near
the Salmon River and the city of Cottonwood, archaeologists led by
Professor Loren Davis have found projectile points and stone tools,
along with bones from hunted animals and trace of bonfires dating back
up to 15,280 to 16,560 years.
Traces of human activity had
already been found in Idaho dating back at least 14,500 years. In 1959,
excavations in Wilson Butte Cave, near Twin Falls, revealed this theory
by finding arrowheads, some of the oldest artifacts in North America. On
the other hand, the Amerindian tribes that predominated in the area
included the Nez Perce settled in the north, and the Norse and Western
Shoshone in the south.
Idaho, as part of the independent state of
Oregon, was claimed by both the United States and the United Kingdom
until the former obtained the absolute right to its jurisdiction in
1846. Since then and after the creation of the territory of Idaho in
1863, parts of the current state were included between the borders of
Oregon, Washington and Dakota. The new terrain encompassed much of
present-day Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
After some tribulations,
including the chaotic change of the territorial capital from Lewiston to
Boise and the federal attempt to divide the existing space between
Washington and Nevada, Idaho was proclaimed as a state in 1890. Its
economy, which had early been supplied by mining , turned to agriculture
and tourism.
Recently, Idaho has become richer as a technological
and scientific center, accounting for 25% of its capital (more than what
agricultural, mining and forestry activities contribute).
Towards the second half of the 19th century, Idaho received cattle
from California and Texas with the intention of supplying the miners.
Shortly after, the rich pastures and good climatic and environmental
conditions favored the development of livestock activity, absorbing
hundreds of men who saw in the state's soils the possibility of
achieving a stable economy. Corn cultivation declined as farmers
realized the possibility of planting oats, barley, and wheat in the arid
Snake River Valley.
With the construction of new roads and the
consequent discovery of gold, many Americans set their course for Idaho,
which was already connected to the national market thanks to the first
railway lines that made it possible to transport raw materials to the
rest of the country. In 1874 a train was already operating whose arrival
limit was the Utah-Idaho border. Seven years later it would be extended
to the mines of Montana, while other routes connected the state with
Oregon and Wyoming.
By the mid-1880s, the railroad covered much
of the Pacific West of the United States and served as a way for workers
and businessmen to travel through the gold mines.
The geographical location of a region separated by mountains ended up
dividing Idaho into two parts through its northern and southern
extremes. The ability to unite that was expected from a future state
government gave rise to doubts and repercussions, as a result of its
obvious obstacles. For this reason, there was no shortage of
opportunities for use by the neighboring states that sought to divide
the territory for their own benefit. However, and despite the
acquisitive attempts of Nevada and Washington, the Idaho ruling
authorities prevented their mission and appealed to a feeling of
territorial unity that had not found its foundation in the past.
Soon, with the slight economic push that favored the production and sale
of products to other surrounding areas, the population of Idaho grew on
a large scale, going from 33,000 inhabitants in 1880 to exceeding
160,000 at the beginning of the 20th century.
The population flow
that entered the territory came mainly from China and the Basque Country
(both Spanish and French). From then on, Idaho would receive a good
number of people from the South, Southwest and Central United States, as
well as Mormons and other groups. A large contingent of new citizens
were Republicans, which explains the favoritism towards the party that
exists in Idaho, and which is given by its founding history.
On
July 3, 1890, the territory was constituted as a new state and became a
member of the National Congress of the United States, as its 43rd
member.
During the First World War the number of civilians enlisted in the
Army was, in comparison, higher than that recorded nationally. A lot of
labor was needed to raise the crops and supply the soldiers. In 1920,
two years after the armed conflict ended, Idaho suffered, like the rest
of the country, a sharp economic decline that plunged it into misery and
forced many of its inhabitants to leave the state due to the crisis it
was experiencing. .
The situation was even worse when the Great
Depression took place, where sharp increases in prices were recorded and
drought threatened farmers with ruining the fruits of their work.
However, other states such as Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma were more
affected by weather conditions and capitals, so many of their
inhabitants emigrated to Idaho, serving as a balance between those who
had left and those who were entering.
With the implementation of
the New Deal, carried out by the then US president Franklin Delano
Roosevelt, the state would benefit from the implementation of job offers
for young people, public lighting services and electricity in areas
secluded areas, and forest protection in certain parts of the territory.
The economy was picking up again and Idaho was projecting itself into a
new technological and industrial phase.
World War II (1939-1945) was of great benefit to Idaho's economy. A
series of implements designed for war were manufactured in the state,
among them: wooden, silver and lead boxes for weapons, provisions and
food products. Likewise, the introduction of machinery and better
equipment to carry out field work was of great help in the modernization
process that, otherwise, would have ended up delaying mass production
from which it would be able to take advantage.
Many German and
Italian prisoners of war were imprisoned in Idaho. In 1942, after the
bombing of Pearl Harbor Bay (Hawaii), many Japanese were forced to leave
the western coast and resettle in the state, being hired by farmers and
having their own institution that guaranteed their rights in Idahoan
territory.
Starting in the second half of the century, forestry
activity and the export of wood would occupy a privileged step in the
state economy. Various companies received support from the federal
government to face the crisis that the war had left in the sector.
Scientific advances and technological development were providing new
tools for mining exploitation and suppressing a multitude of jobs.
Tourism came to be considered the third ingredient and one of the main
sources of Idaho's economic prosperity (each year tourists invest around
two billion US dollars).
According to 2005 estimates from the United States Census Bureau,
Idaho has an estimated population of 1,429,096, which represents an
increase of 33,956 or 2.4% over the previous year, and a total of
135,140 or 10.4% since 2000. This figure reflects a natural growth since
the last census of 58,884 people (that is, 111,131 births minus 52,247
deaths) and an increase due to the migration of 75,795 individuals to
the state. Immigration from abroad resulted in the arrival of 14,522
people, and immigration from other regions of the United States produced
a net growth of 61,273 inhabitants.
This makes Idaho the sixth
fastest-growing state, after Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and
Utah. From 2004 to 2005, Idaho was third, surpassed only by Nevada and
Arizona.
Nampa, its second largest city, has particularly
experienced a sharp increase in population recently. According to
projections made by the state census, Nampa had grown by 22.1% (65,000
between 2000 and 2003). Progress of 5% or more over the same period was
seen in Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Meridian and Twin Falls.
Since
1990, Idaho's population has grown to a level of 386,000 (38%).
The Boise metropolitan area is the largest in the state and one of those
with the highest population growth in the entire country, and others
that follow it in size are: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and
Lewiston.
In official 2006 statistics, six urban areas are based
in Idaho, with Twin Falls being the largest of those. The most
widespread ethnic groups in the state are Germans (18.1%), followed by
Irish (10%), Americans (8.4%), Norwegians (3.6%), and Swedes (3.5%). %).
Hispanics have grown rapidly, making up 8.5% of Idahoans as of early
2005, the majority of whom were white. Population development indicates
that the Hispanic minority tends to grow at a level of 70%, while
inhabitants of other groups do not exceed 8%. As a consequence, and to a
lesser extent than in other states, Spanish has been gaining ground in
Idaho, becoming one of the most spoken languages after English.
A
curious characteristic of Idaho is the existence of a small minority of
Basque speakers. This is due to the presence in the state of descendants
of Basque immigrants who came to Idaho at the end of the 19th century
and during the first half of the 20th century to work in the fields, and
who have managed to preserve the traditions and customs of their
ancestors. among them the language.
In 2019, religious affiliations in Idaho resulted in the following
groups:
Christians – 67% - 1,153,802
Protestants – 37% - 637,174
Catholics – 10% - 172,209
Mormons – 19% - 327,197
Other religions
– 4% - 68,883
No religion – 29% - 499,406
Along with other
Western states, the percentage of people in Idaho who consider
themselves atheists is very high
It is the most atheist, or
non-religious, state with almost 30% of the population.
The state GDP in 2004 was US$43.6 billion. The average per capita was
US$26,881.
Idaho occupies a prime position in the national
agricultural industry, producing nearly one-third of the potatoes
harvested in the United States. Other products that appear in the same
line are beans, lentils, sugar beets, cattle and their derivatives,
wheat and barley.
The most prominent industries in Idaho are food
processing, forestry, machinery production, chemical products, paper,
electronics, exploitation of silver and other metals, and tourism. The
government-owned Idaho National Laboratory, dedicated to the search for
nuclear energy, is also part of the state's capital revenue.
Currently, the largest industry in Idaho is based on the
scientific-technological sector. It contributes 25% of the state's
income, and constitutes more than 70% of its sales in dollars. Economic
prosperity is on the rise, with high-tech products leading the market.
Since the late 1970s, Boise has emerged as a manufacturing center for
semiconductor equipment, and as the headquarters of Micron technology,
being the only one in the United States to manufacture RAM memory
devices. Hewlett-Packard has been operating in Boise and southwestern
Idaho since the 1970s, focusing on the manufacturing of laser printers.9
Dell, Inc. has a large customer service branch in Twin Falls.
The
income tax ranges from 1.6 to 7.8% in 8 budget brackets. Idahoans can
claim credits for contributions directed to other states, as well as
donations to local educational institutions, and nonprofit youth and
rehabilitation treatment facilities.
The sales tax is 5%, and
includes the sale (in itself), the rental, or contract of some personal
property and certain services. Food has VAT, but the same does not
happen with clinical prescription medications. Hotel, motel and camp
accommodation have high taxes (7 to 11%). Finally, some jurisdictions
impose optional local tariffs.
State communications have never been easy, and in fact, the high mountains, canyons, and other geographical features make Idaho a very particular territory. Below we will see a list of the most relevant highways both locally and regionally.
Administration and Government
state government
Idaho's constitution has three branches of government: executive,
legislative and judicial. It has a bicameral legislature, elected from
35 legislative districts, each represented by a senator and two
deputies. The 1889 charter remains in force and is what regulates the
state.
Beginning in 1946, constitutional officers were elected to
serve for a four-year term. These include the Governor, the Lieutenant
Governor, the Secretary of State, the Patrolman (pre-1994 auditor), the
Treasurer, the Attorney General, and the Minister of Public Education.
Disproved in 1966, the Inspector of Mines was a constitutionally
elected official. It then became an assigned position, and was finally
abolished in 1974.
Idaho is an alcohol monopoly and strictly
controls its consumption.
According to the Constitution of Idaho (1889) in its third section,
the state is inseparable from the Union, and the constitutional charter
of the United States is the supreme law over the territory. Likewise,
political power lies with the people and Its main task is to promote its
equal protection and benefit, and it may be reformed, altered or
abolished when deemed appropriate. Religious freedom is guaranteed
without any individual being denied the right, privilege or ability to
exercise their faith. Curiously, the possession of weapons by the
population is allowed as long as it does not exceed the principles
established by the state government.
Freedom of dialogue is
allowed in all media (sec.9.ª), and citizens have the right to form
assemblies to discuss various topics (sec.10.ª). Imprisonment for debt
is prohibited (sec.15.ª), as well as physical punishment by the
authorities (sec.6.ª). Military power is subordinate to civil power, and
no soldier in peacetime can break into private property without legal
authorization (sec.12).
Idaho is divided into 44 counties that are governed by Boards of Commissioners. Each city or town has a popularly elected mayor. The state has long had an Association of Counties that is responsible for deliberating on issues related to politics, the economy and public works. This institution aims to coordinate the will of all sectors of the territory, in order to promote progress and order. It represents at the federal level, all of the American counties, and acts under the principles emanated by the legislature.
The governor of Idaho serves a four-year term, and is elected during
what is known nationally as a "midterm" election (that is, at the end of
a legislative term). Additionally, the governor cannot be elected in the
same year as the president of the United States.
The current
governor is Republican Brad Little since 2019.
Idaho's legislature is part-time. However, the session can be
extended if required, which is commonly the case. Therefore, Idaho
legislators are considered "citizen legislators" because their position
does not represent their primary occupation.
Both the Senate and
the Chamber of Deputies serve for a period of two years. Legislative
elections take place in even years.
The legislature has been
continuously Republican since the late 1950s, although Democratic
legislators are routinely elected in Boise, Pocatello, Blaine County,
and the northern Panhandle.
The body that regulates judicial matters is the Supreme Court, which consists of a superior court and four other aligned ones. The position of judge extends for a period of six years, while those assigned to district courts are elected to serve for a period of four. These meet throughout the year with the Supreme Court in various state locations. Each county has at least one magistrate judge who also remains in office for four years, and who is elected by a magistrate commission that presents his decision to the electoral body.
After the Civil War, many southern Democrats moved to Idaho,
resulting in territorial legislatures of that political movement. The
governors, on the other hand, were appointed by Republican presidents,
and belonged to Republicanism itself. This situation led to strong
controversies between members of both parties. Starting in 1880, the
latter would gain more ground at the local level.
Since its
proclamation as a state, the Republican faction has been dominant in
Idaho. Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th
century, the People's Party enjoyed a period of prosperity while the
Democrats led during the Great Depression. Since World War II, many
elected officials statewide have been Republicans, although Democrats
have had at least one elected official in each ward.
Idaho's
congregational delegations have also been traditionally Republican since
its consideration as a state. A good number of Idaho Democrats have been
successful electorally and won seats in the United States House of
Representatives over the years, but the Senate has been the seat for
Republicans for decades. Some senators from the latter party, including
incumbents Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, have been re-elected, but only
Democrat Frank Church has achieved similar results. Church was the last
to win a seat in the US Senate in 1974. No other Democrat has won a seat
in the House of Representatives since Larry LaRocco in 1992.
Idaho has always been a deeply Republican state, not in vain has it
supported the presidential campaign of this party, and has not elected a
Democratic president since 1964. Even in that election, Lyndon Johnson
defeated Barry Goldwater by just under two points. percentage. In 2004,
George W. Bush carried by a margin of 38 percentage points and 68.4% of
the vote, winning 43 of 44 counties. Only Blaine County, home to the Sun
Valley ski resort, supported John Kerry. Republican Senator Larry Craig
is forced to resign after sex scandal.
Boise is the capital and largest city. It has a population of 193,628
inhabitants (2006), which amounts to 518,853 in its metropolitan area.
It is located on the banks of the Boise River, at the foot of the Rocky
Mountains. It is the main commercial and industrial center of the state
and one of the long-growing cities in the country.
Other urban
centers that follow in importance are Pocatello, with 51,000 inhabitants
in 2004, and Coeur D'Alene, with a population of about 37,000 people
according to estimates made in 2003.
The first state school opened its doors in 1860, although
establishments that provided this service exclusively to Native American
children existed from earlier times. Five years later, there were twelve
schools available in Idaho, and only in 1887 would the law enact an
ordinance making attendance at them mandatory. Currently, young people
between 7 and 16 years of age have the right and duty to go to
classrooms according to current educational regulations.
The main
centers of higher education are the University of Idaho (1892) in
Moscow, Idaho State (intended as an Academy, it became a university
institute in 1963), in Pocatello; and Boise State University, located in
the city of the same name. At the beginning of this century, the state
had 14 institutions (7 private and 7 public) to pursue tertiary studies.
Idaho Albertson School
Boise State University
Brigham Young
University-Idaho
Idaho State University
Lewis-Clark State School
Northwest Nazarene University
University of Idaho
North Idaho
School
Southern Idaho School
Riverstone International School
The major college sports team is the Boise State Broncos, who compete
in the Mountain West Conference. For their part, the Idaho Vandals and
the Idaho State Bengals are rivals in the Big Sky Conference. The Famous
Idaho Potato Bowl is a college football postseason bowl that has been
played in Boise since 1997.
The Idaho Steelheads have competed
since 2003 in the ECHL, the third ice hockey league.
The Boise
Open golf has been part of the Korn Ferry Tour since 1990. Sun Valley
offers mountain skiing.
Official state emblems
Bird: Mountain
Bluebird
Dance: Cuadrilla (in English "square dance")
Fish:
Cutthroat trout
Flower: Lilac
Fossil: Hagerman's horse (Equus
simplicidens)
Fruit: Blueberry
Gem: Garnet-star
Horse:
Appaloosa
Insect: Monarch butterfly
Bird of prey: Peregrine falcon