Utah Details

Utah is a western state of the United States that forms part of the Rocky Mountains. It is bordered by Idaho and Wyoming to the north, Colorado to the east, Arizona to the south and Nevada to the west. It has a total land area of 84,889 sq mi(219,887 km2), making it the 13th largest state among all other member-states of the confederate.

The name Utah is derived from the Ute tribe which means “people of the mountains”. This state is also known as the Beehive State. Utah became the 45th member of the confederate in January 4, 1896.

Utah was first discovered by Franciscan friars named Escalante and Dominguez who came into the state in 1776. This discovery was followed with the more successful trip American frontiersman Jim Bridger who discovered the Great Salt Lake in 1824. The discovery of the Great Salt Lake contributed largely to the establishment of Salt Lake City. Utah became a property of the US when the Mexican War ended in 1848.

Utah boasts of captivating natural resources. It is a leading producer of minerals such as copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc and molybdenum. It is also major supplier of oil and low sulphur coal. Aside from its diverse mineral reserves, Utah is also a engaged in various agricultural industries that have proven effective in uplifting the economy. Its major agricultural products include cattle, calves, dairy products, hay, greenhouse and nursery products as well as hogs.

Major tourist destinations in Utah include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks; Cedar Breaks, Dinosaur, Hovenweep, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Timpanogos Cave, and Grand Staircase (Escalante) National Monuments; the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City; and Monument Valley. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The state capital and the largest city of Utah is Salt Lake City This state has an estimated population of 2,736,424(2008 estimate).

Residents of Utah are called Utahan or Utahn.