Utah

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State in the United States of America



Utah is a state in the Western United States. It became the 45th state admitted to the United States on January 4, 1896. Utah is bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast. The state capital and largest city is Salt Lake City.

History[edit | edit source]

The area now known as Utah was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont culture. The first European explorers to visit the region were the Spanish in the 18th century. In 1847, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by Brigham Young, settled in the Salt Lake Valley, seeking a place to practice their religion free from persecution.

Early map of the region including Utah
Brigham Young, leader of the Mormon pioneers

In 1850, the Utah Territory was established, and it included parts of present-day Colorado, Wyoming, and Nevada. The territory was a theocratic state led by the LDS Church until the Utah War in 1857-1858, when federal troops were sent to assert U.S. authority.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Utah is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from arid deserts with sand dunes to thriving pine forests in mountain valleys. The state is home to five national parks: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

Sketch of Salt Lake City in 1860
Deseret Village

Economy[edit | edit source]

Utah's economy is diverse, with major sectors including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, information technology, and tourism. The state is a major producer of copper, gold, silver, and other minerals. The Great Salt Lake is a significant source of salt and magnesium.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2020 census, Utah had a population of approximately 3.2 million people. The state has a high birth rate and a young population, with a median age of 31. Utah is known for its large Latter-day Saint population, which influences the state's culture and politics.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Utah has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Native American, Mormon, and immigrant communities. The state hosts numerous cultural events, including the Sundance Film Festival and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Education[edit | edit source]

Utah is home to several major universities, including the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Utah State University. The state has a strong emphasis on education, with a high literacy rate and a focus on STEM fields.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Utah has a well-developed transportation network, including major highways such as Interstate 15 and Interstate 80. The state is served by the Salt Lake City International Airport, which is a hub for Delta Air Lines.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Related pages[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD