Nickname: The Centennial State (admitted to the Union in 1876, the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence)
Motto:Nil Sine Numine (“Nothing Without Providence”)
Abbreviation: CO
Population: ~5.9 million (2023 estimate) — 21st most populous state
Area: 104,094 sq mi (269,837 km²) — 8th largest state
Flag of Colorado
Geography
Location: Colorado is located in the western United States, bordered by Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas to the east, Oklahoma and New Mexico to the south, and Utah to the west.
Major Landforms:
Rocky Mountains: The Rocky Mountain range runs north to south through Colorado, giving the state its famous mountain landscape. Mount Elbert, located in the Rockies, is the highest peak in Colorado at 14,440 feet (4,401 meters) and the second highest peak in the contiguous U.S.
Great Plains: The eastern part of the state transitions into the Great Plains, where grasslands and prairies dominate the landscape. This area is primarily used for agriculture and ranching.
Mesa Verde and the Four Corners Region: In the southwest, you’ll find Mesa Verde, known for its ancient cliff dwellings. Colorado also shares a corner with Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, the only point in the U.S. where four states meet.
Plateaus and Basins: The western part of the state has several plateaus and basins, including the Colorado Plateau, known for its striking red rock formations and canyons.
Climate: Colorado experiences a semi-arid climate with significant variation in temperature due to the high elevation. The mountainous regions are cold with heavy snowfall in winter, while the plains tend to be much warmer. Summer temperatures can be quite hot, especially in the lower elevations.
Economy
GDP (2023): ~$400 billion — 22nd largest state economy in the U.S.
Major Industries:
Technology and Aerospace: Colorado has become a hub for technology and aerospace industries. The state is home to major companies like Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and other defense contractors. The Denver Tech Center and the Boulder area are known for their tech innovation.
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation: With its mountainous landscapes and national parks, Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. Popular tourist spots include Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, and Vail.
Energy: Colorado has a significant energy industry, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy like wind and solar power. The state is a leader in renewable energy generation.
Agriculture: Agriculture remains an important sector, with Colorado being a leading producer of cattle, sheep, corn, and wheat. The state also produces significant amounts of barley and is known for its craft beer industry.
Cannabis Industry: Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2012, Colorado has become a leader in the cannabis industry, with a thriving market for both medical and recreational marijuana.
Major Exports: Machinery, electronics, processed foods, agricultural products, aerospace technology, and cannabis products.
Demographics
Diversity: Colorado is a relatively diverse state, with a population that includes White, Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities. The state has also seen rapid growth in its immigrant population, particularly from Latin America.
Ethnic Breakdown:
White: 70%
Hispanic/Latino: 21%
Black/African American: 4%
Asian: 3%
Other: 2%
Languages: English is the dominant language spoken, but Spanish is widely spoken, especially in the southern and rural parts of the state. There are also growing communities speaking other languages such as Vietnamese and Chinese.
Religions: Colorado has a diverse religious population, with many residents identifying as Protestant, Catholic, or secular. The state is known for its progressive views, and religious affiliations may be less prominent than in some other states.
History
Early History: Colorado was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne. Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, but European settlement didn’t begin until the 1800s, when explorers like Zebulon Pike reached the region.
Colorado Gold Rush: Colorado became a hotspot for settlers in the mid-19th century due to the discovery of gold. The Colorado Gold Rush, which began in the 1850s, brought thousands of miners and settlers to the region.
Statehood: After a period of settlement, Colorado officially became a state in 1876, during the centennial year of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Development of Mining and Industry: The state saw a rise in mining operations, especially for gold, silver, and other minerals. Cities like Denver and Colorado Springs flourished during this period.
Modern Colorado: In the 20th century, Colorado’s economy diversified beyond mining and agriculture, especially with the rise of the aerospace and tech industries. Today, the state is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and outdoor lifestyle.
Culture and Landmarks
Denver: The state capital, Denver, is known as the “Mile-High City” due to its elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609 meters). The city is home to a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, sports teams like the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies, and a growing music and craft beer scene.
Rocky Mountain National Park: This national park, located just outside of Estes Park, is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado, featuring over 300 miles of trails, alpine lakes, and wildlife.
Boulder: A college town and outdoor paradise, Boulder is famous for its progressive culture, hiking, and proximity to the Flatirons, a set of iconic rock formations.
Aspen and Vail: These world-famous ski resorts attract visitors from around the globe for winter sports, and both towns are also known for their upscale culture and luxurious vacation homes.
Mesa Verde National Park: Famous for its cliff dwellings, this park preserves the remnants of ancient Native American cultures, particularly the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the region hundreds of years ago.
Garden of the Gods: Located in Colorado Springs, this park is known for its massive red rock formations and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.
Pikes Peak: Known as “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak rises over 14,000 feet and is one of the most visited mountains in North America. It inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen the famous song “America the Beautiful.”
Famous People from Colorado
John Denver: A singer-songwriter best known for songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Rocky Mountain High,” John Denver’s music celebrated Colorado’s natural beauty.
Tim Allen: Actor and comedian, known for his roles in the TV show Home Improvement and movies like Toy Story and The Santa Clause series.
Chauncey Billups: A retired professional basketball player and NBA Finals MVP, Chauncey Billups was born in Denver and played for several teams during his career.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone: Creators of the animated TV show South Park, both grew up in Colorado, and the state’s quirky humor is often reflected in their work.
Lindsey Vonn: An Olympic gold medalist and one of the most successful ski racers in history, Vonn is a Colorado native and a strong advocate for the state’s winter sports community.
Fun Facts
Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state in the U.S.
The state is known for its craft beer scene, with more than 400 craft breweries, making it one of the leading states for microbreweries.
Colorado is the only state to have ever hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1980 (in the city of Lake Placid, not Denver, which withdrew its bid).
Colorado is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 40 state parks and 13 national parks, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching.
