Idaho: Basic Facts and State Overview

Idaho is a state of rugged mountains, volcanic plains, and deep river canyons — one of the least populated and most physically dramatic states in the continental US. With 1.9 million residents and 83,569 square miles, it is the 13th-largest and 38th most populous state.

Capital and Major Cities
Boise is the capital and by far the largest city (240,000; metro 760,000), followed by Meridian (130,000), Nampa (100,000), Idaho Falls (65,000), Pocatello (55,000), Caldwell (65,000), and Coeur d'Alene (55,000). The Boise metro (Treasure Valley) has grown explosively — among the fastest-growing metros in the US from 2010–2024.

Nickname and Motto
Idaho is "The Gem State" — a reference to the state's extraordinary mineral wealth, including gold, silver, lead, zinc, cobalt, and garnets (Idaho's Star Garnet is found only in Idaho and India). The state motto is "Esto Perpetua" (Let it be perpetual). The state flower is the syringa (mock orange); the state tree is the western white pine.

Geography
Idaho's geography is dominated by mountains — the Rocky Mountains cover the north and central portions (Sawtooth Range, Bitterroot Range, Clearwater Mountains, Selkirk Mountains). The Snake River Plain — a crescent-shaped basalt plain formed by hotspot volcanic activity — arcs across southern Idaho. Hells Canyon (on the Idaho-Oregon border) is the deepest river gorge in North America at 7,993 feet.

Economy
Idaho's economy is anchored by technology (Micron Technology, the largest semiconductor employer in Idaho, is headquartered in Boise), agriculture (potatoes — Idaho produces 30% of US potato supply — and trout aquaculture), manufacturing, and tourism (Sun Valley, Sawtooth Wilderness). The state has no inheritance tax and relatively low income taxes, contributing to rapid business growth. Idaho is one of the fastest-growing economies in the US.

Notable Facts
Idaho produces more trout (rainbow trout aquaculture) than any other state. The Craters of the Moon National Monument is one of the most extensive lava fields in the continental US. The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states (2.4 million acres).