The State of Colorado is the 8th largest state in the United States and one of the Mountain States. Denver, its capital and largest city, is nicknamed the Mile High City due to its elevation being exactly one mile above sea level. Colorado itself is nicknamed the Centennial State as it was admitted to the Union in 1876.
Agriculture, specifically cattle, dairy, and grains, and gold and silver mining are a significant part of Colorado’s economy. The Federal Government is also a large employer and Colorado possesses large deposits of coal, oil, and natural gas. Wilderness tourism is common in Colorado with skiing, hunting, and wilderness hiking and camping serving as popular attractions.
Most of Colorado’s population is found in the center of the state with the largest concentration around Denver. Smaller population centers can be found in the western half of the state in the valleys running through the Rocky Mountains.