Idaho: A large US state with a diverse landscape – and a population that prefers reliability to variety when it comes to elections.
- Idaho is a US state with a small population that is predominantly white.
- Idaho is rich in natural resources.
- Republicans have won every election in Idaho since 1968.
Boise – In the north-west of the USA is the state of Idaho with its capital Boise. It is rural and sparsely populated compared to other US states. The approximately 1. 78 million inhabitants (United States Census Bureau, as of 2019) are distributed over 44 counties. Six other US states and a Canadian province border the northern state.
Idaho’s landscape is predominantly mountainous and characterized by much untouched nature. In the south is the 600 kilometer long Snake River Plain with the Snake River, which gives it its name. The Rocky Mountains rise along the northeastern border. In addition to the varied landscape, Idaho has many natural resources to offer. They explain Idaho’s informal nickname “Gem State”, which means “Gem State”. Idaho, however, got its official name from George M. Willing. The politician claimed that the creation was based on the Indian term “Ee-dah-how” of the Shoshone tribe. It later emerged that Willing had just made up the name.
- ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG: Overview of state Idaho, including major cities and most commonly used abbreviations of Idaho.
Idaho Foundation and History
The state’s history dates back to 1805, when the region was first explored as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. At that time around 8, 000 Indians were resident in this area. During the California gold rush (1848 to 1854) Idaho was only a river basin and was part of Oregon and Washington. In 1863 it became a separate territory, of which Boise became the capital in 1865. Idaho’s popularity soared a year later when gold was discovered in the territory.
The transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, also contributed to this. The now prosperous mining region of Idaho joined the United States of America in 1890 at the instigation of then President Benjamin Harrison as the 43rd US state.
Idaho: Geography and Cities
Idaho is bordered by the US states of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Washington and Oregon – and to the north by the Canadian province of British Columbia. The map shows a narrow stretch of land between Washington and Montana: the “Idaho Panhandle”. The state area of Idaho covers 216, 446 square kilometers. This puts the state in 14th place out of 50 US states. According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, the five largest cities in Idaho by population are:
- Boise (226, 570 inhabitants)
- Meridian (99, 926 inhabitants)
- Nampa (93, 590 inhabitants)
- Idaho Falls (61, 076)
- Pocatello (55, 193)
Idaho – Population and Economy
Around three-quarters of the state’s residents have European ancestry. Their largest group are those of German origin with 21. 8 percent. The population groups in Idaho break down as follows:
- Whites (82. 8 percent)
- Hispanics / Latinos (12 percent)
- Indians (1. 7 percent)
- Asian Americans (1. 4 percent)
- African American (0. 8 percent)
The relevant economic sectors in Idaho are the primary and secondary sectors. The population lives mainly from agriculture – with products such as beef, potatoes and sugar beet. Mining is also still a factor: silver and other mineral resources are extracted. Industrially produced goods are, for example, wood products, machines or chemical products. In addition, tourism in Idaho is growing in importance for the economy.
Idaho: This is how the state votes
Today Idaho is one of the most conservative states in the United States of America. Since 1968, only Republicans have been electoral winners in the rural state. In 1964 – the last time up to and including 2016 – a Democrat in Idaho, Lyndon B. Johnson, won the election. The conservative election results are associated with the rural and religious population.
