Idaho, the 43rd state, joined the U.S. in 1890.
The state is appropriately shaped like a logger's boot, and
logging as well as mining are big industries in the state. But
the state is probably best known for its potatoes. The state's
name is thought to be an Indian name, Ee-dah-hoe, which means
"gem of the mountains." Idaho has a rugged landscape
with some of the largest unspoiled natural areas in the country.
Boise is the capital and the state flower is the syringa.
State Flower: Syringa
State Motto: It is forever
State Nickname: Gem State
State Bird: Mountain Bluebird
Land area: 82,751 sq mi. - Length: 570 miles - Width: 300 miles
10 largest cities (1999 est.): Boise, 168,370;
Pocatello, 52,781; Idaho Falls, 48,627; Nampa, 46,125; Twin
Falls, 34,316; Coeur d'Alene, 33,659; Lewiston, 30,597; Meridian,
27,690; Caldwell, 23,373 Moscow, 19,905 - Persons per square mile (1999): 15.1