Idaho ( The Gem State ) The state's name is thought to be an Indian name, Ee-dah-hoe, which means "gem of the mountains." Idaho, the 43rd state, joined the U.S. in 1890. Logging as well as mining are big industries in the state. But the state is probably best known for its potatoes. Idaho has a rugged landscape with some of the largest unspoiled natural areas in the country. Idaho is a Rocky Mountains state with exciting scenery and enormous natural resources. Idaho has towering, snow-capped mountain ranges, swirling white rapids, peaceful lakes and steep canyons. The churning waters of Snake River rush through Hells Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Shoshone Falls plunges down rugged cliffs from a height greater than that of Niagara Falls. Idaho is a skier's paradise but also provides excellent opportunities for hikers and campers during the summer. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Idaho include: Lana Turner, The Flag of Idaho Entered the Union in 1890 as the 43rd State; flag adopted in 1927. The seal incorporates symbols of agriculture, mining, forestry, wildlife, and women's rights.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Boise City, 185,787; Nampa, 51,867; Pocatello, 51,466; Idaho Falls, 50,730; Meridian, 34,919; Coeur d'Alene, 34,514; Twin Falls, 34,469; Lewiston, 30,904; Caldwell, 25,967; Moscow, 21,291   Business and Trade in Idaho Agriculture: Cattle, potatoes, dairy products, wheat, sugar beets, barley. Industries: Food processing, lumber and wood products, machinery, chemical products, paper products, silver and other mining, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Mountain Bluebird Flower: Syringa - Mock Orange (philadelphus lewisii) Tree: White Pine (Pinus Monticola pinaceae) Song(s): Here We Have Idaho Motto: Esto perpetua (Let it be perpetual) Idaho Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Dworshak National Fish Hatchery - Ahsahka • Boise National Forest - Boise • University of Idaho/Lionel Hampton Center - Coeur d'Alene • Caribou National Forest and Curlew National Grassland - Pocatello • Clearwater River Recreation Area - Coeur d`Alene

Capital: Boise     Local Weather  Statehood: 1890-07-03  Population: 1,293,953 (15.6 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 83,570.08     Water 822.87     Land 82,747.21     Rank 11th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Idaho, there are 527,824 housing units, averaging to 6.4 per sq mile. Posters and Artwork Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint, Idaho, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Poplar Trees Near a Wheat Field, Twin Falls, Idaho, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Idaho Territory, 1882 Art Print 25" x 36" • Logging near Salmon, Idaho Photographic Print 32" x 24" • Salmon River and Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley, Idaho, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Old Truck in Field, Gennesse, Idaho, USA Photographic Print 12" x 16"