Politics & World • US States

Colorado

Colorado is a state in the western United States, known for its Rocky Mountain landscape, high elevation, and broad mix of mountains, plains, and plateaus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Colorado is a state in the western United States, known for its Rocky Mountain landscape, high elevation, and diverse geography. Its capital is Denver, and it became the 38th U.S. state on August 1, 1876, earning the nickname 'The Centennial State.' The state is bordered by seven other U.S. states and includes part of the Rocky Mountains.

Geography

Colorado's geography is characterized by a diverse landscape including mountains, high plains, mesas, canyons, plateaus, rivers, and desert lands. It encompasses much of the Southern Rocky Mountains and has the highest average elevation of any U.S. state. The state borders Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.

History

The name Colorado originates from Spanish explorers who used it for the Colorado River, referencing its red-tinted waters. The state was admitted to the Union on August 1, 1876, exactly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, leading to its nickname 'The Centennial State.'

Population and cities

Colorado's population has grown steadily, with an estimated 5,957,493 residents in 2024. Denver serves as both the capital and largest city. Other major cities include Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins.

Government and identity

Colorado is a constituent state of the United States, located in the Western United States and the Mountain states region. Its capital is Denver, and its postal abbreviation is CO. The state's most widely used nickname is the Centennial State, reflecting its admission to the Union in 1876.

Key facts

Colorado is a state in the western United States with a diverse landscape including the Rocky Mountains.
It became the 38th state on August 1, 1876, earning the nickname 'The Centennial State.'
Denver is the capital and largest city.
The state has the highest average elevation of any U.S. state.
Colorado borders seven other states: Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.

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Canadian context

Colorado is a major U.S. state for Canadian travellers, ski tourism, business ties, and cross-border air routes, especially through Denver and resort destinations in the Rocky Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Is Colorado a state or a city?

Colorado is a state in the United States, not a city.

What is Colorado's capital?

Colorado's capital is Denver.

When did Colorado become a state?

Colorado became the 38th U.S. state on August 1, 1876.

Why is Colorado called the Centennial State?

It became a state in 1876, the same year the United States marked its 100th anniversary.

What does the name Colorado mean?

It comes from Spanish and means 'colored red,' referring to the river's red-tinted waters.

Which states border Colorado?

Colorado borders Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.

References

Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Colorado-state
Supports: Statehood date, capital, area, population, borders, and general state description.
National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/colorado
Supports: Nickname, border states, name origin, elevation, and Denver's 'Mile-High City' identity.
Colorado State Archives — https://archives.colorado.gov/collections/symbols-emblems
Supports: Origin of the state's name, centennial nickname, and historical naming context.
Colorado.com — https://www.colorado.com/colorado-travel-facts
Supports: State nickname, capital, land area, and highest point.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado
Supports: 2024 estimated population and broad geographic description.