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Politics & World • Geography

Idaho

Idaho is a state in the northwestern United States.

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

Idaho is a state in the northwestern United States. It became the 43rd state in 1890, and its capital and largest city is Boise. Idaho is known for its mountainous terrain, extensive public lands, agriculture, and mineral resources, and it borders Canada to the north.

Geography

Idaho’s landscape includes mountains, river valleys, farmland, and forested regions. The state extends across multiple physiographic regions, including parts of the Rocky Mountains, the Snake River Plain, and the Pacific Northwest region. Borah Peak, in central Idaho, is the state's highest point. Idaho is bordered by Canada to the north and by the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.

History

Human history in the area includes Indigenous peoples, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and settlement along the Oregon Trail. Idaho became a U.S. territory in 1863 and a state in 1890.

Economy

Idaho’s economy is supported by agriculture, manufacturing, mining, forestry, and tourism. The state is especially known for potato production, and is also known for gemstones and other mineral resources, giving it the nickname the Gem State.

Government and cities

Idaho’s state government is based in Boise, the capital and largest city. The state has 44 counties and is represented in the U.S. Congress like other states.

Key facts

  • Idaho is a U.S. state in the northwestern United States, bordering Canada.
  • It became the 43rd state on July 3, 1890.
  • Boise is the capital and largest city.
  • Idaho is known for its potato production and gemstones, earning the nickname the Gem State.
  • The state features mountainous terrain, the Snake River Plain, and extensive public lands.
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Canadian context

Idaho borders British Columbia to the north, making it one of the U.S. states directly adjacent to Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Idaho?
Idaho is a U.S. state in the northwestern part of the country.
When did Idaho become a state?
Idaho became the 43rd U.S. state on July 3, 1890.
What is Idaho’s capital?
Boise is Idaho’s capital and largest city.
What is Idaho’s nickname?
Idaho is commonly called the Gem State.
Which countries or states border Idaho?
Idaho borders Canada and the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.
What is Idaho known for?
Idaho is known for mountains, outdoor recreation, potatoes, and gemstones.

References

  1. Idaho Capitol Commission — https://capitolcommission.idaho.gov/education/facts-about-idaho/
    Supports: Statehood date, capital, nickname, area, highest point, lowest point, and other state facts.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Idaho
    Supports: General overview, area, population, statehood date, capital, and regional classification.
  3. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/idaho
    Supports: Borders, geography, statehood, and major physical regions.
  4. U.S. Census Bureau — https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/363512b
    Supports: Statehood anniversary, area rank, largest city, and state facts.