|
Idaho [a i ʹdəho u ], abbreviated ID, state of
the northwest US; 216,432 km2, 1.8 million inhabitants (2018).Idaho
is one of the Mountain States. The capital is Boise.
Idaho. State Map.
Nature
Idaho's topography varies greatly. To the east, the state of Montana and
Wyoming is bounded by the Bitterroot Range mountain range with peaks over 3,000
feet above sea level. Southern Idaho is flatter and dewatered by the Snake
River. In western Idaho, the river cuts through the lava field of the Columbia
Plateau into a deep canyon. Large parts of Idaho are overgrown with forests,
dominated by conifers: different species of pine, hemlock, spruce and larch.
Idaho. Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho.
The average temperature depends on the altitude conditions and varies between
−5 °C and −10 °C in January and 15 °C and 23 °C in July. The rainfall is
normally just over 500 mm in the north and about 300 mm in the south.
Population
Idaho has a slightly lower population growth than the average for the United
States. 93 percent of the inhabitants are white, many of Scandinavian
origin. The majority of the population lives adjacent to the Snake River
valley. Boise is the dominant city, with 218,300 inhabitants (2016). The Mormon
Church has a strong position in southeastern Idaho.
Business
Agriculture and forestry are important industries. The forest, mainly
coniferous forest, covers just over 1/3 of Idaho's acreage, while agricultural
land makes up 1/4 of the acreage. Agriculture is mainly conducted in the Snake
River valley, partly by means of irrigation. Idaho accounts for 1/4 of the US
potato harvest, and wheat, sugar beets and fodder crops are also
grown. Livestock management is extensive and focuses on both meat and dairy
products.
Mining traditionally plays a major role, but has recently declined in
importance. The industry, which for a long time primarily refined the state's
own products from agriculture, forestry and mining, has recently diversified and
achieved significant growth in the high-tech industry with the production of
components for the computer industry. Idaho's many national parks and ski areas
such as Sun Valley contribute to tourism being a major source of income.
Idaho. Sun Valley.
Tourism and gastronomy
For people interested in nature, outdoor life and winter sports, Idaho is an
attractive destination. The state has magnificent scenery, a number of popular
recreational areas as well as attractions such as the Craters of the Moon
National Monument and Preserve (just over 100 km northwest of Pocatello) and
Hells Canyon (one of America's deepest canyons) in the Snake River on the Oregon
border.
Idaho. Craters of the Moon National Monument and
Preserve in central Idaho consist of a rugged landscape.
The ski resorts are many, among the most famous are the resort of Sun Vally,
located 160 km east of Boise. In the historic Nez Percé National Park east of
Lewiston there are many interesting monuments from ancient times, most related
to the Nez Percé Indians.
In terms of food, the state is known for a single product - potatoes. Baked
and stuffed, these have become a concept, and this rather useful dish is a
welcome break from the otherwise rather rustic diet in Idaho. Thick steaks and
delicious lamb chops, but without much refinement in the seasoning if you are
not lucky enough to meet a chef who comes from the Basque immigrants who are
here.
Accessories (or breakfast) are often made up of hashed idaho potatoes,
preferably baked, chopped potatoes fried in plenty of bacon fat and seasoned
with Worcestershire sauce and chili pepper.
History
Idaho was discovered by Europeans in 1805, but was long inhabited only by
native Indians, fur hunters, and missionaries. During the 1860s, when gold was
discovered in the area, the area began to have a resident population. Idaho
became Territory in 1863 and the state in 1890 and then gained its present
boundaries. Like many states in the West, Idaho was politically radical in the
beginning, and later in the 20th century slipped over in a conservative
direction.
|
