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'''Utah''' is a state in the west [[United States]]. The [[capital (city)|capital]] and largest [[city]] is [[Salt Lake City, Utah|Salt Lake City]]. Utah became a state in the U.S. on January 4, [[1896]].

'''Utah''' is a state in the west [[United States]]. The [[capital (city)|capital]] and largest [[city]] is [[Salt Lake City, Utah|Salt Lake City]]. Utah became a state in the U.S. on January 4, [[1896]]. About 3.3 million people lived there in 2020.

==Geography==

==Geography==

Utah is bordered by [[Idaho]] and [[Wyoming]] in the north and [[Colorado]] in the east. It touches a single point of [[New Mexico]] to the southeast at [[Four Corners]]. Utah is bordered by [[Arizona]] in the south, and by [[Nevada]] in the west. It covers an area of 84,899 [[square mile]]s (219,887 [[square kilometre|km²]]).

Utah is bordered by [[Idaho]] and [[Wyoming]] in the north and [[Colorado]] in the east. It touches a single point of [[New Mexico]] to the southeast at [[Four Corners]]. Utah is bordered by [[Arizona]] in the south, and by [[Nevada]] in the west. It covers an area of 84,899 [[square mile]]s (219,887 [[square kilometre|km²]]).

[[File:Delicatearch1.jpg|180px|left|thumb|An arch in Arches National Park, Utah]]

[[File:Delicatearch1.jpg|180px|left|thumb|An arch in Arches National Park, Utah]]

Utah is mostly rocky with three distinct geological regions: the [[Rocky Mountains]], the [[Great Basin]], and the [[Colorado Plateau]]. Utah is a great geographical tourism place. Utah is known for its natural [[wikt:diversity|diversity]] and is home to [[wikt:features|features]] ranging from arid deserts with sand dunes to thriving pine forests in mountain valleys.

Utah is mostly rocky with three distinct geological regions: the [[Rocky Mountains]], the [[Great Basin]], and the [[Colorado Plateau]]. Utah is known for its natural [[diversity|diversity]] and is home to [[features|features]] ranging from arid deserts with sand dunes to thriving pine forests in mountain valleys, which has attracted many [[tourists]].

===Climate===

===Climate===

Utah has a dry, semi-arid to {{broken wikt link|arid|arid}} climate,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-dry-climates/|title=Easy Science for Kids|website=Dry Climate|access-date=17 June 2016}}</ref> although its many [[mountains]] have large, wide, differences of climates, with the highest points in the [[Uinta Mountains]] being above the {{broken wikt link|timberline|timberline}}. The dry weather {{broken wikt link|results|results}} from the state lying mostly in the rain shadow of the [[Sierra Nevada (US)|Sierra Nevada]] in [[California]]. The eastern half of the state is in the rain shadow of the [[Wasatch Mountains]]. The [[wikt:primary|primary]] [[wikt:source|source]] of rain for the state is the [[Pacific Ocean]], with the state normally lying in the path of large Pacific storms from mid-[[October]] through [[April]], although northern Utah often sees these large storms earlier and later. In summer, the state, normally southern and eastern Utah, is in the path of [[monsoon]] {{broken wikt link|moisture|moisture}} from the Gulf of California. Most of the lowland areas get less than 12 [[inches]] (300&nbsp;mm) of rain a year. The [[Great Salt Lake Desert]] is the driest area of the state, with less than 5&nbsp;inches (125&nbsp;mm). Snowfall is common in all but the far southern valleys. Although St. George only gets about 3&nbsp;inches (7.5&nbsp;cm) per year, [[Salt Lake City]] sees about 60&nbsp;inches (150&nbsp;cm), [[wikt:enhanced|enhanced]] by the lake-effect snow from the Great Salt Lake, which [[wikt:increases|increases]] snowfall totals to the south, southeast, and east of the lake. Some areas of the Wasatch Range in the path of the lake-effect get up to 700&nbsp;inches (1,770&nbsp;cm) per year. The {{broken wikt link|consistently|consistently}} dry, fluffy, snow led Utah's ski [[wikt:industry|industry]] to get the slogan "the Greatest Snow on Earth" in the 1980s. In the winter, temperature {{broken wikt link|inversions|inversions}} are a [[wikt:phenomenon|phenomenon]] across Utah's low basins and valleys, leading to thick [[humidity]] and fog that can sometimes last for weeks at a time, normally in the [[Uintah Basin]].

Utah has a dry, semi-arid to [[:arid|arid]] climate,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-dry-climates/|title=Easy Science for Kids|website=Dry Climate|date=7 March 2014 |access-date=17 June 2016}}</ref> although its many [[mountains]] have large, wide, differences of climates, with the highest points in the [[Uinta Mountains]] being above the [[tree line]]. The dry weather results from the state lying mostly in the [[rain shadow]] of the [[Sierra Nevada (US)|Sierra Nevada]] in [[California]]. The eastern half of the state is in the rain shadow of the [[Wasatch Mountains]]. The main [[source|source]] of rain for the state is the [[Pacific Ocean]], with the state normally lying in the path of large Pacific storms from mid-[[October]] through [[April]], although northern Utah often sees these large storms earlier and later. In summer, the state, normally southern and eastern Utah, is in the path of [[monsoon]] {{broken wikt link|moisture|moisture}} from the Gulf of California. Most of the lowland areas get less than 12 [[inches]] (300&nbsp;mm) of rain a year. The [[Great Salt Lake Desert]] is the driest area of the state, with less than 5&nbsp;inches (125&nbsp;mm). Snowfall is common in all but the far southern valleys. Although St. George only gets about 3&nbsp;inches (7.5&nbsp;cm) per year, [[Salt Lake City]] sees about 60&nbsp;inches (150&nbsp;cm), [[enhanced|enhanced]] by the lake-effect snow from the Great Salt Lake, which [[increases|increases]] snowfall totals to the south, southeast, and east of the lake. Some areas of the Wasatch Range in the path of the lake-effect get up to 700&nbsp;inches (1,770&nbsp;cm) per year. The {{broken wikt link|consistently|consistently}} dry, fluffy, snow led Utah's ski [[industry|industry]] to get the slogan "the Greatest Snow on Earth" in the 1980s. In the winter, temperature {{broken wikt link|inversions|inversions}} are a [[phenomenon|phenomenon]] across Utah's low basins and valleys, leading to thick [[humidity]] and fog that can sometimes last for weeks at a time, normally in the [[Uintah Basin]].

==Population==

==Population==

The center of population of Utah is in Salt Lake County in the city of "Salt Lake City".<ref>{{cite web | title = Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 | publisher = United States Census Bureau | access-date = 2008-12-06 | url = https://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt}}</ref> As of July 1, 2008 the Census Bureau believes Utah has a population of 2,736,424.<ref name=08CenEst>{{cite web | title = Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008 | publisher = United States Census Bureau | access-date = 2009-02-05 | url = https://www.census.gov/popest/states/tables/NST-EST2008-01.csv}}</ref> In 2008, the [[United States|US]] Census Bureau [[wikt:determined|determined]] Utah to be the fastest growing state in the country in terms of population growth.<ref>https://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013049.html Utah is Fastest Growing State. Press Release by [[US Census Bureau]]. Dated 12/22/2008. Accessed 12/23/2008.</ref>

The center of population of Utah is in Salt Lake County in the city of "Salt Lake City".<ref>{{cite web | title = Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 | publisher = United States Census Bureau | access-date = 2008-12-06 | url = https://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt}}</ref> As of 2020 the Census Bureau believes Utah has a population of 3,271,616.<ref>https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/UT</ref> In 2008, the [[United States|US]] Census Bureau [[determined|determined]] Utah to be the fastest growing state in the country in terms of population growth.<ref>https://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013049.html Utah is Fastest Growing State. Press Release by [[US Census Bureau]]. Dated 12/22/2008. Accessed 12/23/2008.</ref>

Much of the population lives in [[City|cities]] and [[town]]s along the [[Wasatch Front]], a {{broken wikt link|metropolitan|metropolitan}} [[wikt:region|region]] that runs north-south with the [[Wasatch Mountains]] rising on the eastern side. Growth outside the Wasatch Front is also [[wikt:increasing|increasing]]. The [[St. George]] metropolitan area is right now the second-fastest growing in the country after the [[Las Vegas]] metropolitan area, while the [[Heber]] metropolitan area is also the second-fastest growing in the country (right in front of Palm Coast, Florida).

Much of the population lives in [[City|cities]] and [[town]]s along the [[Wasatch Front]], a {{broken wikt link|metropolitan|metropolitan}} [[region|region]] that runs north-south with the [[Wasatch Mountains]] rising on the eastern side. Growth outside the Wasatch Front is also [[increasing|increasing]]. The [[St. George]] metropolitan area is right now the second-fastest growing in the country after the [[Las Vegas]] metropolitan area, while the [[Heber]] metropolitan area is also the second-fastest growing in the country (right in front of Palm Coast, Florida).

==Economy==

==Economy==

The University of Utah says that the gross state product of Utah in 2005 was $92 billion, or 0.74% of the total United States GDP of $12.4 trillion for the same year. The per capital personal [[income]] was $24,977 in 2005. Major companies of Utah are: [[mining]], [[cattle ranching]], [[salt production]], and [[government services]].

The University of Utah says that the gross state product of Utah in 2005 was $92 billion, or 0.74% of the total United States GDP of $12.4 trillion for the same year. The per capital personal [[income]] was $24,977 in 2005. Major companies of Utah are: [[mining]], [[cattle ranching]], [[salt production]], and [[government services]].

In eastern Utah [[petroleum]] making is a big [[wikt:industry|industry]]. Near Salt Lake City, petroleum [[wikt:refining|refining]] is done by a number of [[oil]] companies. In central Utah, [[coal]] mining accounts for much of the mining [[wikt:activity|activity]].

In eastern Utah [[petroleum]] making is a big [[industry|industry]]. Near Salt Lake City, petroleum [[refining|refining]] is done by a number of [[oil]] companies. In central Utah, [[coal]] mining accounts for much of the mining [[activity|activity]].

===Age and Gender===

===Age and gender===

Utah has a high total birth rate, and the youngest population of any [[U.S. state]]. It is also one of the few non-Southern states that has more males than females.

Utah has a high total birth rate, and the youngest population of any [[U.S. state]]. It is also one of the few non-Southern states that has more males than females.

In 2000, the [[wikt:gender|gender]] percents of Utah were estimated as:

In 2000, the [[gender|gender]] percents of Utah were estimated as:

* 49.9 percent female

* 49.9 percent female

===Religion===

===Religion===

Most of the state's people are members of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. These people are called the Mormons or the LDS [[Christian church|Church]]. As of 2020, 60.7 percent of people in the state are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Utah sees Latter-day Saint slowdown and membership numbers drop in Salt Lake County|url=https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2020/01/05/utah-sees-latter-day/|access-date=2022-01-02|website=The Salt Lake Tribune}}</ref> Mormons are not as common as they used to be in Salt Lake City. Usually, people who live in rural areas in Utah are almost all Mormon. The LDS Church does not support or oppose any political parties,<ref name=neutrality>{{cite web| url = http://www.lds.org/newsroom/issues/answer/0,19491,6056-1-462-44-462,00.html|title=Political Neutrality|access-date=2006-10-19|publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061225013441/http://www.lds.org/newsroom/issues/answer/0,19491,6056-1-462-44-462,00.html |archive-date=25 December 2006}}</ref> but the church's [[doctrine]] is very connected to [[politics]]. In the past, many of Utah's lawmakers have been church members. This has [[contributed|contributed]] to the state's laws on [[alcohol]] (sales and content) and [[gambling]]. Another effect can be seen in Utah's high birth rate (25 percent higher than the [[national|national]] normal; the highest for a state in the U.S.). The Mormons in Utah normally have [[conservative|conservative]] views in politics. Most Utahns that vote are not in a political party (60%). But, most vote for [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]].{{Cn|date=January 2023}} [[John McCain]] got 62.5% of the vote in the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 Presidential Election]]. 70.9% of people of Utah voted for [[George W. Bush]] in [[2004 United States presidential election|2004]].

Most of the state's people are members of "[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]", commonly [[wikt:referred|referred]] to as the Mormons or the LDS [[Church]]. As of 2007, 60.7 percent of everyone in the state are members of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".<ref name="SLT-Morm">[http://www.sltrib.com/ci_7496034 Utah less Mormon than ever]. Matt Canham, ''[[Salt Lake Tribune]]''.</ref> Mormons are not as common as they used to be in Salt Lake City. Usually, rural areas are almost all Mormon. Though the LDS Church does not support or oppose any political parties,<ref name=neutrality>{{cite web| url = http://www.lds.org/newsroom/issues/answer/0,19491,6056-1-462-44-462,00.html|title=Political Neutrality|access-date=2006-10-19|publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061225013441/http://www.lds.org/newsroom/issues/answer/0,19491,6056-1-462-44-462,00.html |archive-date=25 December 2006}}</ref> the church's [[doctrine]] has a strong connection with [[politics]]. In the past, many of Utah's lawmakers have been church members; the effect has [[wikt:contributed|contributed]] to the state's {{broken wikt link|restrictiveness|restrictiveness}} towards [[alcohol]] (sales and content) and [[Gamble|gambling]]. Another effect can be seen in Utah's high birth rate (25 percent higher than the [[wikt:national|national]] normal; the highest for a state in the U.S.). The Mormons in Utah normally have [[wikt:conservative|conservative]] views when it comes to most political {{broken wikt link|issues|issues}}. Most voter-age Utahns do not belong to a political party (60%), but vote mostly for [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]]. [[John McCain]] got 62.5% of the vote in the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 Presidential Election]] while 70.9% of people of Utah chose George W. Bush in 2004.

==Popular towns and cities==

==Largest towns and cities==

[[File:Salt Lake City panorama.jpg|180px|right|thumb|Salt Lake City]]

[[File:Salt Lake City panorama.jpg|180px|right|thumb|Salt Lake City]]

Utah's population is [[wikt:concentrated|concentrated]] in two areas, the [[Wasatch Front]] in the North-Central part of the state, with a population of over 2 million; and southwestern Utah, locally known as "Dixie", with nearly 150,000 people who live there.

Utah's population is [[concentrated|concentrated]] in two areas, the [[Wasatch Front]] in the North-Central part of the state, with a population of over 2 million; and southwestern Utah, locally known as "Dixie", with nearly 150,000 people who live there.

[[wikt:According|According]] to the 2000 Census, Utah was the fourth fastest growing state (at 29.6 percent) in the [[United States]] between 1990 and 2000. [[St. George]], in the southwest, is the second-fastest growing {{broken wikt link|metropolitan|metropolitan}} area in the United States, right behind [[Greeley, Colorado]].

Utah was the fourth fastest growing state (at 29.6 percent) in the [[United States]] between 1990 and 2000. [[St. George]], in the southwest, was the second-fastest growing [[metropolitan area]] in the United States, right behind [[Greeley, Colorado]].

The state's two fastest growing counties are: "Summit" (at 91.6 percent; ranking it 8th in the country) and "Washington" (at 86.1 percent; ranking it 12th). The cities ([[wikt:defined|defined]] as having at least 9,000 people living there in 2000) that saw the greatest increases between 1990 and 2000 were: "Draper" (248 percent), "South Jordan" (141 percent), "Lehi" (125 percent), "Riverton" (122 percent), and "Syracuse" (102 percent). Between 1990 and 2000 the five fastest-growing cities of any size were "Cedar Hills" (302 percent), "Draper" (248 percent), "Woodland Hills" (213 percent), "Ivins" (173 percent), and "South Jordan" (141 percent). The U.S. Census Bureau [[wikt:estimates|estimates]], the five fastest-growing cities of any size between 2000 and 2008 were "Saratoga Springs" (1,501%), "Herriman" (1,061%), "Eagle Mountain" (934%), "Cedar Hills" (209%), and "Lehi" (146%).

The state's two fastest growing counties were: "Summit" (at 91.6 percent; ranking it 8th in the country) and "Washington" (at 86.1 percent; ranking it 12th). The cities ([[defined|defined]] as having at least 9,000 people living there in 2000) that saw the greatest increases between 1990 and 2000 were: "Draper" (248 percent), "South Jordan" (141 percent), "Lehi" (125 percent), "Riverton" (122 percent), and "Syracuse" (102 percent). Between 1990 and 2000 the five fastest-growing cities of any size were "Cedar Hills" (302 percent), "Draper" (248 percent), "Woodland Hills" (213 percent), "Ivins" (173 percent), and "South Jordan" (141 percent). The U.S. Census Bureau [[estimates|estimates]], the five fastest-growing cities of any size between 2000 and 2008 were "Saratoga Springs" (1,501%), "Herriman" (1,061%), "Eagle Mountain" (934%), "Cedar Hills" (209%), and "Lehi" (146%).

==Related pages==

==Related pages==