State of Colorado
Flag of Colorado Seal Nickname(s): The Centennial State Motto(s): Nil sine numine "Nothing without Providence"'
Official language(s)	English
Demonym	Coloradan
Capital	Denver
Largest city	Denver
Largest metro area	Denver-Aurora Metro Area
Area	Ranked 8th in the US
- Total	104,185 sq mi (269,837 km²)
- Width	280 miles (451 km)
- Length	380 miles (612 km)
- % water	0. The Flag of Colorado consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width the top and bottom stripes are blue and the middle stripe white The circular Great Seal of the State of Colorado is an adaptation of the Territorial Seal which was adopted by the First Territorial Assembly on November 6, 1861 This is a list of US state nicknames, including officially adopted Nicknames and other traditional nicknames for individual states of the United States. Here is a list of state Mottos for the states of the United States of America. Nil sine numine ( Latin "Nothing without God's Will" is a state motto of Colorado. The United States does not have an Official language; however the majority of the population speaks English as a native language (about 82% English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a People or the inhabitants of a place Washington DC has been the capital of the United States since 1800 The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States This is a list of the largest cities of US states by population The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States Table of United States Metropolitan Statistical Areas|Table of United States Core Based Statistical AreasIn the United States, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB has produced The Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Statistical Area is a United States Census Bureau defined Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA in the State of Colorado Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. This is a complete list of the states of the United States and its major territories ordered by total area, land area, and water area The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of The kilometre ( American spelling: kilometer) symbol km is a unit of Length in the Metric system, equal to one thousand 36%
- Latitude	37°N to 41°N
- Longitude	102°03'W to 109°03'W
Population	Ranked 22nd in the US
- Total	4,301,261
- Density	41. In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology This is a list of states of the United States by population (with inhabited non-state jurisdictions included for comparison as of July 1, 2007, according to the This article is a list of the 50 US States ordered by Population density. 5/sq mi  16. 01/km² (37th in the US)
- Median income	$51,022 (10th)
Elevation
- Highest point	Mount Elbert[1][2] 14,440 ft  (4401 m)
- Mean	6,800 ft  (2073 m)
- Lowest point	Arikaree River[1] 3,315 ft  (1010 m)
Admission to Union	1876-08-01 (38th)
Governor	Bill Ritter (D)
Lieutenant Governor	Barbara O'Brien (D)
U.S. Senators	2 - Wayne Allard (R) 3 - Ken Salazar (D)
Congressional Delegation	List
Time zone	MST=UTC-07, MDT=UTC-06
Abbreviations	CO Colo. US-CO
Website	www.colorado.gov

The State of Colorado (pronounced /ˌkɒləˈrædoʊ/ or, chiefly by outsiders, /ˌkɒləˈrɑːdoʊ/^[3]) is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States of America. A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government The Mountain States (also known as the Mountain West) form one of the nine geographic divisions of the United States that are officially recognized by the The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Colorado may also be considered to be a part of the Western and Southwestern regions of the United States. The Western United States &mdashcommonly referred to as the American West or simply the West &mdashtraditionally refers to the region comprising the westernmost The Southwestern area of the United States could be defined as the states west of the Mississippi River, with the qualification of a certain northern limit such as the 37 This list of regions of the United States includes official (governmental and non-official areas within the borders of the United States, not including U The United States Census Bureau estimates that the state population was 4,861,515 in 2007, a 13. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census 03% increase since the U.S. Census 2000. ^[4] Denver is the capital as well as the most populous city of Colorado. The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States See also State of Colorado The 271 incorporated municipalities of the State of Colorado operate under one of five types of municipal governing Citizens of Colorado are known as Coloradans. This is a list of terms used to designate the residents of specific U

Contents 1 Geography 1.1 Climate 1.1.1 Eastern Plains 1.1.2 West of the plains and foothills 1.1.3 Extreme weather 1.1.4 Records 2 History 3 Demographics 3.1 Religion 4 Economy 4.1 Special tax districts 5 Transportation 6 Government and Politics 6.1 State government 6.2 Federal politics 7 Cities and Towns 8 Counties 9 Education 10 Metropolitan Areas 11 Military facilities 12 Protected areas 13 Sports 13.1 Professional sports teams 13.1.1 Former professional sports teams 14 State symbols 15 See also 16 References 17 Further reading 18 External links

Geography

Main article: Geography of Colorado

The State of Colorado is defined as the geoellipsoidal rectangle that stretches from 37°N to 41°N latitude and from 102°03'W to 109°03'W longitude (25°W to 32°W from the Washington Meridian). See also State of Colorado The geography of the State of Colorado is unusually diverse encompassing both rugged mountainous terrain and vast plains The 37th parallel north is a Circle of latitude that is 37 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. The 41st parallel north is a Circle of latitude that is 41 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. The 25th meridian of longitude west from Washington is a line of Longitude approximately 102 The 32nd meridian of longitude west from Washington is a line of Longitude approximately 109°02'48" West of the Prime Meridian of Greenwich The 25th meridian of longitude west from Washington is a line of Longitude approximately 102 The 32nd meridian of longitude west from Washington is a line of Longitude approximately 109°02'48" West of the Prime Meridian of Greenwich The Washington meridian was one of four prime meridians of the United States which passed through Washington D ^[5] Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah are the only three U.S. states that have only lines of latitude and longitude for boundaries and that have no natural borders. The State of Wyoming ( is a sparsely populated state in the western region of the United States. The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States. A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government Latitude, usually denoted symbolically by the Greek letter phi ( Φ) gives the location of a place on Earth (or other planetary body north or south of the Longitude (ˈlɒndʒɪˌtjuːd or ˈlɒŋgɪˌtjuːd symbolized by the Greek character Lambda (λ is the east-west Geographic coordinate measurement

The summit of Mount Elbert at 14,440 feet (4,401 m) elevation in Lake County is the state's highest point and the highest point in the entire Rocky Mountains. Mount Elbert is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. Lake County is one of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. ^[1][2] Colorado has more than 500 mountain peaks that exceed 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) elevation. Colorado is the only U. S. state that lies entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281 ft) elevation. The point where the Arikaree River flows out of Yuma County, Colorado, and into Cheyenne County, Kansas, is the lowest point in the State of Colorado at 3,315 feet (1,010 m) elevation. The Arikaree River is a Tributary of the North Fork of the Republican River that flows mostly east out of the State of Colorado in the United States Yuma County is the 14th most extensive of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. Cheyenne County (county code CN) is a county located in Northwest Kansas, in the Central United States. This crossing point holds the distinction of being the highest low point of any U.S. state. A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government ^[6][1]

Nearly half of the state is flat in stark contrast to Colorado's rugged Rocky Mountains. Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. East of the Southern Rocky Mountains are the Colorado Eastern Plains of the High Plains, the section of the Great Plains within Colorado at elevations ranging from 3315 to 6562 feet (1010 to 2000 m). Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. The Eastern Plains of Colorado refers to region of the US state of Colorado on the east side of the Rocky Mountains, and east of the population centers This article is about a geographic region in the United States The Great Plains are the broad expanse of Prairie and Steppe which lie east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada The states of Kansas and Nebraska border Colorado to the east. Kansas ( is a Midwestern state in the central region of the United States of America, an area often referred to as the American " Nebraska ( is a state located on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States and The plains are sparsely settled with most population along the South Platte and the Arkansas rivers. The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American West, located in the U The Arkansas River is a major Tributary of the Mississippi River. Precipitation is meager, averaging from 12 to 18 inches (300 to 450 mm) annually. There is some irrigated farming, but much of the land is used for dryland farming or ranching. Dryland farming is an Agricultural technique for cultivating land which receives little Rainfall. A ranch is an area of landscape including various structures given primarily to the practice of ranching the practice of raising grazing livestock such as Cattle Winter wheat is a typical crop and most small towns in the region boast both a water tower and a grain elevator. Winter Wheat is a Cereal. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter wheats are planted in the autumn from September through December A water tower, watershed, or elevated water tower is a large elevated water storage container History Grain elevators are a common sight in the grain-growing areas of the world such as the North American Prairies Larger terminal elevators are

The bulk of Colorado's population lives along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains in the Front Range Urban Corridor. The Front Range Urban Corridor is an oblong region of urban population located along the eastern face of the Southern Rocky Mountains in the U This region is partially protected from prevailing storms by the high mountains to the west.

To the west lies the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains with notable peaks such as Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak, and the Spanish Peaks near Walsenburg in the south. Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. Longs Peak (originally Long's Peak, see below) is one of the 58 " Fourteeners quot in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Mount Evans is a Mountain in the Front Range region of the Rocky Mountains, in Clear Creek County Colorado. Pikes Peak (originally Pike's Peak, see below) is a Mountain in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, west of Colorado Springs The Spanish Peaks are a pair of volcanic mountains in the southeastern part of the US State of Colorado. The historic City of Walsenburg is a Statutory City that is the County seat and the most populous city of Huerfano This area drains to the east, is forested, and partially urbanized. During the drought of 2002 devastating forest fires swept this area. A wildfire, also known as a wildland fire, forest fire, brush fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, Peat fire,

The Continental Divide stretches across the crest of the Rocky Mountains. A continental divide is a line of elevated Terrain which forms a border between two watersheds such that Water falling on one side of the line eventually To the west of the Continental Divide is the Western Slope. The Western Slope of Colorado refers to a region of the US state of Colorado, incorporating everything in the state west of the Continental Divide Water west of the Continental Divide drains west into the Sea of Cortez via the Colorado River. " Sea of Cortez " redirects here For the book by John Steinbeck, see The Log from the Sea of Cortez. The Colorado River (' Aha Kwahwat in Mojave) is a River in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately

Within the interior of the Rocky Mountains are several large parks or high broad basins. In the north, on the east side of the Continental Divide is North Park. North Park is drained by the North Platte River, which flows north into Wyoming. The North Platte River is a tributary of the Platte River, approximately 680 mi (1094 km long in the U The State of Wyoming ( is a sparsely populated state in the western region of the United States. Just south but on the west side of the Continental Divide is Middle Park, drained by the Colorado River. Middle Park (elev 8000 ft/2500 m is a high basin in the Rocky Mountains of north-central Colorado in the United States South Park is the headwaters of the South Platte River. See also South Park (disambiguation South Park is a high intermontane grassland basin, approximately 10000 ft (3000 m in elevation To the south lies the San Luis Valley, the headwaters of the Rio Grande, which drains into New Mexico. The San Luis Valley is an extensive alpine valley in the United States states of Colorado and New Mexico covering approximately 8000 square miles New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. Across the Sangre de Cristo Range to the east of the San Luis Valley lies the Wet Mountain Valley. This article is about the northern-most portion of the larger Sangre de Cristo Mountains The Wet Mountain Valley is a high elevation mountain valley located in Custer County in south-central Colorado. These basins, particularly the San Luis Valley, lie along the Rio Grande Rift, a major geological formation, and its branches. The Rio Grande runs a north-south course in New Mexico and Colorado

The Rocky Mountains within Colorado contain 51 peaks that are 14,000 feet (4,267 m) or higher elevation, known as fourteeners. See also Fourteener In Mountaineering in the United States a Fourteener (or "14er" is a mountain peak that exceeds 14000 feet (4267 The mountains are timbered with conifers and aspen to the tree line, at an elevation of about 12,140 feet (3,700 m) in southern Colorado to about 10,500 feet (3,200 m) in northern Colorado; above this only alpine vegetation grows. Aspens are Trees of the willow family and comprise a section of the Poplar genus Populus sect The tree line or timberline is the edge of the habitat at which Trees are capable of growing The Colorado Rockies are snow-covered only in the winter; most snow melts by mid-August with the exception of a few small glaciers. The Colorado Mineral Belt, stretching from the San Juan Mountains in the southwest to Boulder and Central City on the front range, contains most of the historic gold- and silver-mining districts of Colorado. The Colorado Mineral Belt (CMB is an area with abundant ore deposits The San Juan Mountains are a rugged Mountain range in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Boulder is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of Boulder County, Colorado, in the United States Historic Central City is a Home Rule Municipality that is located in Gilpin County and Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States

The Western Slope is generally drained by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Notable to the south are the San Juan Mountains, an extremely rugged mountain range, and to the west of the San Juans, the Colorado Plateau, a high desert bordering Southern Utah. The San Juan Mountains are a rugged Mountain range in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. The Colorado Plateau, also called the Colorado Plateaus Province, is a physiographic region of the Intermontane Plateaus, roughly centered on the The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States. Grand Junction is the largest city on the Western Slope. The City of Grand Junction is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Mesa County, Colorado, The Western Slope of Colorado refers to a region of the US state of Colorado, incorporating everything in the state west of the Continental Divide Grand Junction is served by Interstate Highway I-70. In the US state of Colorado, Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway traversing an east-west route across the center of the state To the southeast of Grand Junction is Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-topped mountain. The Grand Mesa is a large geologic formation in western Colorado in the United States. Further east are the ski resorts of Aspen, Vail, Crested Butte, and Steamboat Springs. A ski area is a developed recreational facility usually on a Mountain or large Hill, containing ski trails and vital supporting services The City of Aspen is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Pitkin County, Colorado, United Crested Butte is a Home Rule Municipality in Gunnison County, Colorado, United States. The City of Steamboat Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Routt County, Colorado The northwestern corner of Colorado bordering Northern Utah and Western Wyoming is mostly sparsely populated rangeland.

From west to east, the state consists of desert-like basins, turning into plateaus, then alpine mountains, and then the grasslands of the Great Plains. The famous Pikes Peak is just west of Colorado Springs. Pikes Peak (originally Pike's Peak, see below) is a Mountain in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, west of Colorado Springs The City of Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, Its lone peak is visible from near the Kansas border on clear days. Kansas ( is a Midwestern state in the central region of the United States of America, an area often referred to as the American "

Colorado is also one of only four states in the United States to share a common border (Four Corners), along with Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The Four Corners is a region of the United States consisting of southwest Colorado, northwest New Mexico, northeast Arizona and southeast The State of Arizona ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States. At this intersection, it is possible to stand in four states at once.

See also: Colorado cities and towns, Colorado counties, Colorado municipalities, Colorado rivers, and Four Corners Monument

Climate

The climate of Colorado is quite complex compared to most of the United States. The typical south-north/cooler-warmer variation in other states is not generally applicable in Colorado. Mountains and surrounding valleys greatly affect local climate. As a general rule, with an increase in elevation come a decrease in temperature and an increase in precipitation. A main climatic division in Colorado occurs between the Rocky Mountains on the west and the plains on the east; the foothills form a transitional zone between the two.

Eastern Plains

The climate of the Eastern Plains is a semi-arid continental climate (Koppen climate classification BSk) of low humidity and moderately low precipitation, usually from 10 to 15 inches (250 to 380 mm) annually. A Semi-arid climate or steppe climate generally describes climatic regions that receive low annual Rainfall (250-500 mm or 10-20 in Continental climate is a Climate that is characterized by Winter Temperatures cold enough to support a fixed period of Snow cover each Year The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems It was developed by Wladimir Köppen, a German climatologist The Millimetre ( American spelling: millimeter, symbol mm) is a unit of Length in the Metric system, equal to The area is known for its abundant sunshine and cool clear nights, which give this area the highest average diurnal temperature range in the United States. In summer, this area can have many days above 95 °F (35 °C) and sometimes 100 °F (38 °C) or more. Temperatures in excess of 115 °F (46 °C) in the northeast corner of the state are not uncommon, although 105 °F (41 °C) is the maximum in the front range cities above 5000 ft (1500 m). The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International In those areas, −25 °F (−31. 7 °C) is the all-time record low. About 75% of the precipitation falls within the growing season, from April to September, but this area is very prone to droughts. Most of the precipitation comes in the form of thunderstorms which are often severe, and the form of major snowstorms that happen most often in the early Spring and in late Autumn, and sometimes Winter, from low pressures that bring the right conditions. Otherwise, Winters tend to be drier and cold, even though it's known for having a number of mild days in many Winters. In much of this region, March and April are the snowiest months. April and May are normally the rainiest months, while April is the wettest month that has the most combination of rain and snow. The Front Range cities closer to the mountains tend to be warmer in the winter due to chinook winds which warm the area, sometimes bringing temperatures up to 60 °F (16 °C) or higher in the winter. Chinook winds, often just called chinooks commonly refers to Foehn winds ref> in the interior West of North America, where the Canadian Prairies and ^[7] The average July temperature is 57 degrees in the morning and 87 degrees in the afternoon. The average January temperature is 15 degrees in the morning and 43 degrees in the afternoon, although the daily high may be 60 one day and 0 the next.

West of the plains and foothills

West of the plains and foothills, the weather of Colorado is much less uniform. Even places a few miles (kilometers) apart can experience entirely different weather, depending on the topography of the area. Most valleys also have a semi-arid climate, which becomes an alpine climate at higher elevations. For the climate of the mountains named the Alps, see Climate of the Alps. Generally, the wettest season is in the winter in Western Colorado while June is the driest month, which is the opposite of precipitation patterns in the east. The mountains have cool summers with many days of high temperatures around 60 °F (16 °C) and 70 °F (21 °C), although frequent thunderstorms can cause a sudden drop in temperatures. Summer nights are cool, and cold at the highest altitudes which can sometimes bring snow even in the middle of the summer. The winters bring abundant, powdery snowfall to the mountains which the skiers love, although even in the winter, there can be many days with abundant sunshine in between major storms. The Western Slope has high summer temperatures similar to those found on the plains while the winters tend to be slightly cooler due to the lack of any warming winds which are common in the plains and Front Range. Other areas in the west have their own unique climate. The San Luis Valley is generally dry with little rain or snow, although the snow that falls tends to stay on the ground all winter. The San Luis Valley is an extensive alpine valley in the United States states of Colorado and New Mexico covering approximately 8000 square miles

Extreme weather

Extreme weather is a common occurrence in Colorado. Thunderstorms are common east of the Continental divide in the spring and summer, and Colorado is one of the leading states in deaths due to lightning. Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of Electricity, which typically occurs during Thunderstorms and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or Hail is a common sight in the mountains east of the divide and in the northwest part of the state. While not as common as some of the states to the east, much of the Eastern Plains are prone to tornadoes, and there have been some damaging tornadoes there. An example is the 1990 Limon F3 tornado which devastated the city. Limon is a Statutory Town that is the most populous town in Lincoln County, Colorado, United States. The Fujita scale ( F-Scale) or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating Tornado intensity based on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures Floods are also a factor in the plains, not just from the thunderstorms, but also due to heavy snow in the mountains followed by a warm, dry period which swells rivers with melted snow.

Records

The highest temperature ever recorded in Colorado was 118 °F (48 °C) on July 11, 1888, at Bennett, while the lowest was -61 °F (-52 °C) on February 1, 1985, at Maybell. Events 911 - Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. Year 1888 ( MDCCCLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a The Town of Bennett is a Statutory Town located in Adams County and Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) Maybell is an unincorporated town and a US Post Office in Moffat County, Colorado, United States. ^[8][9]

Monthly Normal High and Low Temperatures For Various Colorado Cities
City	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Alamosa	33/-4	40/5	50/16	59/23	68/32	78/40	82/46	79/45	72/36	62/24	46/11	35/-1
Colorado Springs	42/13	45/18	52/24	59/31	68/41	79/50	86/55	82/54	74/45	63/34	50/23	42/16
Denver	43/15	47/19	54/25	61/34	70/44	82/53	88/59	86/57	77/47	66/36	52/24	44/16
Grand Junction	37/16	45/23	56/31	64/38	74/46	87/55	96/61	92/60	83/50	67/39	50/26	39/18
Pueblo	45/14	50/19	57/26	65/34	75/45	86/54	91/59	89/58	81/49	69/35	54/22	45/15
[2]

History

Main article: History of Colorado

The region that is today the State of Colorado has been inhabited by Native Americans for more than 13 millennia. For indigenous peoples in the United States other than Hawaii and Alaska see also Native Americans in the United States. The Lindenmeier Site in Larimer County contains artifacts dating from approximately 11200 BCE to 3000 BCE. The Lindenmeier Site is a Folsom culture Archaeological site located on the former Lindenmeier Ranch in northeastern Larimer County, Colorado Larimer County is the seventh most populous and the ninth most extensive of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. In Archaeology, an artifact or artefact is any object made or modified by a human culture, and often one later recovered by some archaeological The Ancient Pueblo Peoples lived in the valleys and mesas of the Colorado Plateau. "Anasazi" directs here For the X-Files episode see Anasazi (The X-Files. In Geology, a valley (also called a vale, dale, glen or strath and near or in Appalachia, a draw) is A mesa ( Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic for "table" is an elevated area of land with a flat top and sides that are usually steep cliffs The Colorado Plateau, also called the Colorado Plateaus Province, is a physiographic region of the Intermontane Plateaus, roughly centered on the The Ute Nation inhabited the mountain valleys of the Southern Rocky Mountains and the Western Rocky Mountains. The Utes (/juːts/ " yoots " are an ethnically related group of American Indians now living primarily in Utah and Colorado. See also Rocky Mountains The Southern Rocky Mountains are a major subregion of the Rocky Mountains of North America located in the southern portion Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. The Arapaho Nation and the Cheyenne Nation moved west to hunt across the High Plains. The Arapaho (in French: Gens de Vache) tribe of Native Americans historically living on the eastern plains of Colorado and Wyoming Cheyenne are a Native American nation of the Great Plains. The Cheyenne Nation is composed of two united tribes, the Só'taa'e (more commonly This article is about a geographic region in the United States

The United States acquired a territorial claim to the eastern flank of the Rocky Mountains with the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. For the film see Louisiana Purchase (film. The Louisiana Purchase (French Vente de la Louisiane "Louisiana Sale" This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The U. S. claim conflicted with Spain's claim that a huge region surrounding its colony of Santa Fé de Nuevo Méjico was its sovereign trading zone. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. This article is about a type of political territory For other uses see Colony (disambiguation. Santa Fe de Nuevo México (shortened to Nuevo México or Nuevo Méjico, translated as New Mexico) was a province of New Spain that existed Sovereignty is the exclusive Right to control a Government, a country, a people or oneself Zebulon Pike led a U.S. Army reconnaissance expedition into the disputed region in 1806. Zebulon Montgomery Pike Jr ( January 5, 1779 – April 27, 1813) was an American soldier and explorer for whom Pikes Peak The United States Army is a military organization whose primary mission is to "provide necessary forces and capabilities. Reconnaissance (also scouting) is a military and medical term denoting exploration conducted to gain information Pike and his men were arrested by Spanish cavalry in the San Luis Valley the following February, taken to Chihuahua, and expelled from México the following July. The Cavalry (from French cavalerie) is the second oldest of the Combat Arms, and as Soldiers or Warriors who fought mounted on The San Luis Valley is an extensive alpine valley in the United States states of Colorado and New Mexico covering approximately 8000 square miles Chihuahua is the name of both a state in Mexico and that state's capital city Mexico State or State of Mexico (often abbreviated to " Edomex " from Estado de México in Spanish) is a state in the

The United States relinquished its claim to all land south and west of the Arkansas River as part of the U. The Arkansas River is a major Tributary of the Mississippi River. S. purchase of Florida from Spain with the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 settled a border dispute in North America between the United States and Spain. México finally won its independence from Spain in 1821, but it surrendered its northern territories to the United States after the U.S. invasion of México with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Mexico State or State of Mexico (often abbreviated to " Edomex " from Estado de México in Spanish) is a state in the Independence is the Self-government of a Nation, Country, or State by its residents and population or some portion thereof generally exercising Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ( Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo in Spanish) is the Peace treaty, largely dictated by the United States to The United States divided the area of the future Colorado among the Territory of New Mexico and the Territory of Utah organized in 1850, and the Territory of Kansas and the Territory of Nebraska organized in 1854. The Territory of New Mexico became an Organized territory of the United States on September 9, 1850, and it existed until New Mexico The Territory of Kansas was an Organized territory of the United States that existed from May 30 1854 until January 29 1861 when Kansas became the 34th The Territory of Nebraska was a historic Organized territory of the United States from May 30, 1854 until March 1, 1867

Most American settlers traveling west to Oregon, Deseret, or California avoided the rugged Rocky Mountains and instead followed the North Platte River and Sweetwater River through what is now Wyoming. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established permanent residence there often to colonize the area Oregon Country or Oregon (to be distinguished from the American State also called Oregon) was a predominantly American term referring to The State of Deseret was a provisional state of the United States, proposed in 1849 by Mormon settlers in Salt Lake City. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. The North Platte River is a tributary of the Platte River, approximately 680 mi (1094 km long in the U Sweetwater River may refer to Sweetwater River (California, a river in San Diego County California, USA The State of Wyoming ( is a sparsely populated state in the western region of the United States. On 1851-04-09, Hispanic settlers from Taos, New Mexico, settled the village of San Luis, then in the New Mexico Territory, but now Colorado's first permanent European settlement. 1851 ( MDCCCLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) See also History of Mexican-Americans Mexican Americans are Americans of Mexican ancestry Taos (ˈtaʊs is a town in Taos County in the north-central region of New Mexico. The historic Town of San Luis is a Statutory Town in the County seat of and the most populous town of Costilla County, Colorado, The Territory of New Mexico became an Organized territory of the United States on September 9, 1850, and it existed until New Mexico A European American (Euro-American is a person who resides in the United States and is either from Europe or is the descendant of European immigrants A settlement is a general term used in Archeology, Landscape history and other subjects for a permanent or temporary community in which people live which avoids being Gold was discovered along the South Platte River in western Kansas Territory in July of 1858, precipitating the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Gold (ˈɡoʊld is a Chemical element with the symbol Au (from its Latin name aurum) and Atomic number 79 The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American West, located in the U The Territory of Kansas was an Organized territory of the United States that existed from May 30 1854 until January 29 1861 when Kansas became the 34th The Pike's Peak Gold Rush (later known as the Colorado Gold Rush) was the boom in Gold prospecting and mining in the Pike's Peak Country of western ^[10] The placer gold deposits along the rivers and streams of the region rapidly played out, but miners soon discovered far more valuable seams of hard rock gold, silver, and other minerals in the nearby mountains. In Geology, a placer deposit or placer is an accumulation of valuable minerals formed by deposition of dense mineral phases in a trap site Gold (ˈɡoʊld is a Chemical element with the symbol Au (from its Latin name aurum) and Atomic number 79 Silver (ˈsɪlvɚ is a Chemical element with the symbol " Ag " (argentum from the Ancient Greek: ἀργήντος - argēntos gen

The Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson was organized on 1859-10-24, but the new territory failed to secure federal sanction. The Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson was an extralegal and unrecognized territory of the United States that existed from October 24, Year 1859 ( MDCCCLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Events 69 - Second Battle of Bedriacum, forces under Antonius Primus the commander of the Danube armies loyal to Vespasian, defeat The election of Abraham Lincoln for U.S. President on 1860-11-06, led to the secession of six slave states and the threat of civil war. Abraham Lincoln (February 12 1809 &ndash April 15 1865 the sixteenth President of the United States, successfully led his country through its greatest internal The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by Year 1860 ( MDCCLX) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year starting Events 355 - Roman Emperor Constantius II promotes his cousin Julian to the rank of Caesar, entrusting him with Secession (derived from the Latin term secessio is the act of withdrawing from an organization union or especially a political entity A slave state was a US state in which Slavery of African Americans was legal Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South Seeking to augment the political power of the free states, the Republican led U.S. Congress hurriedly admitted the eastern portion of the Territory of Kansas to the Union as the free State of Kansas on 1861-01-29, leaving the western portion of the territory, and its gold fields, unorganized. The free states of the United States existed in opposition to the Slave states prior to the American Civil War. The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses The Territory of Kansas was an Organized territory of the United States that existed from May 30 1854 until January 29 1861 when Kansas became the 34th The United States of America —commonly referred to as the History See also Orange Free State Geography The Free State is situated on flat boundless plains in the heart of South Africa Kansas ( is a Midwestern state in the central region of the United States of America, an area often referred to as the American " Year 1861 ( MDCCCLXI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Events 904 - Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed Antipope Christopher.

Thirty days later on 1861-02-28, outgoing U.S. President James Buchanan signed an act of Congress organizing the free Territory of Colorado. Year 1861 ( MDCCCLXI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Events 202 BC - coronation ceremony of Liu Bang as Emperor Gaozu of Han takes place initiating four centuries of the Han Dynasty 's rule The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by James Buchanan Jr (April 23 1791 – June 1 1868 was the fifteenth President of the United States (1857–1861 The free states of the United States existed in opposition to the Slave states prior to the American Civil War. For the western film see Colorado Territory (film. The Territory of Colorado was an Organized territory of the United States of ^[11] The original boundaries of Colorado remain unchanged today. The name Colorado was chosen because it was commonly believed that the Colorado River originated in the territory. The Colorado River (' Aha Kwahwat in Mojave) is a River in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately ^[12] Early Spanish explorers named the river the Rio Colorado for the reddish-brown silt the river carried from the mountains. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The Colorado River (' Aha Kwahwat in Mojave) is a River in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately ^[13] In fact, the Colorado River did not flow through the State of Colorado until House Joint Resolution 460 of the 66th United States Congress changed the name of the Grand River to the Colorado River on 1921-07-25. Dates of sessions March 4 1919 - March 4 1921 First session May 19 1919 - November 19 The Colorado River (' Aha Kwahwat in Mojave) is a River in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately The Colorado River (' Aha Kwahwat in Mojave) is a River in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler ^[14]

The United States Congress passed an enabling act on 1875-03-03, specifying the requirements for the Territory of Colorado to become a state. The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses Year 1875 ( MDCCCLXXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Events 1284 - Statute of Rhuddlan incorporated the Principality of Wales into England 1575 - Indian For the western film see Colorado Territory (film. The Territory of Colorado was an Organized territory of the United States of ^[5] On 1876-08-01 (28 days after the Centennial of the United States), U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signed a proclamation admitting the State of Colorado to the Union as the 38th state and earning it the moniker "Centennial State". Year 1876 ( MDCCCLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year Events 30 BC - Octavian (later known as Augustus enters Alexandria, Egypt, bringing it under the control of the Roman The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 the first official World's Fair in the United States, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by Ulysses S Grant, born Hiram Ulysses Grant (April 27 1822 &ndash July 23 1885 was an American general and the eighteenth President of the United States The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government The State of Colorado ( or chiefly by nonresidents) is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States of America. ^[15] The discovery of a major silver lode near Leadville in 1878, triggered the Colorado Silver Boom. Silver (ˈsɪlvɚ is a Chemical element with the symbol " Ag " (argentum from the Ancient Greek: ἀργήντος - argēntos gen In Geology a lode is the metalliferous Ore that fills a Fissure in a rock or a vein of ore deposited between layers of Leadville is a Statutory City that is the County seat of and the only incorporated municipality in The Colorado Silver Boom was a dramatic expansionist period of Silver Mining activity in the U The Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 envigorated silver mining, but the repeal of the act in 1893 led to a major collapse of the mining and agricultural economy of the state. The Sherman Silver Purchase Act was enacted in 1890 as a United States federal law. Year 1890 ( MDCCCXC) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Year 1893 ( MDCCCXCIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common

Colorado women were granted the right to vote beginning on 1893-11-07, making Colorado the first U.S. state to grant universal suffrage by popular vote. Suffrage (from the Latin suffragium, meaning "voting tablet" and figuratively "right to vote" probably from suffrago "hough" and originally Year 1893 ( MDCCCXCIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Events 1492 - The Ensisheim Meteorite the oldest Meteorite with a known date of impact strikes the Earth around noon in a Wheat A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government Universal suffrage (also universal adult suffrage, general suffrage or common suffrage) consists of the extension of the right to vote to An election is a Decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold formal office By the 1930 U.S. Census, the population of Colorado exceeded one million residents. The state suffered through the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, but a major wave of immigration following World War II boosted Colorado's fortune. The Dust Bowl, or the dirty thirties, was a period of severe Dust storms causing major ecological and agricultural damage to American and The 1930s were described as an abrupt shift to more radical and conservative lifestyles as countries were struggling to find a solution to the Great Depression. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Tourism became a mainstay of the state economy, and high technology became an important economic engine. Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel High tech is Technology that is at the cutting edge —the most advanced technology currently available Colorado's population exceeded 4. 3 million at U.S. Census 2000.

Three warships of the United States Navy have been named USS Colorado. A warship is a Ship that is built and primarily intended for Combat. USS Colorado may refer to one of these United States Navy: Named for the Colorado River:, a screw steam Frigate, saw action The first USS Colorado was named for the Colorado River. The Colorado River (' Aha Kwahwat in Mojave) is a River in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately The later two ships were named in honor of the landlocked state. A landlocked country is commonly defined as one enclosed or nearly enclosed by land

Demographics

Historical populations
Census	Pop.		%±
1860	34,277		—
1870	39,864		16. 3%
1880	194,327		387. 5%
1890	413,249		112. 7%
1900	539,700		30. 6%
1910	799,024		48. 0%
1920	939,629		17. 6%
1930	1,035,791		10. 2%
1940	1,123,296		8. 4%
1950	1,325,089		18. 0%
1960	1,753,947		32. 4%
1970	2,207,259		25. 8%
1980	2,889,964		30. 9%
1990	3,294,394		14. 0%
2000	4,301,261		30. 6%
Est. 2007	4,861,515		13. 0%

The state's most populous city, and capital, is Denver. The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States The Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area, home to 2,927,911 people, contains more than two-thirds of the state's population. The Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area is a United States Census Bureau defined Combined Statistical Area (CSA located in the Denver region Residents of Colorado are properly referred to as Coloradans, although the term Coloradoans is still used. ^[16][17]

As of 2005, Colorado has an estimated population of 4,665,177, which is an increase of 63,356, or 1. 4%, from the prior year and an increase of 363,162, or 8. 4%, since the year 2000. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 205,321 people (that is 353,091 births minus 147,770 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 159,957 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 112,217 people, and migration within the country produced a net increase of 47,740 people. American immigration ( emigration to the United States of America) refers to the movement of non-residents to the United States. Human migration denotes any movement by Humans from one locality to another sometimes over long distances or

According to estimates made in 2004, Colorado's population will increase to 7,150,000 by 2030 [3]. The largest increases are expected in the Front Range Urban Corridor, especially in the Denver metropolitan area. The Front Range Urban Corridor is an oblong region of urban population located along the eastern face of the Southern Rocky Mountains in the U The Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Statistical Area is a United States Census Bureau defined Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA in the State of Colorado

The center of population of Colorado is located just north of the town of Critchell in Jefferson County [4]

Colorado has one of the highest proportions of Hispanic citizens of any U. In Demographics, the center of population of a region is the geographical point nearest to all the inhabitants of that region on average Jefferson County (ˈdʒɛfərsən ˈkaʊnti is the fourth most populous of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. Hispanic (hispano hispánico hispânico Hispānus adjective from ''Hispānia'', the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula) is a term that historically S. state; only five states have a higher percentage. Denver and some other areas have significant Mexican populations, while southern Colorado has a large number of Hispanos, the descendants of early New Mexican settlers of colonial Spanish origin. See also History of Mexican-Americans Mexican Americans are Americans of Mexican ancestry Spanish American ( Hispano Americano, derived from la ''[[Hispania]]'' The 2000 U.S. Census reports that 10. 52% of people aged 5 and over in Colorado speak Spanish at home [5]. Colorado, like New Mexico, is very rich in archaic Spanish idioms. New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. ^[18]

According to the 2000 Census, the largest ancestry groups in Colorado are German (22%), Irish (12. The German people (Deutsche are an Ethnic group, in the sense of sharing a common German culture, descent and speaking the German language as The Irish people ( Irish: Muintir na hÉireann, na hÉireannaigh, na Gaeil) are a Western European Ethnic group who originate 2%), and English (12%). The English people (from the adjective in Englisc) are a Nation and Ethnic group native to England who predominantly speak English Persons reporting German ancestry are the largest group in the state and are especially strong in the Front Range and eastern Plains. German Americans ( German: Deutschamerikaner) are citizens of the United States of Ethnic German ancestry People of British extraction are the largest group in the western Rocky Mountains.

[6].

Demographics of Colorado (csv)
By race	White	Black	AIAN*	Asian	NHPI*
2000 (total population)	92. 23%	4. 55%	1. 91%	2. 84%	0. 25%
2000 (Hispanic only)	16. 20%	0. 37%	0. 64%	0. 14%	0. 05%
2005 (total population)	91. 91%	4. 74%	1. 83%	3. 19%	0. 26%
2005 (Hispanic only)	18. 46%	0. 48%	0. 61%	0. 18%	0. 06%
Growth 2000–05 (total population)	8. 09%	13. 03%	3. 85%	22. 08%	15. 47%
Growth 2000–05 (non-Hispanic only)	4. 78%	10. 67%	3. 75%	21. 14%	11. 70%
Growth 2000–05 (Hispanic only)	23. 60%	39. 64%	4. 05%	40. 04%	29. 23%
* AIAN is American Indian or Alaskan Native; NHPI is Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

There were a total of 70,330 births in Colorado in 2006. (Birth Rate of 14. 6). Although Non-Hispanic Whites constituted 73. 5% of the population they accounted for only 48. 90% of all the births. 14. 06% of the births happened to parents of different races (About two-thirds to White-Latino parents). [7]

Religion

Colorado, specifically the city of Colorado Springs, serves as the headquarters of numerous Christian groups, most of them Protestant. The City of Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Focus on the Family is a major conservative Christian organization headquartered in the state. Catholicism is popular among many Coloradans, and is becoming more so with the influx of Latino immigrants. Immigration refers to the movement of people among countries While the movement of people has existed throughout human history at various levels modern immigration implies long-term Colorado is similar to other Western states in its high percentage of religiously unaffiliated residents.

According to the American Religious Identification Survey, conducted in 2001 by The Graduate Center at the City University of New York, Colorado's population is distributed among the following religious groups:^[19]

• Christian Self-Identifications – 68%
  • Roman Catholic – 23%
  • Christian – 9%
  • Baptist – 8%
  • Methodist – 5%
  • Lutheran – 5%
  • Episcopalian – 3%
  • Presbyterian – 3%
  • Pentecostal – 2%
  • Churches of Christ – 2%
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 2%
  • Protestant – 2%
  • Jehovah's Witness – 1%
  • Seventh-day Adventist – 1%
  • Evangelical – 1%
  • Non-denominational – 1%
• Non-Religious/Atheist/Agnostic – 21%
• Buddhist – 1%
• Jewish – 1%
• Other Religions – 3%
• Refused To Answer – 6%

Economy

Main article: Economy of Colorado

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the total state product in 2006 was $230 billion. The City University of New York (CUNY Acronym ˈkjuːni is the public University system of New York City. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings Roman Catholicism in the United States has grown dramatically over the country's history from being a tiny minority faith during the time of the Thirteen Colonies Baptist is a term describing individuals belonging to a Baptist church or a Baptist denomination. Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the teachings of the sixteenth-century German reformer Martin Luther The Episcopal Church is the official name of the Province of the Anglican Communion in the United States. Presbyterianism is a family of Christian denominations within the Reformed branch of Protestant Western Christianity Pentecostalism is a renewalist religious movement within Christianity that places special emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the Baptism The Churches of Christ discussed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest Christian denomination in the United States and the largest and most well-known Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Jehovah's Witnesses is a restorationist, millenialist Christian denomination The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated " Adventist " Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished mainly by its observance Evangelicalism is a theological movement tradition and system of beliefs most closely associated with Protestant Christianity, which identifies with the Gospel Atheism Agnosticism ( Greek: α- a-, without + γνώσις gnōsis, knowledge after Gnosticism) is the philosophical view that the Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Judaism (from the Greek Ioudaïsmos, derived from the Hebrew יהודה Yehudah, " Judah " in Hebrew יַהֲדוּת Yahedut Maize (ˈmeɪz ( Zea mays L. ssp mays) known as corn in some countries is a cereal grain domesticated in Mesoamerica Larimer County is the seventh most populous and the ninth most extensive of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. A ranch is an area of landscape including various structures given primarily to the practice of ranching the practice of raising grazing livestock such as Cattle Jackson County is the third least densely populated of the 64 counties of the U See also State of Colorado, Economics The economy of the US State of Colorado is both diverse and healthy The Bureau of Economic Analysis ( BEA) is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that provides important economic statistics including the Per capita personal income in 2003 was $34,561, putting Colorado eighth in the nation. To see a 2004 per capita personal income comparison table on a state basis [8]. The state's economy broadened from its mid-19th century roots in mining when irrigated agriculture developed, and by the late 19th century, raising livestock had become important. Early industry was based on the extraction and processing of minerals and agricultural products. Current agricultural products are cattle, wheat, dairy products, corn, and hay. Cattle, colloquially referred to as cows, are domesticated Ungulates a member of the Subfamily Bovinae of the family Wheat ( Triticum spp is a worldwide cultivated grass from the Levant area of the Middle East. Dairy products are generally defined as Foodstuffs produced from Milk. Maize (ˈmeɪz ( Zea mays L. ssp mays) known as corn in some countries is a cereal grain domesticated in Mesoamerica Hay is a generic term for grass or Legumes that have been cut dried and stored for use as animal feed, particularly for grazing animals like

The federal government is also a major economic force in the state with many important federal facilities including NORAD, United States Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs; NOAA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder; U.S. Geological Survey and other government agencies at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood; the Denver Mint, Buckley Air Force Base, and 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver; and a federal Supermax Prison and other federal prisons near Cañon City. The federal government of the United States is the central United States Governmental body established by the United States Constitution. The United States Air Force Academy ( USAFA or Air Force) is an accredited college for the undergraduate education of officers for the United States Air Peterson Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force located at Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, The City of Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce focused on the conditions of the Boulder is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of Boulder County, Colorado, in the United States The United States Geological Survey ( USGS) is a scientific agency of the United States government. The City of Lakewood is a Home Rule Municipality that is the most populous city in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States The Denver Mint is a branch of the United States Mint established in 1862 that is today operational and produces coins for circulation as well as Mint sets and Buckley Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base in Aurora, Colorado, that was established in 1943 The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit is a federal court with Appellate jurisdiction over the district courts in the following districts The United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX in Florence CO A prison, penitentiary, or correctional facility is a place in which individuals are physically confined or interned and usually deprived of a range of For other similar names see also Canyon City. The City of Cañon City (ˈkænjən ˈsɪti In addition to these and other federal agencies, Colorado has abundant National Forest land and four National Parks that contribute to federal ownership of 24,615,788 acres (99,617 km²) of land in Colorado, or 37% of the total area of the state. Independent agencies of the United States government are those that exist outside of the departments of the Executive branch. "National forest" redirects here for the National Forest in England see National Forest England; for those in Brazil see List of Brazilian National Forests This is a list of United States National Parks by state. Some states lack a national park others have many ^[20] In the second half of the 20th century, the industrial and service sectors have expanded greatly. The state's economy is diversified and is notable for its concentration of scientific research and high-technology industries. Other industries include food processing, transportation equipment, machinery, chemical products, minerals such as gold and molybdenum, and tourism. Food processing is the set of methods and techniques used to transform raw Ingredients into Food or to transform food into other forms for consumption by Gold mining in Colorado, a state of the United States, has been an industry since 1858 and played a key role in the establishment of the state of Colorado. Molybdenum (məˈlɪbdənəm from the Greek word for the metal " Lead " is a Group 6 Chemical element with the symbol Mo Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel Colorado also produces the largest amount of beer of any state. Beer is the world's oldest and most widely consumed Alcoholic beverage and the third most popular drink overall after water and tea ^[21] Denver is an important financial center.

Colorado has a flat 4. 63% income tax, regardless of income level. Unlike most states, which calculate taxes based on federal adjusted gross income, Colorado taxes are based on taxable income - income after federal exemptions and federal itemized (or standard) deductions. ^[22][23] Colorado's state sales tax is 2. A sales tax is a Consumption tax charged at the Point of purchase for certain goods and services 9% on retail sales. When state revenues exceed state constitutional limits, full-year Colorado residents can claim a sales tax refund on their individual state income tax return. Many counties and cities charge their own rates in addition to the base state rate. There are also certain county and special district taxes that may apply.

Real estate and personal business property are taxable in Colorado. Real estate is a legal term (in some jurisdictions notably in the USA, United Kingdom The state's senior property tax exemption was temporarily suspended by the Colorado Legislature in 2003. The tax break is scheduled to return for assessment year 2006, payable in 2007.

Special tax districts

Some of the special tax districts are:

• The Regional Transportation District (RTD), which affects the counties of Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, and portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, and Douglas Counties
• The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a special regional tax district with physical boundaries contiguous with county boundaries of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties
  • It is a 0. The Regional Transportation District, or RTD was organized in 1969 and is the regional authority operating public transit services in eight of the twelve counties in the Denver-Aurora-Boulder See also Law and government of Colorado The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD is a special regional tax district of the State of Colorado that 1% retail sales and use tax (one penny on every $10).
  • According to the Colorado statute, the SCFD distributes the money to local organizations on an annual basis. These organizations must provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement or preservation of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
  • As directed by statute, SCFD recipient organizations are currently divided into three "tiers" among which receipts are allocated by percentage.
    • Tier I includes regional organizations: the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoo, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. It receives 65. 5%.
    • Tier II currently includes 26 regional organizations. Tier II receives 21%.
    • Tier III has over 280 local organizations such as small theaters, orchestras, art centers, and natural history, cultural history, and community groups. Tier III organizations apply for funding to the county cultural councils via a grant process. This tier receives 13. 5%.
  • An eleven-member board of directors oversees the distributions in accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes. Seven board members are appointed by county commissioners (in Denver, the Denver City Council) and four members are appointed by the Governor of Colorado.
• The Football Stadium District (FD or FTBL), approved by the voters to pay for and help build the Denver Broncos' stadium INVESCO Field at Mile High
• Local Improvement Districts (LID) within designated areas of southeast Jefferson and Boulder counties
• Regional Transportation Districts (RTA) taxes at varying rates in Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Gunnison County
• Occupational Privilege Taxes (OPT or Head Tax) Denver and Aurora both levy an OPT on Employers and Employees
  • If any employee performs work in the city limits and is paid over US$500. The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. Invesco Field at Mile High is a Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Invesco Field at Mile High replaced the identically sized but commercially obsolete 00 for that work in a single month, the Employee and Employer are both liable for the OPT regardless of where the main business office is located or headquartered.
  • In Denver, the Employer is liable for US$4. 00 per employee per month and the Employee is liable for US$5. 75 per month.
  • In Aurora, both Employer and Employees are liable for US$2. 00 per month.
  • It is the Employer's responsibility to with hold, remit, and file the OPT returns. If an Employer does not comply, they can be held liable for both portions of the OPT as well as penalties and interest.

Transportation

A number of Interstate and U.S. Highways serve Colorado: I-25, I-70, I-76, I-225, I-270, US 6, US 24, US 34, US 36, US 40, US 50, US 84, US 85, US 87, US 138, US 160, US 285, US 287, US 350, US 400, US 491, and US 550. The Dwight D Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, commonly called the Interstate Highway System (or simply the Interstate System) The system of United States Numbered Highways (often called U In the US state of Colorado, Interstate 25 follows the north-south corridor through Colorado Springs and Denver. In the US state of Colorado, Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway traversing an east-west route across the center of the state Interstate 76 (I-76 is an Interstate highway that runs from Interstate 70 in Arvada Colorado (near Denver) to an intersection with Interstate Interstate 225 (I-225 is a Spur route (and the only auxiliary route of Interstate 25 in Colorado, traversing Aurora and small portions of Interstate 270 (I-270 is a 53-mile highway in the northeastern part of the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area. In the US state of Colorado US Route 6 overlaps many different highways throughout Colorado much of which is unsigned US Route 24, a dual north-south/east-west route is one of the original United States highways of 1926 US Route 34 is an east-west United States highway that runs for 1122 miles (1806 km from the western suburbs of Chicago to north-central Colorado. US Route 36 is an east-west United States highway that runs for 1414 miles (2276 km from Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado to Uhrichsville In the US state of Colorado, US Highway 50 is a major east-west route US Route 84 is an east-west United States highway. It started as a short Georgia - Alabama route in the original 1926 scheme but now extends US Route 85 is a north-south United States highway that runs for 1479 miles (2380 km in the Midwestern United States. US Highway 87 is a north-south United States highway (though it is signed east-west in New Mexico) that runs for 1998 miles (3215 km from northern Montana US Route 138, commissioned in 1926, is a short (71 miles east-west highway in Colorado and Nebraska that runs predominantly northeast to southwest paralleling US Route 160 is a 1465 mile (2358 km long east-west United States highway in the Midwestern United States. US Route 285 is a north-south United States highway, running 845 miles (1260 km through the states of Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. US Route 287 is a north-south United States highway. It serves as the major truck route between the Texas cities of Fort Worth and Amarillo US Highway 350 is a 7300 mile (11748 km long northeast-southwest United States highway located entirely within the state of Colorado. US Route 400 is a mostly east-west US Highway, commissioned in 1994 US Route 491 (US 491 is a north–south US Highway serving the Four Corners region of the United States. US Route 550 is a spur of US Highway 50 that runs from Bernalillo New Mexico to Montrose Colorado in the western United States.

Commercial Airports in the State of Colorado

ALS - San Luis Valley Regional Airport ASE - Aspen-Pitkin County Airport CEZ - Cortez Municipal Airport COS - City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport DEN - Denver International Airport[24] DRO - Durango-La Plata County Airport EGE - Eagle County Regional Airport

FNL - Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport GJT - Grand Junction Regional Airport GUC - Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport HDN - Yampa Valley Airport MTJ - Montrose Regional Airport PUB - Pueblo Memorial Airport TEX - Telluride Regional Airport

Amtrak Passenger Railroad Routes through the State of Colorado

California Zephyr:  Chicago, Galesburg, Omaha, Fort Morgan, Denver, Winter Park, Granby, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento, and Emeryville Southwest Chief:  Chicago, Galesburg, Kansas City, Topeka, Lamar, La Junta, Trinidad, Albuquerque, Gallup, Flagstaff, Needles, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles

Communities in the State of Colorado with Regional Bus Service

Alamosa, Aurora, Boulder, Brush, Colorado Springs, Delta, Denver, Durango, Englewood, Frisco, Fort Collins, Fort Morgan, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Greeley, Lamar, Limon, Longmont, Montrose, Pueblo, Rocky Ford, Springfield, Sterling, Trinidad, Vail, and Walsenburg

See also: Colorado Department of Transportation, List of Colorado state highways, List of airports in Colorado, and Amtrak

Government and Politics

State government

Main article: Law and Government of Colorado

Governor elections results

Year	Republican	Democratic
2006	40. San Luis Valley Regional Airport, also known as Bergman Field, is a public Airport located two miles (3 km) south of the Central business district San Luis Valley Regional Airport, also known as Bergman Field, is a public Airport located two miles (3 km) south of the Central business district Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field, is a public Airport located three miles (5 km northwest of the Central business district Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field, is a public Airport located three miles (5 km northwest of the Central business district Cortez Municipal Airport is a public Airport located three miles (5 km) southwest of the Central business district (CBD of Cortez, a city Cortez Municipal Airport is a public Airport located three miles (5 km) southwest of the Central business district (CBD of Cortez, a city Colorado Springs Airport On November 2 2007 Frontier Airlines announced that the carrier's new heavy-maintenance facility would be constructed at the airport Colorado Springs Airport On November 2 2007 Frontier Airlines announced that the carrier's new heavy-maintenance facility would be constructed at the airport Denver International Airport, often called DIA, is by land size at, the largest international Airport in the United States, and the second largest Denver International Airport, often called DIA, is by land size at, the largest international Airport in the United States, and the second largest Durango-La Plata County Airport is a public Airport located 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the Central business district of Durango, a city Durango-La Plata County Airport is a public Airport located 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the Central business district of Durango, a city Eagle County Regional Airport, sometimes referred to as Eagle County Airport, is a public Airport located four miles (6 km) west of the Central Eagle County Regional Airport, sometimes referred to as Eagle County Airport, is a public Airport located four miles (6 km) west of the Central Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport is a public Airport located nine miles (14 km) southeast of Fort Collins and northeast of Loveland Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport is a public Airport located nine miles (14 km) southeast of Fort Collins and northeast of Loveland Grand Junction Regional Airport is a public-use Airport located three Nautical miles (6 km) northeast of the Central business district of Grand Junction Regional Airport is a public-use Airport located three Nautical miles (6 km) northeast of the Central business district of Yampa Valley Airport, also known as Yampa Valley Regional Airport, is a public Airport located east of Hayden and approximately 25 miles west of Yampa Valley Airport, also known as Yampa Valley Regional Airport, is a public Airport located east of Hayden and approximately 25 miles west of Montrose Regional Airport is a non-towered public airport located at the northwest edge of Montrose ( in the southwest corner of the U Montrose Regional Airport is a non-towered public airport located at the northwest edge of Montrose ( in the southwest corner of the U Pueblo Memorial Airport is a city-owned public-use Airport located five miles (8 km east of the Central business district of Pueblo, a city in Pueblo Pueblo Memorial Airport is a city-owned public-use Airport located five miles (8 km east of the Central business district of Pueblo, a city in Pueblo Telluride Regional Airport is a public use Airport located five Nautical miles (9 km) west of the Central business district of Telluride Telluride Regional Airport is a public use Airport located five Nautical miles (9 km) west of the Central business district of Telluride Union Station is Denver Colorado, USA 's historic train station at 17th and Wynkoop in the LoDo The California Zephyr is a 2438-mile (3924-km long Passenger train route operated by Amtrak in the Midwestern and Western United Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. Galesburg is a city in Knox County, Illinois, in the United States. The City of Fort Morgan is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Morgan County, Colorado, The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States Winter Park is a Home Rule Municipality in Grand County, Colorado, United States. The Town of Granby is a Statutory Town that is the most populous town in Grand County, Colorado, United States. The City of Glenwood Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Garfield County, Colorado The City of Grand Junction is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Mesa County, Colorado, Salt Lake City is the Capital and the most populous city of the U Emeryville is a small city located in Alameda County California, in the United States. The Southwest Chief (formerly the Southwest Limited) is a Passenger train operated by Amtrak along a 2256-mile (3631-km route through Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. Galesburg is a city in Knox County, Illinois, in the United States. Kansas City Missouri only Items for the metro area Kansas City Kansas or North Kansas City MO should go on their respective pages Topeka ( Kansa: Tó Ppí Kˀé ˌto ˈpːi ˌkˀeɪ Ioway: Dó Pí Kˀé ˌto ˈpʰi ˌkˀeɪ The City of Lamar is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Prowers County, Colorado, United The City of La Junta is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Otero County, Colorado, The historic City of Trinidad is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Las Animas County, Colorado Gallup (Naʼnízhoozhí is a city in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States. Flagstaff (Kinłání is a city located in northern Arizona, in the southwestern United States Needles ( Mojave ʼAha Kuloh) is a city located on the western banks of the Colorado River in San Bernardino County, California. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West The City of Alamosa is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Alamosa County, Colorado, United The City of Aurora is a Home Rule Municipality that is the third most populous city in the State of Colorado and the 59th most populous city Boulder is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of Boulder County, Colorado, in the United States The City of Brush is a Statutory City located in Morgan County, Colorado, United States. The City of Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, The City of Delta is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Delta County, Colorado, United The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States The City of Durango ( Kinłání) is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of La Plata County, The City of Englewood is a Home Rule Municipality located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. Frisco is a Home Rule Municipality in Summit County, Colorado, United States. The City of Fort Collins, a Home Rule Municipality situated on the Cache la Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range, is the County seat The City of Fort Morgan is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Morgan County, Colorado, The City of Glenwood Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Garfield County, Colorado The City of Grand Junction is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Mesa County, Colorado, The City of Greeley is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Weld County, Colorado, United The City of Lamar is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Prowers County, Colorado, United Limon is a Statutory Town that is the most populous town in Lincoln County, Colorado, United States. Longmont is a Home Rule Municipality in Boulder and Weld counties in the U The City of Montrose is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Montrose County, Colorado, United The City of Pueblo (ˈpwɛbloʊ is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Pueblo County The City of Rocky Ford is a Statutory City located in Otero County, Colorado, United States. Springfield is a Statutory Town that is the County seat and most populous town of Baca County, Colorado, United States. The City of Sterling is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Logan County, Colorado, United The historic City of Trinidad is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and the most populous city of Las Animas County, Colorado The historic City of Walsenburg is a Statutory City that is the County seat and the most populous city of Huerfano The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT pronounced See Dot is the agency of state government responsible for transportation in the State of Colorado of the United The State highway system in the US State of Colorado is comprised of State Highways (typically abbreviated SH) U tags they are used to transclude this state's "Commercial Service - Primary" airports in the List of The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Doing business as Amtrak, is a Government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971 See also State of Colorado The Constitution of the US State of Colorado provides for three branches of government the legislative, the executive The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. The US 2006 gubernatorial elections were held on November 7, 2006 in 36 states with 22 of the seats held by Republicans and 14 by Democrats 16% 625,886	56. 98% 888,096
2002	62. Although Republicans made some gains from Democrats Democrats increased their overall number of governorships 62% 884,584	33. 65% 475,373
1998	49. The 1998 US gubernatorial elections were held on November 3 1998 in 36 states 06% 648,202	48. 43% 639,905
1994	38. The 1994 US gubernatorial elections were held on November 8, 1994 in 36 states 70% 432,042	55. 47% 619,205
1990	35. The 1990 United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 6, 1990 in 36 states 43% 358,403	61. 89% 626,032

Like all U.S. states, Colorado's constitution provides for three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government A constitution is a system for government often Codified as a written document that establishes the rules and principles of an autonomous political entity The governor heads the state's executive branch. Governors The region that would become Colorado was obtained in three parts by the United States first in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 then the Mexican Cession The Colorado Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the state. The Colorado Supreme Court is the highest court in the US state of Colorado. The state legislative body is the Colorado General Assembly, which is made up of two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Colorado General Assembly is the state legislature of the State of Colorado. The Colorado House of Representatives is the Lower house of the Colorado General Assembly, the state legislature of the U The Colorado Senate is the Upper house of the Colorado General Assembly, the state legislature of the U The House has 65 members and the Senate has 35. Currently, Democrats are in control of both chambers of the General Assembly. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. The 2005 Colorado General Assembly was the first to be controlled by the Democrats in forty years.

The incumbent Governor of the State of Colorado is August William "Bill" Ritter, Jr. (D). August William "Bill" Ritter Jr (born September 6, 1956) is an American politician of the Democratic Party, and the current

Many Coloradans are transplanted citizens, and this is illustrated by the fact that the state has not had a native-born governor since 1975 (when John David Vanderhoof left office) and -- until Bill Ritter's election in November 2006 -- had not elected one since 1958, in the person of Stephen L.R. McNichols. John David Vanderhoof (Born May 27, 1922 in Glenwood Springs Colorado) served as Governor of Colorado from 1973-1975 as a Republican. The Colorado gubernatorial election of 2006 was held on November 7, 2006 to determine the successor for incumbent Bill Owens, who was unable to run Stephen Lucid Robert McNichols, Colorado's Democratic governor from 1957 to 1963 was born in Denver on March 7, 1914. Vanderhoof ascended from the Lieutenant Governorship when John Arthur Love was given a position in Richard Nixon's administration in 1973. John Arthur Love (November 29 1916 January 21 2002 was a United States Attorney and Republican Politician who served as the 36th Governor ) Bill Ritter (D), a humanitarian missionary worker in Africa and former Denver District Attorney, defeated former congressman and banker Bob Beauprez (R) in the 2006 gubernatorial election. August William "Bill" Ritter Jr (born September 6, 1956) is an American politician of the Democratic Party, and the current Robert L "Bob" Beauprez (born September 22, 1948) is an American politician who was a Republican member of the United States The Colorado gubernatorial election of 2006 was held on November 7, 2006 to determine the successor for incumbent Bill Owens, who was unable to run

Federal politics

Main article: Politics of Colorado

Presidential elections results

Year	Republican	Democratic
2004	51. Colorado has traditionally voted Republican in every US Presidential Election since 1964 with the exception of 1992 when a Plurality voted for Bill Clinton The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. The United States presidential election of 2004 was held on Tuesday November 2, 2004, to elect the President of the United States. 69% 1,101,255	47. 02% 1,001,732
2000	50. The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Democratic candidate Al Gore, then Vice President, and Republican 75% 883,745	42. 39% 738,227
1996	45. The United States presidential election of 1996 was a contest between the Democratic national ticket of President Bill Clinton of Arkansas and Vice 80% 691,848	44. 43% 671,152
1992	35. The United States presidential elections of 1992 featured a battle between incumbent President, Republican George H 87% 562,850	40. 13% 629,681
1988	53. -->The United States presidential election of 1988 featured an open primary for both major parties 06% 728,177	45. 28% 621,453

Colorado is considered a swing state in both state and federal elections. A swing state (also battleground state or purple state) in United States Coloradans elected 17 Democrats and 12 Republicans to the governorship in the last 100 years. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. In presidential politics, Colorado supported Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992, and supported Republican presidential nominee Robert J. Dole in 1996 and George W. Bush in 2000. William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III, August 19 1946 served as the forty-second President of the United States Robert Joseph "Bob" Dole (born July 22 1923 is an attorney and retired United States Senator from Kansas from 1969–1996 serving part of that time George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Democratic candidate Al Gore, then Vice President, and Republican George W. Bush won the state's 9 electoral votes in the 2004 election, by a margin of 5 percentage points with 51. 7% of the vote, considerably less than the 9% margin Bush won by in 2000. However this can be largely attributed to the 5% of the vote Ralph Nader won in 2000. Ralph Nader (born February 27 1934 is an American Attorney, Author, Lecturer, political activist, and independent candidate for President

Colorado politics has the contrast of conservative cities such as Colorado Springs and liberal cities such as Boulder. Democrats are strongest in metropolitan Denver, the college towns of Fort Collins and Boulder, southern Colorado (including Pueblo), and a few western ski resort counties. The Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Statistical Area is a United States Census Bureau defined Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA in the State of Colorado The City of Fort Collins, a Home Rule Municipality situated on the Cache la Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range, is the County seat Boulder is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of Boulder County, Colorado, in the United States The Republicans are strongest in the Eastern Plains, Colorado Springs, Greeley, some Denver suburbs, and the western half of State (including Grand Junction). The City of Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, The fastest growing parts of the state particularly Douglas, Elbert, and Weld Counties, in the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area, are somewhat Republican. The Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Statistical Area is a United States Census Bureau defined Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA in the State of Colorado

The two U. S. Senators from Colorado are Wayne Allard (R), and Ken Salazar (D). The United States Senate is the Upper house of the bicameral United States Congress, the Lower house being the House of Representatives Alan Wayne Allard (born December 2, 1943) is the senior United States Senator from Colorado and a member of the Republican Party. Kenneth Lee Salazar (born March 2, 1955) is an American politician, rancher and environmentalist from the U The state has seven U.S. Congressional districts, based on the 2000 Census. The State of Colorado currently has seven congressional districts from which U

See also: United States presidential election, 2004, in Colorado, Colorado's congressional elections, 2006, and Colorado gubernatorial election, 2006

Cities and Towns

Main article: Colorado municipalities

See also: List of cities and towns in Colorado and Table of Colorado municipalities by county

Colorado has 271 incorporated municipalities and 83 active United States Census Designated Places. In the 2004 Presidential election, Colorado was a Swing state, and voted for the incumbent President George W The Colorado election was held on 7 November 2006, with all seven House seats up for election The Colorado gubernatorial election of 2006 was held on November 7, 2006 to determine the successor for incumbent Bill Owens, who was unable to run See also State of Colorado The 271 incorporated municipalities of the State of Colorado operate under one of five types of municipal governing The following list includes the 271 municipalities, the 83 active U See also Colorado municipalities, List of counties in Colorado The following table lists the 271 Colorado municipalities arranged by county See also State of Colorado The 271 incorporated municipalities of the State of Colorado operate under one of five types of municipal governing The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census A census-designated place ( CDP) is a type of place (a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes ^[25][26]

Counties

Main article: Colorado counties

Colorado is divided into 64 counties, including two counties with consolidated city and county governments. See also Geography of Colorado State of Colorado|History of Colorado This is a list of the 64 counties of the U A county of the United States is a local level of government created as a subdivision of a state by the state government or by the federal or territorial government as a subdivision In American Local government, a consolidated city-county is a city and county that have been merged into one unified jurisdiction ^[27]

Education

Colleges and universities in Colorado:

Adams State College Aims Community College Arapahoe Community College Art Institute of Colorado Colorado Christian University Colorado College Colorado Community College Online Colorado Mountain College Colorado Northwestern Community College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University System Colorado State University Colorado State University-Pueblo Colorado Technical University Community College of Aurora Community College of Denver Denver Seminary Fort Lewis College Front Range Community College Heritage College & Heritage Institute Iliff School of Theology Johnson & Wales University Jones International University Lamar Community College

Mesa State College Metropolitan State College of Denver Morgan Community College Naropa University National Technological University Nazarene Bible College Northeastern Junior College Otero Junior College Pikes Peak Community College Pueblo Community College Red Rocks Community College Regis University Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Trinidad State Junior College United States Air Force Academy University of Colorado System University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado at Colorado Springs University of Colorado Denver University of Denver University of Northern Colorado Western State College

See also: List of colleges and universities in Colorado and List of school districts in Colorado

Metropolitan Areas

Main article: Colorado metropolitan areas

See also: Colorado census statistical areas

The United States Census Bureau has defined seven Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), seven Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs), and one Combined Statistical Area (CSA) in the State of Colorado. See also Geography of Colorado The Metropolitan areas of the State of Colorado include the urban statistical areas defined by the United States The United States Census Bureau has defined one Combined Statistical Area (CSA seven Metropolitan Statistical Areas ref name=MSA>The United States Census The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census See also Metropolitan Statistical Area, Core Based Statistical Area Table of United States Core Based Statistical AreasThe United States Census Bureau has defined See also Micropolitan Statistical Area, Core Based Statistical Area Table of United States Core Based Statistical AreasThe United States Census Bureau has defined See also Combined Statistical Area The United States Census Bureau has defined 123 Combined Statistical Areas ref name=CSA>The United States Census ^[28][29]

Military facilities

• Buckley Air Force Base
• Fort Carson
  • Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site
• Peterson Air Force Base
  • Cheyenne Mountain Directorate
• Pueblo Chemical Depot
• Schriever Air Force Base
• United States Air Force Academy

Protected areas

National Parks in Colorado:

• Arapaho National Recreation Area^[30]
• Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Canyons of the Ancients National Monument^[31]
• Colorado National Monument
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail^[32]
• Curecanti National Recreation Area
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
• Hovenweep National Monument
• Mesa Verde National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Old Spanish National Historic Trail
• Pony Express National Historic Trail
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
• Santa Fe National Historic Trail
• Yucca House National Monument

See also: Colorado national parks, Colorado state parks, Colorado trails, and Colorado scenic and historic byways

Sports

Professional sports teams

Colorado is the least populous state with a franchise in each of the major professional sports leagues. The state is able to support the teams because it contains a large metropolitan area with a higher population than any other city within 550 miles (885 km). A metropolitan area is a large population center consisting of a large Metropolis and its adjacent zone of influence or of more than one closely adjoining neighboring central Therefore, many of the residents in the surrounding states support the teams in Denver, as shown by the reach of the Broncos' radio network. Denver is home to many sports teams and is part of a select group of only 13 U [9]

Club	Sport	League
Colorado Rockies	Baseball	Major League Baseball
Denver Broncos	Football	National Football League
Colorado Avalanche	Ice hockey	National Hockey League
Denver Nuggets	Basketball	National Basketball Association
Colorado Rapids	Soccer	Major League Soccer
Colorado Mammoth	Lacrosse	National Lacrosse League
Denver Outlaws	Lacrosse	Major League Lacrosse
Colorado Chill	Basketball	National Women's Basketball League
Colorado Crush	Arena football	Arena Football League
Aurora Cavalry	Basketball	International Basketball League
Colorado 14ers	Basketball	NBA D-League
Colorado Crossover	Basketball	International Basketball League
Colorado Springs Sky Sox	Baseball	Minor League Baseball (AAA)
Colorado Eagles	Ice hockey	Central Hockey League
Rocky Mountain Rage	Ice hockey	Central Hockey League
Colorado Rapids U23's	Soccer	USL Premier Development League
Colorado Springs Blizzard	Soccer	USL Premier Development League
Colorado Springs Sabers	Soccer	Women's Premier Soccer League
Denver Diamonds	Soccer	Women's Premier Soccer League

Former professional sports teams

Club	Sport	League
Colorado Rockies (NHL) (moved to Newark, New Jersey and are now the New Jersey Devils)	Ice Hockey	National Hockey League
Colorado Xplosion (won the Western Conference Championship in inaugural season)	Women's Basketball	American Basketball League (1996-1998)
Denver Grizzlies (moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, later moved to Cleveland, Ohio and became the Lake Erie Monsters)	Ice Hockey	International Hockey League (1945-2001)
Denver Spurs (moved to Ottawa, Ontario and became the Ottawa Civics for the rest of the team's existence)	Ice Hockey	World Hockey Association/Central Hockey League/Western Hockey League
Denver Dynamite (Inaugural member of the Arena Football League, folded after four seasons)	Arena Football	Arena Football League
Denver Gold (United States Football League member, 1983-1985)	Football	United States Football League
Denver Bears/Denver Zephyrs (moved to New Orleans, Louisiana and became the New Orleans Zephyrs)	Baseball	American Association/Pacific Coast League

State symbols

Main article: List of Colorado state symbols

See also

• List of Colorado-related topics

Airports of Colorado Cities and towns in Colorado Colleges and universities in Colorado Colorado Plateau Companies of Colorado Counties of the State of Colorado Demographics of Colorado Drainage basins of Colorado Economy of Colorado Front Range Urban Corridor General Assembly of Colorado Geography of Colorado Geology of the Rocky Mountains Ghost towns of Colorado Gold mining in Colorado Governor of the State of Colorado High Plains High schools of Colorado Highways of Colorado History of Colorado Hospitals in Colorado

Law and government of Colorado Law enforcement agencies of Colorado Metropolitan areas of Colorado Mountain passes of Colorado Mountain peaks of Colorado Mountain ranges of Colorado Municipalities of Colorado Museums in Colorado Music of Colorado National forests of Colorado National historic landmarks of Colorado National parks and monuments of Colorado National wilderness areas of Colorado National wildlife refuges of Colorado Newspapers of Colorado People from Colorado Pike's Peak Gold Rush Places in Colorado Radio stations in Colorado Railroads in Colorado Registered historic places of Colorado

Religion in Colorado Rivers of Colorado Rocky Mountains Scenic and historic byways of Colorado School districts of Colorado Silver mining in Colorado Ski resorts of Colorado State Capitol of Colorado State forest of Colorado State parks of Colorado State Patrol of Colorado State prisons of Colorado Supreme Court of Colorado Symbols of the State of Colorado Television stations in Colorado Territory of Colorado Territory of Jefferson Trails of Colorado U.S. congressional delegations from Colorado U.S. congressional districts of Colorado Uranium mining in Colorado

References

Further reading

External links

State government

• State of Colorado government website
• Colorado Department of Education
  • Colorado state symbols and emblems
  • Colorado official state vacation guide
  • Colorado Chambers of Commerce
  • Colorado state government departments and agencies
    • Colorado Department of Transportation
      • Colorado highway maps
        • Colorado Travel Map
• List of searchable databases produced by Colorado state agencies hosted by the American Library Association Government Documents Roundtable.

Federal government

• USGS Colorado state facts, real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Colorado
• United States Census Bureau
  • Colorado QuickFacts
  • Colorado - Race and Hispanic Origin: 1860 to 1990
  • Colorado economic data
  • Colorado housing data
  • Colorado social data
• USDA ERS Colorado state facts

Other

• Colorado travel guide from Wikitravel
• History topics timeline of Colorado 1826-1926
  • Colorado Places by County
  • Colorado County Evolution
• Terra Galleria Photos of Colorado

Preceded by Nebraska

List of U.S. states by date of statehood Admitted on August 1, 1876 (38th)

Succeeded by North Dakota

Wikitravel is a Web -based project "to create a free, complete up-to-date and reliable worldwide travel guide. Nebraska ( is a state located on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States and Wikipedia_talkFeatured_lists#Proposed_change_to_all_featured_lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This is a list of U Events 30 BC - Octavian (later known as Augustus enters Alexandria, Egypt, bringing it under the control of the Roman Year 1876 ( MDCCCLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year North Dakota ( is a state located in the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States of America.

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