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Colorado

State Motto

Nil sine numine (Nothing without providence)

State Motto of Colorado

Colorado State Information

Colorado is the 38th State in the Union

Colorado, known as the "Centennial State," is a landlocked state in the western U.S. that is famous for its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. The state is home to some of the highest peaks in the country, including the iconic Pikes Peak. Colorado is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing in the winter and hiking, biking, and camping in the summer.

Denver, the state capital and largest city, is the economic and cultural heart of Colorado, while cities like Boulder and Colorado Springs add to the state's diverse and vibrant communities. Colorado is also known for its strong focus on sustainability, leading the way in environmental conservation and progressive policies. The state has a thriving craft beer scene, a wide range of delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural atmosphere that celebrates both the arts and the outdoors.

What's in a name?

Named after the Colorado River, which means 'colored red' in Spanish, referring to the river's sediment.

State Nickname of Colorado

Colorado Geography

Map of the State of Colorado

Download maps of Colorado

Area: 104,094 sq mi (269,603 km²), 8th
Highest Point: Mount Elbert; 14,440 ft (1,342 m), 3rd
Lowest Point: Arikaree River; 3,317 ft (308 m)
Bordering States: Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming
Area Codes: Area Codes of Colorado
Zip Codes: Zip Codes of Colorado

Colorado is known for its stunning and varied geography. The state is dominated by the majestic Rocky Mountains, which stretch across the western half of Colorado and feature numerous peaks that rise above 14,000 feet, known as "Fourteeners." These mountains provide a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and mountaineering opportunities.

To the east, Colorado shifts into the High Plains, a vast expanse of rolling grasslands. The state is divided by the Arkansas River and the Colorado River, with the latter carving out the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Colorado in the southwest. Colorado's landscape also includes numerous canyons, plateaus, mesas, and high-altitude alpine lakes, making it one of the most visually captivating states in the country.

Colorado Economy

Colorado’s economy is diverse and thriving, with a wide range of industries that contribute to its strength. Historically known for its agriculture and mining, Colorado has evolved into a dynamic economy driven by technology, aerospace, renewable energy, and outdoor recreation.

The state boasts a growing tech scene, particularly in cities like Denver and Boulder, where startups and established companies are concentrated. Colorado’s aerospace industry also plays a key role in national defense and space exploration. Additionally, the state has seen impressive growth in its renewable energy sector, particularly in wind and solar power, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

Tourism and outdoor recreation are vital to Colorado’s economy, with visitors flocking to its scenic landscapes, ski resorts, and national parks. With a highly educated workforce and a strong focus on innovation, Colorado continues to thrive and adapt in an ever-changing economic landscape.

Agriculture

Top 3 crops / livestock for Colorado

  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Cattle

Industry

Top 3 industries for Colorado

  • Aerospace
  • Technology
  • Healthcare

Colorado State Symbols

State Flag

State Flag of Colorado

State Seal

State Seal of Colorado

State Quarter

State Quarter of Colorado

State Bird

State Bird of ColoradoLark Bunting

State Quizzes & Flashcards

Test your knowledge of the 50 states of the USA with these fun, interactive quizzes and flashcards designed for students, teachers, and curious learners of all ages. Practice identifying state names, locations, capitals, flags, and regions while building confidence in U.S. geography. These engaging learning tools are perfect for classroom use, homeschooling, test prep, or casual study, making it easy to learn the United States in an enjoyable and memorable way.

Fee USA Maps

Download and print hundreds of U.S. state maps for learning, teaching, and reference. Each state map is available in high-quality PDF format and includes versions with capitals and major cities labeled, as well as blank maps for quizzes, worksheets, and practice. Perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, students, and geography enthusiasts, these printable state maps make it easy to study locations, test knowledge, and explore every state in the USA. Visit FreeVectorMaps.com for thousands of free world, country and USA maps. View all USA Maps

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Ted Grajeda

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The 50 United States is a Ted Grajeda project created to provide everyone with a fun and interactive way to learn about the great 50 states of the USA. Learn more