Portal:Utah/Intro

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Utah is a western state of the United States, in the Rocky Mountain region. The name Utah is from the Southern Ute language and means "higher up." In addition to the Ute Tribe, the Paiute, Navajo, and Goshute nations also inhabit portions of the state.

Utah had a population of 2,389,039 in 2004, according to a Census Bureau estimate. About 85% of Utah's population resides in the valleys and on the western slope of the Wasatch Mountains in northern and central Utah. Residents are called Utahns. The state is generally rugged and arid, and has spectacular natural scenery. It is a popular summer and winter tourist destination. Salt Lake City, the ski resorts in the Wasatch Range, and the national parks of the south are the most popular destinations.

Utah's capital is Salt Lake City, a vibrant metropolitan city, but the small community of Fillmore, in Millard County, was designated as the original state capital when the state was admitted to the union in 1896. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, which gave a significant boost to the state's tourist industry (especially the ski resorts).

Salt Lake City, Utah is also the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church, Portal:Latter-day Saints), of which approximately 60% of Utah residents are members. The LDS Church has a strong cultural influence on the state and helped Utah to become one of just two states where gambling is illegal.