Basic Information
Colorado, located in the western United States, is known for its dramatic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Capital
- Denver
Largest City
- Denver
Area
- 104,100 sq mi
Population
- 5.81 million (2020)
Demographics
Colorado's population is diverse, with a growing Hispanic population and significant urban centers.
Ethnic Composition
- White:68.7%
- Hispanic:22.5%
- African American:4.8%
- Asian:3.6%
- Native American:1.1%
Languages
- English:82.2%
- Spanish:13.9%
- Other:3.9%
Age Distribution
- Under 18:22.5%
- 18-64:64.9%
- 65+:12.6%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:1.4%
- Natural Increase:35,000
- Migration:46,000
Economy
Colorado's economy is driven by aerospace, technology, tourism, and mining, among other sectors.
GDP
- $425 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- Aerospace
- Technology
- Tourism
- Mining
Employment Rate
- Employed:96.1%
- Unemployment:3.9%
Major Companies
- Lockheed Martin
- Dish Network
- Ball Corporation
- Liberty Global
Climate
Colorado's climate varies widely with elevation, from alpine to semi-arid.
Mountains
- Avg. Summer:70°F
- Avg. Winter:30°F
- Rainfall:20 inches/year
- Snowfall:100+ inches/year
Plains
- Avg. Summer:90°F
- Avg. Winter:45°F
- Rainfall:15 inches/year
Western Slope
- Avg. Summer:85°F
- Avg. Winter:40°F
- Rainfall:12 inches/year
Visiting Colorado
Colorado offers a variety of attractions, from natural wonders to urban experiences, making it a diverse destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer:June-August
- Winter:December-February
- Shoulder Seasons:April-May, September-October
Transportation
- Major Airports:1
- Train Routes:Amtrak California Zephyr
- Highway System:90,000 miles
Accommodation
- Hotels:5,000+
- Camping Sites:30,000+
- Average Hotel Rate:$150/night
Tourist Information
- Visitor Centers:40+
- Tourism Website:Colorado Tourism Office
- Info Hotline:1-800-COLORADO
Popular Attractions
Colorado's attractions range from natural wonders to urban experiences.
Natural Landmarks
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Garden of the Gods
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Ski Resorts
- Aspen
- Vail
- Breckenridge
- Telluride
Urban Attractions
- Denver Art Museum
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Colorado State Capitol
- Denver Botanic Gardens
Historical Sites
- Pike's Peak
- Mining towns (e.g., Central City, Georgetown)
- Anasazi cliff dwellings (Mesa Verde)
History
Colorado's history is marked by early Native American settlements, Spanish exploration, territorial status, and statehood.
Early History
- Native Peoples:13,000+ years
- Spanish Exploration:16th century
- French Territory:1803 (Louisiana Purchase)
19th Century
- Pike's Peak Gold Rush:1858
- Territorial Status:1861
- Statehood:1876
20th Century
- Mining Boom and Bust
- Agricultural Development
- Rise of Tourism and Ski Industry
Recent History
- Technological Development
- Population Growth
- Environmental Conservation
State Symbols
Colorado has adopted various official state symbols that represent its natural and cultural heritage.
State Animals
-
State Animal:Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
-
State Bird:Lark Bunting
-
State Fish:Greenback Cutthroat Trout
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State Insect:Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly
State Plants
-
State Flower:Colorado Blue Columbine
-
State Tree:Colorado Blue Spruce
Cultural Symbols
-
State Colors:Blue and White
-
State Song:"Where the Columbines Grow"
-
State Motto:"Nil sine Numine" (Nothing without Providence)
Other Symbols
-
State Gemstone:Aquamarine
-
State Mineral:Rhodochrosite
-
State Fossil:Stegosaurus
State Facts
Interesting and unique facts about Colorado that showcase its distinctive character and achievements.
Geographic Facts
-
Highest Point:Mount Elbert (14,440 ft)
-
Longest River:Colorado River
-
Largest Lake:Blue Mesa Reservoir
-
Lowest Point:Arikaree River (3,315 ft)
Records & Rankings
- Highest mean elevation of any U.S. state
- Home to over 50 peaks exceeding 14,400 feet
- Significant hub for aerospace and technology
Notable Firsts
- First rodeo in the U.S. (Deer Trail, 1869)
- Significant contributions to early aviation
- Early development of the ski industry
Unique Features
- Diverse mountain and plains landscapes
- Rich mining and Old West history
- Significant outdoor recreational opportunities
Government & Politics
Colorado has a constitutionally mandated structure encompassing Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
Governor
- Jared Polis (as of 2023)
Legislature
- Bicameral:State Senate and House of Representatives
Political Trends
- Historically Republican, shifting Democratic trends
Key Political Issues
- Water Rights
- Environmental Conservation
- Economic Diversification
- Education
Time Zones
Colorado observes Mountain Time Zone (MT), with daylight saving time observed.
Standard Time
- Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC -7)
Daylight Saving
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC -6)
Education
Colorado has a public education system that includes K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities.
Major Public Systems
- University of Colorado System
- Colorado State University System
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
Notable Private Institutions
- University of Denver
- Colorado College
- Regis University
K-12 System
- Public school system with local control
Key Educational Initiatives
- STEM education focus
- Early childhood education programs
- Workforce development initiatives
Culture & Festivals
Colorado's cultural scene is rich with music, arts, and festivals celebrating its heritage and outdoor lifestyle.
Major Festivals
- Denver Film Festival
- Colorado Shakespeare Festival
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival
- Great American Beer Festival
Music & Arts
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre (music venue)
- Denver Art Museum
- Colorado Symphony Orchestra
- Santa Fe Opera (nearby influence)
Cultural Influences
- Native American heritage
- Hispanic traditions
- Outdoor recreation culture
- Mining and Old West history
Food & Drink
- Craft beer industry
- Local farm-to-table cuisine
- Green chile dishes
- Rocky Mountain oysters (unique delicacy)