Utah Facts
Utah is considered one of the greatest outdoor states in the nation. The western state has top-rated ski resorts, incredible state and national parks, and unique natural wonders.
It’s also known for its history, culture, and a variety of popular festivals.
Quick Facts
Capital: Salt Lake City
Population: 3 million
Nickname: Beehive State
Key Cities: Salt Lake City, Park City, St. George, Provo, Ogden
Postal Abbreviation: UT
Major Industries: Manufacturing, mining, aerospace, digital media, distribution, tourism
History
How did Utah get its name: There are a few different theories about how Utah got its name. One is that the name comes from the Ute tribe, which is said to mean “people of the mountains” in the Ute language.
Another popular theory is that the name comes from the Apache word “yuttahih,” meaning “those that are higher up.”
Date admitted to the Union: Saturday, January 4, 1896
Geography
Size: 84,899 sq. miles
Lowest point: Beaverdam Wash at 2,000 ft.
Highest point: King’s Peak at 13,528 ft.
Counties: 29
Famous locations: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Monument Valley, Great Salt Lake
Famous Utahans
Chrissy Teigen- model
Philo Farnsworth- inventor of the television
Stephen Covey- author
Donny Osmond- singer
Jewel- singer/songwriter
Steve Konowalchuk- hockey player/coach
Fun Facts
Utah’s state license plate claims that it’s home to “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” Utah snow is known to be lighter and drier than snow in other states, making it perfect for skiing.
There are 14 alpine (high mountain) ski resorts in Utah.
Utah is the only state where every county contains at least part of a national forest.
The state has six national forests: Ashley, Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-LaSal, Uinta, and Wasatch-Cache.
It’s also home to five national parks, seven national monuments, and two national recreation areas.
Utah has the most religiously homogenous state in the nation, meaning the majority of people in Utah practice the same religion.
60 percent of the state is Mormon, which is reflected in the state’s culture.
Arches National Park in Utah contains over 2000 natural sandstone arches. According to tradition, hikers who discover new arches get the honor of naming them.
Utah is the only state with a capital city that is three words long: Salt Lake City. It used to be even longer: up until 1868, the capital was Great Salt Lake City.
Utah’s Great Salt Lake is 75 miles long and 35 miles wide. It covers over a million acres!
Utah has the highest literacy rates in the nation and is home to the country’s most charitable people.
They rank first in volunteer rates, first in percentage of income donated to charity, and first in average contributions to charity.
