Montana
Montana (/mɒnˈtænə/ (
listen)) is a state in the Mountain West division of the Western United States. It is bordered by Idaho to the west, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan to the north. It is the fourth-largest state by area, the eighth-least populous state, and the third-least densely populated state. Its state capital is Helena, while the largest city is Billings. The western half of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges, while the eastern half is characterized by western prairie terrain and badlands, with smaller mountain ranges found throughout the state. The state has a reputation for a libertarian bent in popular opinion and policy.[6]
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2017) |
Montana | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s): Big Sky Country, The Treasure State | |
| Motto(s): | |
| Anthem: "Montana" | |
 Map of the United States with Montana highlighted | |
| Country | United States |
| Before statehood | Montana Territory |
| Admitted to the Union | November 8, 1889 (41st) |
| Capital | Helena |
| Largest city | Billings |
| Largest metro and urban areas | Billings |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Greg Gianforte (R) |
| • Lieutenant Governor | Kristen Juras (R) |
| Legislature | Montana Legislature |
| • Upper house | Senate |
| • Lower house | House of Representatives |
| Judiciary | Montana Supreme Court |
| U.S. senators | Jon Tester (D) Steve Daines (R) |
| U.S. House delegation |
|
| Area | |
| • Total | 147,040[1] sq mi (380,800 km2) |
| • Land | 145,552[2] sq mi (376,980 km2) |
| • Water | 1,491 sq mi (3,862 km2) 1% |
| • Rank | 4th |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 255 mi (410 km) |
| • Width | 630 mi (1,015 km) |
| Elevation | 3,400 ft (1,040 m) |
| Highest elevation | 12,807 ft (3,903.5 m) |
| Lowest elevation | 1,804 ft (557 m) |
| Population (2022) | |
| • Total | 1,122,867 |
| • Rank | 43rd |
| • Density | 7.09/sq mi (2.73/km2) |
| • Rank | 48th |
| • Median household income | $56,539 [5] |
| • Income rank | 40th |
| Demonym | Montanan |
| Language | |
| • Official language | English |
| Time zone | UTC−07:00 (Mountain) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−06:00 (MDT) |
| USPS abbreviation | MT |
| ISO 3166 code | US-MT |
| Traditional abbreviation | Mont. |
| Latitude | 44° 21′ N to 49° N |
| Longitude | 104° 2′ W to 116° 3′ W |
| Website | www |
Montana has no official nickname but several unofficial ones, most notably "Big Sky Country", "The Treasure State", "Land of the Shining Mountains", and "The Last Best Place".[7] Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, including ranching and cereal grain farming. Other significant economic resources include oil, gas, coal, mining, and lumber. The health care, service, and government sectors are also significant to the state's economy. Montana's fastest-growing sector is tourism, with 12.6 million tourists (as of 2019) visiting the state each year.[8]