Population: Colorado ranks 22nd in terms of population with 5,116,796 residents (according to 2011 census data)
Size: 8th largest state by area
Capital: Denver
Largest City: Denver
With a landscape that includes plains, mountains, and deserts, Colorado is a picturesque state bordered to the east/southeast by Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma; the Southwest states of New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah; and to the northwest by Wyoming. The southern stretch of the Rockies, a major mountain range in North America, lies within the borders of Colorado, thereby giving it the "Rocky Mountain State" nickname. Colorado's other nickname, The Centennial State, derives from the fact that Colorado was admitted to the Union in 1876, the 100th anniversary of American independence.
Colorado is a very popular state for tourism, particularly because of its Rocky Mountain ski resorts, including exclusive towns like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge. Adrenaline enthusiasts also prize Colorado for its recreation possibilities. The landscape and weather offer opportunities for biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, and more.
Five National Parks are in Colorado, including Rocky Mountain National Park, home of the Continental Divide. Mesa Verde, a Colorado National Park that contains more than 4,000 ancient Pueblo dwellings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sacred Chimney Rock, yet another landmark related to Colorado's Native American heritage, is America's newest National Monument.
In addition to its natural beauty, Colorado boasts the cosmopolitan city of Denver, which is home to one of the world's largest performing arts venues in the DPAC; popular professional sports teams; and the state capitol. Denver also hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival. Around Labor Day each year, movie lovers flock to the mining town/ski resort of Telluride, in southwestern Colorado, to enjoy the Telluride Film Festival.
Guides to Colorado Places on About.com
Maps of Colorado
Top Attractions/Things to Do in Denver
Top Attractions/Things to Do in Colorado
