Wyoming

Wyoming is a state of the western United States. While a small portion of the eastern section of the state is within the Great Plains, the majority is dominated by numerous distinct mountain ranges. Wyoming is also the least populous U.S. state, although Alaska has a lower population density. The capital and largest city of Wyoming is Cheyenne.

Geography

See: List of Wyoming counties

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It is bordered on the north by Montana, on the east by South Dakota and Nebraska, on the south by Colorado, and on the west by Utah and Idaho. Devil's Tower, made famous in the film Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, is located near Moorcroft in Crook County.

Related Topics:
Montana - South Dakota - Nebraska - Colorado - Utah - Idaho - Devil's Tower - Close Encounters Of The Third Kind - Moorcroft - Crook County

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Wyoming is generally considered an arid state with much of the land receiving less than 10 inches of rainfall a year. Consequently, the land supports few opportunities for farming. Ranching, however, is widespread, especially in areas near the numerous mountain chains. There are several major mountain ranges in the state, all part of the Rocky Mountains. The Snowy Range in the south central part of the state is an extension of the Colorado Rockies in both geology and appearance. The Wind River Range in the west central part of the state is remote and also has Gannett Peak, the highest peak in the state. The Big Horn Mountains in the north central portion are somewhat isolated from the bulk of the rest of the Rocky Mountains. Finally, the Teton Range in the northwest extends for 50 miles (80 km) and represents the most impressive section of mountains in the state, home to the second highest peak Grand Teton and Grand Teton National Park which preserves the most scenic section of the Teton range.

Related Topics:
Rocky Mountains - Rockies - Wind River Range - Gannett Peak - Big Horn Mountains - Teton Range - Grand Teton - Grand Teton National Park

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Several rivers begin or flow through the state, including the Yellowstone River, Powder River, and the Snake River.

Related Topics:
River - Yellowstone River - Snake River

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The Continental Divide, which runs through most of North America forks in the south central part of the state. The waters that flow or precipitate into this area, known as the Great Divide Basin, do not flow to any ocean. Instead, due to the overall aridity of Wyoming, they simply sink into the soil or evaporate.

Related Topics:
Continental Divide - North America - Great Divide Basin

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Wyoming sports the lowest population of any state and the lowest population density of the continental 48 states; however, non-contiguous Alaska's population density is lower, although its total population is higher.

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