Utah

Utah is a state located in the western United States. Salt Lake City is the capital and largest city. As of 2005, the state’s population was 2,547,389. It was the fourth-fastest growing state in the country between 1990 and 2000. more...

Approximately 80% of Utah's population, or just over 2,000,000, live along the Wasatch Front. Utah's population is highly concentrated and is the seventh most urbanized in the U.S. 88% of the population lives in what the Census Bureau defines as urban. Vast expanses of the state are relatively uninhabitated.

The state is generally rocky and arid, and has internationally famous natural scenery. It is a popular tourist destination and was host to the 2002 Winter Olympics. Temple Square in Salt Lake City, the ski resorts in the Wasatch Range, the national parks in the south, such as Arches, Zion and Bryce Canyon, and the Sundance Film Festival are among the most visited areas or events.

Approximately 60% of state residents are adherents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The religion has historically had a strong regional influence and has contributed the state's restrictive attitude towards alcohol and gambling, and the highest birth rate in the nation by far. Previous to 1890, the Church's teachings of polygamy had led to confrontation with the U.S. federal government in the Utah War.

Beginning in the late 19th century with the state's mining boom, including what is now the world's largest open pit mine, companies attracted large numbers of immigrants (of diverse faiths) with job opportunities. The new immigrants often found themselves at odds with the state's LDS population. As a result these tensions have played a large part in Utah's history (Liberal Party vs. People's Party) and continue to do so as the state further diversifies.

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