Montana Geography

Basic Facts

• Geographical Region: West
• Size: 147046 sq.mi., 4th rank overall.
• Admitted to Statehood: November 8,1889
• Population: 974,989;44th rank overall.
• Capital: Helena
• Other Major City: Billings
• Abbreviation: MT

Fun Facts

• Nickname: Treasure State
• State Flag: Click Here (opens window to 50states.com)
• State Bird: Western Meadowlark (opens window to 50states.com)
• State Flower: Bitterroot (opens window to 50states.com)

Geographical Description

• The eastern portion of the state is covered by the high, gently rolling land interrupted by hills and wide river valleys including the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers of the Great Plains. The southeast section of this region features the badlands swept by wind and water showcasing beautiful natural stone columns.
• The western portion of the state rises up in tall, rugged Rocky Mountain country. Many of the mountains are covered with snow for about 8 to 10 months of the year.
• The Continental Divide runs through the Rocky Mountain region. The divide separates waters running west into the Pacific Ocean and east to the Atlantic Ocean.
• Major rivers in Montana include the Clark Fork River, the Missouri River, and the Yellowstone River.

Map: Relief Map of MT

Industry

copper, silver, gold, platinum, zinc, lead, mining, manufacture forest products, lumber and wood products, food processing, refinded petroleum, tourism

Agriculture

wheat, cattle, hay, barley, sugar beets, hogs

Other Information

Fun Facts:

• 46 out of Montana's 56 counties are considered frontier counties. They have an average population of 6 people per square mile.
• Dinosaur Eggs have been discovered at Egg Mountain near Choteau. This supports the theory that dinosaurs were not similar to reptiles, but more like mammals and birds
• Montana is home to the most diverse species of mammals in the U.S.
• Combination, Comet, Keystone, Black Pine, and Pony are names of Montana ghost towns
• Montana's name comes from the Spanish word mountain

More Fun Facts: http://www.50states.com/facts/mont.htm