Explore this Idaho Map to learn about the forty-third state of the US. Learn about Idaho’s location in the United States, official symbol, seal, flag, geography, climate, area/zip codes, time zones, etc. Check out Idaho’s history, major cities, hiking, cycling, backpacking trails, the capital city’s location, national parks, facts and trivia, Top 10 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), and many more.
About Idaho
The US State of Idaho is the 43rd state in the United States. On July 3, 1890, it was admitted to the Union, and Idaho achieved statehood. The State of Idaho’s official nickname is “The Gem State.” Its other nickname is “The Potato State.”
Boise is Idaho’s capital city and the largest city or metro/urban area. English is the official language as well as the most spoken language of the state. In the US, Idaho is the 38th most populous state. Check Key Facts of Idaho to learn more about this US state.
Idaho Flag
The first state flag of the state of Idaho was adopted on March 12, 1907. However, the flag design that includes the seal in the flag was designed by National Guard’s brigadier general C.A. Elmer. On March 15, 1927, this design was legalized. In March 1957, the seal’s standard pattern was adopted.
The Idaho flag’s design and dimensions are given below:
- The size of the flag would have to be:
- 5 feet 6 inches width
- 4 feet 4 inches depth
- 2.5 inches wide gilt fringe at the flag border
- The flag’s design features:
- A dark blue background
- Idaho’s state seal (of 21 inches in diameter) at the flag’s center
- Below the seal at the center of the flag, the words “STATE OF IDAHO” should be written in block letters on a red band (29 inches long and 3 inches wide). This red band should be placed parallel and 8.5 inches above the flag’s lower fringe.
Idaho State Symbols
Idaho is the only state in the United States whose seal design was done by a woman. Emma Sarah Etine Edwards had designed the seal. The first state Legislature adopted the Great Seal of the State of Idaho on March 14, 1891. The seal’s design represents all the state’s natural resources, including mines, farmland, forests, and wildlife. The motto in Latin, “Esto Perpetua” (meaning “It is forever”), is mentioned on the seal.
Idaho Location
Idaho Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of Idaho on the USA map. This map shows the boundaries of this US state, neighboring countries, and oceans.
The State of Idaho is situated in the western USA’s Pacific Northwest region. It shares its border with:
- British Columbia province of Canada (in the north)
- Montana (in the east)
- Wyoming (in the east)
- Nevada (in the south)
- Utah (in the south)
- Washington (in the west)
- Oregon (in the west)
Idaho’s precise location (latitude and longitude) is 42° N to 49° N Latitude and 111°03′ W to 117°15′ W Longitude. Check this Idaho Latitude and Longitude Map for more information.
Idaho Time Zones
In Idaho, the primary time zone is UTC−07:00 (Mountain). This state’s summer (DST) time zone is UTC−06:00 (MDT). The time zone in the Idaho Panhandle is UTC−08:00 (Pacific), and its Summer (DST) is UTC−07:00 (PDT).
Idaho Geography
The total area of Idaho is 83,569 sq mi (216,443 sq km). Out of which 83,570 sq mi (216,400 sq km) is land area and 926 sq mi (2,398 sq km) is water area. It is the USA’s fifteenth largest state in terms of size. Idaho has three major landforms or terrains: Rocky Mountains, Columbia Plateau, and Basin and Range Region.
At 12,662 feet (3,859.4 m), Borah Peak is the highest elevation point. The state’s lowest point is the Snake River near Lewiston in northwestern Idaho, at an elevation of 710 feet (216.4 m). The Coeur d’Alene River, St. Maries River, St. Joe River, Snake River, and Kootenai River are some major rivers in Idaho. The state’s major lakes are Lake Pend Oreille, Coeur d’Alene Lake, Bear Lake, American Falls Reservoir, etc. Check this Idaho Topographic Map to learn more.
Learn more about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, state boundaries, the state capital, neighboring states, ocean, and from this Physical Map of Idaho.
Idaho Climate
You’ll find diverse climatic conditions in Idaho, mainly because of the state’s mountainous topography. With the rise in elevation, the average temperature drops, and precipitation increases.
The average temperature during January varies from the upper 10s °F (around −8 °C) in the central mountains to the low 30s °F (around −1 °C) in the central panhandle. The average temperature during July varies from 60 °F (around 16 °C) in the central mountains to the upper 70s °F (around 25 °C) in the southwest.
The annual average precipitation level ranges from less than 10 inches (250 mm) in most parts of the Snake River plateau to over 50 inches (1,250 mm) in the Northern Rockies.
Idaho History
8,000 American Indians inhabited the area that is currently called Idaho before the Europeans came. The American Indian Communities in Idaho mainly include the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone and Bannock Tribe, and Salish Tribe. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition entered Idaho at Lemhi Pass. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explored this region during 1805-1806.
In 1860, the Mormons established the first US permanent settlement in Idaho at Franklin. Many prospectors thronged the place after 1860 when gold was discovered at Orofino Creek. Many battles took place between the native American tribes and the US forces. In 1877, the Nez Perce Indian War took place. The Territorial Capitol was completed in 1886.
Activities surrounding mining and lumbering increased. That’s why Idaho became a significant mining place for silver, phosphate rock, garnet, cobalt, lead, antimony, mercury, zinc, and vanadium.
In 1890, Idaho attained statehood and also became the 43rd state of the Union.
Idaho Counties
Idaho has 44 counties. Idaho County is the largest, and Payette County is the smallest county. Check the Idaho County Map to learn more about the location and boundaries of different counties in the state.
Idaho Area Codes
The area codes in Idaho are:
- 208
- 986
The Idaho Area Codes Map will help you locate any area code you are searching for. You can also use it to learn about the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital.
Idaho Zip Codes
There are 278 active zip codes in Idaho as of 2022. The zip codes best for you to live in the state are 83712, 83702, 83716, 83843, 83703, etc. You can locate a particular zip code, state boundary, and state capital with the help of the Idaho Zip Codes Map.
Idaho Major Cities
Learn about Idaho’s significant places from this map of cities. You can know the exact location of the state capital, other cities, state boundaries, neighboring states and oceans, and many more. Idaho’s most prominent cities are Boise, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Nampa, Meridian, and many more. Check out the Idaho Cities Map for more details.
Idaho Airports
The busiest airports in Idaho are Boise Airport, Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Friedman Memorial Airport, and others. Explore the location of different airports in the state on the Idaho Airports Map. This map also shows Idaho’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.
Idaho National Park and Trails
In Idaho, you can enjoy 1,427 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). Sawtooth Lake through Iron Creek Stanley Lake Trail, Tubbs Hill, Table Rock Trail, Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail, Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail, etc., are some of Idaho’s most popular hiking routes.
Check out the National Parks in Idaho Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.
Top 10 FAQs on Idaho
FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is Idaho?
Ans: In Idaho, the primary time zone is UTC−07:00 (Mountain). This state’s summer (DST) time zone is UTC−06:00 (MDT). The time zone in the Idaho Panhandle is UTC−08:00 (Pacific), and its Summer (DST) is UTC−07:00 (PDT).
FAQ #2: What Is The Capital Of Idaho?
Ans: Boise is the capital of Idaho.
FAQ #3: What Is Idaho Known For?
Ans: Idaho is known for scenic mountain landscapes, potatoes, huckleberries, large swathes of protected wilderness areas, gems, miles of outdoor recreation, trout, and others.
FAQ #4: Does It Snow In Idaho?
Ans: Heavy snowfall occurs during winter (November-February) in Idaho.
FAQ #5: Who Is The Governor Of Idaho?
Ans: Republican Party Brad Little is the incumbent Governor of Idaho in 2022. He assumed office as the 33rd Governor of Idaho on January 7, 2019.
FAQ #6: What Is The Population Of Idaho?
Ans: Idaho’s population in 2022 is estimated to be 1.98 million, making it the thirty-ninth populous state in the United States.
FAQ #7: What Is The State Bird Of Idaho?
Ans: Mountain Bluebird (Sialia Arctica) is Idaho’s state bird.
FAQ #8: When Did Idaho Become A State?
Ans: On July 3, 1890, Idaho became a state.
FAQ #9: How Many Counties Are In Idaho?
Ans: There are 44 counties in Idaho.
FAQ #10: What is the Largest College in Idaho?
Ans: Boise State University is the largest college in Idaho.
