Montana
MT, State of Montana, Big Sky Country, Montana, United States, Mont.
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Who is this?
Montana ( mon-TAN-ə) is a landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is bordered by Idaho to the west, North Dakota to the east, South Dakota to the southeast, Wyoming to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan to the north. It is the fourth-largest state by area, but the eighth-least populous state and the third-least densely populated state. Its capital is Helena, while the most populous city is Billings. The western half of the state contains numerous mountain ranges, particularly the Rocky Mountains, while the eastern half is characterized by western prairie terrain and badlands, with smaller mountain ranges found throughout the state. Most of Montana came under American sovereignty with the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803 and was explored by the Lewis and Clark Expedition shortly thereafter. Fur trappers followed and were the main economic activity in the area until gold was discovered in 1858. The ensuing gold rush, along with the passage of the Homestead Acts in 1862, brought large numbers of American settlers to Montana. Rapid population growth and development culminated in statehood on November 8, 1889. Mining, particularly around Butte and Helena, would remain the state's main economic engine through the mid-20th century. Montana has no official nickname but several unofficial ones, most notably "Big Sky Country", "The Treasure State", "Land of the Shining Mountains", and "The Last Best Place". Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, including ranching and cereal grain farming. Other significant economic resources include oil, gas, coal, mining, and lumber. The health care, service, defense, and government sectors are also significant to the state's economy. Montana's fastest-growing sector is tourism, with 12.6 million tourists visiting the state each year as of 2019. In 2024 the number reached 13.7 million, the highest ever.
What happened recently
Governor Gianforte Recognizes Growth of Montana’s High-Tech Industry - State of Montana Newsroom (.gov)
Montana National Guard engineers complete Legion Park revitalization during annual training
Showdown Montana serves firefighters battling Ant Park Fire with meals and support
Montana group urges Cascade County to pause data centers over water, power, and land fears
USA softball's Montana Fouts now best pitcher in world with International Cup gold
Kalispell man taken into custody after threat investigation, SWAT response on Airport Road
Colorado drivers tap ‘Montana loophole’ to avoid high vehicle registration and tax costs
Jury finds Montana man violated rental contract, but not required to pay for the damages
Montana mobile home tenants ask county for help after 50% rent hike, silence from new owner
A Montana sheriff's scripted post about 'an accent' elicits online tumult, response
Montana State again tops Big Sky Conference preseason football polls; Montana 2nd
Montana State receives $2.5 million grant for simulation labs in new nursing education buildings
The Record is Clear: The Wilderness Society, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and Montana Wilderness Association have Consistently Undermined the Roadless Rule
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