Utahs

Utahs is a term that may refer to the U.S. state of Utah and, informally, to its residents; the standard demonym is Utahns. The state lies in the western United States, with Salt Lake City as its capital and largest city. Utah features a varied landscape that includes the Wasatch Range, portions of the Colorado Plateau, desert basins, and the Great Salt Lake. It borders Idaho to the north, Wyoming to the northeast, Colorado to the east, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west, with a small corner touching New Mexico at the Four Corners.

Historically, Indigenous peoples inhabited the region for thousands of years, including cultures such as the Ancestral Puebloans and Fremont. In the mid-19th century, Mormon pioneers settled Salt Lake City in 1847 under Brigham Young. Utah Territory was established in 1850. The territory experienced federal governance and conflicts over polygamy before achieving statehood on January 4, 1896.

Demographics and economy: As of 2023, Utah’s population is over 3.3 million. The state has a historically large share of residents affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though religious diversity has grown in recent decades. The economy emphasizes outdoor recreation, tourism, mining and minerals (including lithium and copper), and technology in the Wasatch Front. Major institutions include the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and Brigham Young University in Provo. Key sectors also include aerospace and trade.

Culture and notable features: Utah is known for its national parks, such as Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef, and for outdoor activities in mountain and desert landscapes. The state hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Government is a constitutional framework with a governor, a bicameral legislature, and local authorities, centered in Salt Lake City. Utahns reflect a blend of long-standing cultural influences and growing urban diversity.