montana

Montana is a state in the northwestern United States. It borders Idaho to the west; North Dakota and South Dakota to the east; Wyoming to the south; and Canada to the north (Alberta and British Columbia). The state's geography combines the Rocky Mountains in the western half with the Great Plains in the eastern portion, creating a range of landscapes from forested mountain terrain to high, arid plains. The Missouri River has its headwaters in Montana at Three Forks, and the Yellowstone River also flows through the state.

The capital and administrative center is Helena, and the largest city by population is Billings. Other major urban areas include Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Butte. The state has a long Indigenous history, with nations such as the Crow and Blackfeet playing central roles before and during European-American settlement.

Montana became the 41st state on November 8, 1889. The state is often associated with the nickname Big Sky Country, reflecting its expansive skies, and its motto Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver). The economy is diverse, with strong agricultural activities (notably cattle ranching and wheat production), energy resources (coal, oil, natural gas, and renewables), and a significant tourism sector anchored by Glacier National Park and extensive public lands that support outdoor recreation.

As of the 2020 census, Montana’s population was about 1.08 million, with most residents living in the western half of the state near major cities and in areas offering access to mountains, forests, and plains. The climate varies from semi-arid in the eastern plains to alpine in the mountains.