Utah Land Information Guide

Geography and Climate of Utah

Utah is a geological marvel. From pine trees to Mars-like, desert terrain, natural rock formations and the Wasatch Mountains, Utah's distinctive geographical features make this state one of the most unique places to live. The Wasatch Range cuts through the middle, creating an extensive network of basins and valleys in the northern part of the state, where a majority of the population resides.

The western half of the state is comprised of mostly desert regions combined with rugged topographical textures. Eastern Utah has a higher elevation, with numerous plateaus and ridges contouring the landscape. Southern Utah is a picturesque sandstone playground that features national parks, stunning rock formations and the Natural Bridges natural monuments.

Utah has a relatively arid climate, with the eastern and southern portions of the state receiving little precipitation. The southwest corner of the state is the hottest region in Utah. The northern part of the state experiences heavy snowfall especially in areas with higher elevation. The summers are dry and hot, and temperatures can drop below freezing during the winter.

History of Utah

Utah's past is tied heavily to the story of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon pioneers came to Utah in the middle of the 19th Century after experiencing strict opposition in the Midwest. After the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith was assassinated in his jail cell in Carthage, Illinois, Brigham Young led a large group of Mormon pioneers out West. The Mormons settled in Utah because they thought it would deter other settlers. After arriving in Utah, the Mormons extended their settlements in other parts of the West.

In 1847, when the Mormon settlers first arrived in Utah, the area was still a Mexican territory. After the Mexican-American War, the territory became a U.S. holding. The local Mormon pioneers clashed with the federal government over the practice of polygamy. U.S. troops and other officials attempted to gain more administrative control over the territory.

In the period immediately after the Civil War, LDS pioneers battled with federal troops and Black Hawk Indians. In the 1870s and 1880s, new laws were established to punish the practice of polygamy. The Mormon Church officially banned the practice in 1890. Utah entered statehood six years later, after officially placing the ban on polygamy in the state's constitution.

During the 20th Century, the state experienced massive industrialization. The ski industry exploded in the northern part of the state, and urbanization began in areas that were previously uninhabited. At the beginning of the 21st Century, Utah continues to develop at a remarkable rate.

Demographics of Utah

Based on 2005 estimates, Utah has a population of 2,469,585 people. The vast majority of the population is located in the Wasatch Front, an area that includes the Salt Lake Valley, the Utah Valley and the cities of the Davis-Weber Ogden-Clearfield region.

Out of all the states in the Union, Utah has the highest number of people who share the same religious denomination. Some reports have estimated that 61 percent of the state's population represents members of the Mormon faith. Utah has the highest birth rate of any state in the U.S.

Find out more here: Utah QuickFacts From the U.S. Census Bureau

Economy of Utah

The "Beehive State" has a one-word motto that defines its outlook on economic matters -- "Industry." Utah has developed major mining, cattle ranching, dairy products, machinery, aerospace, salt production and tourism industries. A 2007 State New Economy Index placed Utah at the top of the nation in terms of economic dynamism. The state's per capita income was estimated to be $26,606 in 2004.

Tourism is a huge part of the state's economy. In the north, millions of ski and snow sport enthusiasts visit the state's world-renowned ski and snowboarding resorts. Utah's reputation as a premium winter sports destination contributed to the state's role as host for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

In the south, Utah's national parks attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Visitors come to marvel at the beauty of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Natural Bridges. Salt Lake City's Temple Square and Park City's Sundance Film Festival are also huge draws for tourists.

Utah Law and Government

State legislature is divided into a 75-member House of Representatives and a 29-member Senate. Senators serve four-year terms, and members of the house serve two-year terms. Republicans have control of both branches of the legislature, and the current governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman, Jr., is a republican. Both U.S. Senators -- Orrin Hatch and Robert Foster Bennett are republicans. Two out of the three U.S. Congressmen in Utah are members of the Republican Party.

Utah's politics favor the social conservative side, with the state's religious beliefs playing a large role in all political debates. Due to moral conservatism, Utah has strict laws that regulate gambling and alcohol distribution. Gambling in all forms is banned outright, and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control regulates the sale of all alcoholic beverages. The sale of beer and liquor is restricted on Sundays, and residents must purchase all liquor at state-run liquor stores.

Utah Transportation

Interstate 15 is the state's primary highway. It begins in the south at the Arizona state line near the city of St. George. I-15 follows a north-south route through Cove Fort, Murray, Salt Lake City, Ogden and into the state of Idaho.

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates a public transportation system throughout the Wasatch Front. The transit system includes local bus routes, ski buses to resorts and a light rail known as the TRAX. An additional commuter rail linking the counties of Weber and Davis should reach completion in 2008.

The only international airport in the state is located in Salt Lake City. The airport provides excellent customer service and on-time arrivals and departures. Numerous regional and municipal airports service other areas of the state.

Discover more at the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)

Major Cities and Towns of Utah

Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah, and the spiritual and administrative center of the Mormon Church. It is the largest and most populated city in the state. Salt Lake City is home to Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol building and the Family History Library -- the largest genealogical archive in the world. Built on an easy-to-follow, grid-like layout, Salt Lake City is a clean place with a bustling economy and plenty to of entertainment options.

St. George is the second-fastest growing metropolitan area in the country (Las Vegas in number one). Located about 120 miles northeast of Vegas, St. George is a popular destination for many retirees. The iron oxide present in the rock formations of this southern Utah destination makes the entire area appear bright red.

Utah Educational System

Due to the high birth rate in the state, Utah has a large number of schools. Students from K-12 will find a wide network of elementary, middle and high schools, especially along the Wasatch Front.

Brigham Young University in Provo is the most renowned university in the state. Established in 1875, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns BYU. According to 2007 estimates, 98 percent of the student body represents practicing members of LDS Church.

Learn more here: Utah State Office of Education

Utah Sports Teams and Recreation Activities

Utah's primary professional sports team is the Utah Jazz. Founded in 1974, the Jazz moved from New Orleans to Salt Lake City in 1979. The team was one of the most successful NBA franchises throughout the 80s and 90s, but the Jazz have never won a championship. Utah also has a MLS team (Real Salt Lake) a minor league baseball team (Salt Lake Bees) and an Arena Football team (Utah Blaze).

Utah is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, extreme terrain lovers and adventure seekers will love the challenges found in southern Utah's rugged terrain. Winter sports fanatics take advantage of some of the finest ski resorts on the planet. From kayaking to climbing and everything in between, Utah's challenging landscape provides plenty of recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.