Colorado is a state in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States of America. The highest peaks of the United States portion of the Rockies are here, as are the highest peaks of the "Basin and Range" province and a number of other natural marvels.
Colorado is split down the middle north to south by the Rocky Mountains. To the east is a region of high prairie, dry and wide open. To the west are rugged mountains arranged in various groups or ranges. However, the largest single range in the state, the San Juan Mountains of the south western quarter, aren't technically part of the Rockies.
Meandering through the mountains is an imaginary line called the Continental Divide. This marks the flow of precipitation. Rain falling on the west of the Divide makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. Rain on the east makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Comparatively little of the state is actually mountainous. Perhaps a third of it is covered by hills or mountains, and even less is actually home to the soaring, jagged peaks for which the state is known.
Colorado has 54 mountain peaks above 14,000 ft of elevation. The highest peak, Mount Elbert, rises to 14,433 ft above sea level. Tourism is a major industry, with skiing, hiking/camping, hunting, and fishing as large sources of income for the state economy.
Colorado's population was 4,301,261 in the 2000 census, and the state's population is growing, particularly in the large towns along the Front Range where the prairie and mountains meet. These towns include the capital, Denver, and Colorado Springs, Boulder, Longmont, Loveland and Fort Collins. Many of the residents of Colorado migrated from other states so being a "Colorado Native" is a point of pride with many people.
Regions
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Denver area - most populous part of the state, with the large city of Denver and suburbs
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Eastern Plains (Colorado) - least populous part of the state, agricultural country
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Front Range - follows the northern part of the Rockies, with such well-known attractions as Rocky Mountain National Park
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Northwestern Colorado - spectacular canyon-and-mesa country reminiscent of neighbouring Utah
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South Central Colorado - high country in the southern part of the Rockies and also the San Juan Mountains, with a broad, pleasant valley between them
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Southwestern Colorado - more canyon-and-mesa country best known for the archaeological wonders of Mesa Verde National Park
Text from Wikitravel Colorado where additional general information can be found. Please share your knowledge by editing the pages of Wikitravel.
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