The State of Wyoming (IPA: /wa?'o?m??/) is a state
in the western region of the United States of America. The majority
of the state is dominated by the mountain ranges and rangelands
of the Rocky Mountain West, while the easternmost section of the
state is a high altitude prairie region known as the High Plains.
The tenth largest U.S. state by size, Wyoming is the least populous,
with a U.S. Census estimated population of 522,830 in 2007, a 5.9%
increase since 2000.[2] The capital and the most populous city of
Wyoming is Cheyenne.
Contents [hide]
1 Geography
1.1 Location and Size
1.2 Mountain Ranges
1.3 Public Lands
1.3.1 Parks
1.3.2 Recreation Areas
1.3.3 National Monuments
1.3.4 National Historic Trails and Sites
1.3.5 National Parkways
1.3.6 Wildlife Refuges and Hatcheries
1.4 Climate
2 History
3 Demographics
3.1 Population
3.2 Religion
4 Economy
4.1 Mineral production
4.2 Taxes
5 Transportation
6 Law and government
6.1 Judicial System
6.2 Politics
7 Counties
8 Cities & Towns
9 Metropolitan Areas
10 Education
11 Higher Education
12 Sports
13 Miscellaneous information
13.1 State symbols
14 See also
15 References
16 External links
[edit] Geography
[edit] Location and Size
Wyoming is bordered on the north by Montana, on the east by South
Dakota and Nebraska, on the south by Colorado, on the southwest
by Utah, and on the west by Idaho. It is the tenth largest state
in the United States in total area, containing 97,818 square miles
(253,348 km²) and is made up of 23 counties. From the north
border to the south border it is 276 miles (444 km); and from the
east to the west border is 375 miles (603 km).
[edit] Mountain Ranges
The Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. The state
is a great plateau broken by a number of mountain ranges. Surface
elevations range from the summit of Gannett Peak in the Wind River
Mountain Range, at 13,804 feet (4,207 m), to the Belle Fourche River
Valley in the state’s northeast corner, at 3,125 feet (952
m). In the northwest are the Absaroka, Owl Creek, Gros Ventre, Wind
River and the Teton ranges. In the north central are the Big Horn
Mountains; in the northeast, the Black Hills; and in the southern
region the Laramie, Snowy and Sierra Madre ranges.
Dead Indian Pass, Wyoming
The Snowy Range in the south central part of the state is an extension
of the Colorado Rockies in both geology and appearance. The Wind
River Range in the west central part of the state is remote and
includes more than 40 mountain peaks in excess of 13,000 ft. tall
in addition to Gannett Peak, the highest peak in the state. The
Big Horn Mountains in the north central portion are somewhat isolated
from the bulk of the Rocky Mountains.
Ranch road in eastern WyomingThe Teton Range in the northwest extends
for 50 miles (80 km) and represents the most impressive section
of mountains in the state. It is home to Grand Teton, the second
highest peak in Wyoming, and to Grand Teton National Park, which
preserves the most scenic section of the Teton range.
The Continental Divide spans north-south across the central portion
of the state. Rivers east of the Divide drain into the Missouri
River Basin and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. They are the Platte,
Wind, Big Horn and the Yellowstone rivers. The Snake River in northwest
Wyoming eventually drains into the Columbia River and the Pacific
Ocean, as does the Green River through the Colorado River Basin.
The Continental Divide forks in the south central part of the state
in an area known as the Great Divide Basin where the waters that
flow or precipitate into this area remain there and cannot flow
to any ocean. Instead, because of the overall aridity of Wyoming,
water in the Great Divide Basin simply sinks into the soil or evaporates.
Several rivers begin or flow through the state, including the Yellowstone
River, Powder River, Green River, and the Snake River.
[edit] Public Lands
Over 48% of the land in Wyoming is owned by the U.S. Government,
which ranks fifth in the US in both total acres owned by the Federal
Government and by percentage of a state's land owned by the Federal
government.[3] This amounts to about 30,099,430 acres owned and
managed by the U.S. Government. The state government owns an additional
6% of all Wyoming lands, or another 3,864,800 acres.[4]
The vast majority of this government land is managed by the Bureau
of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service in numerous National
Forests, a National Grassland, and a number of vast swaths of public
land.
In addition, Wyoming contains a number of specific areas that are
under the management of the National Park Service and other agencies.
They include:
An eruption of Castle Geyser in Yellowstone National Park.
[edit] Parks
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
[edit] Recreation Areas
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
[edit] National Monuments
Devils Tower National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument
[edit] National Historic Trails and Sites
California National Historic Trail
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Oregon National Historic Trail
Pony Express National Historic Trail
[edit] National Parkways
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway near Moose, WY
[edit] Wildlife Refuges and Hatcheries
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
National Elk Refuge
Jackson National Fish Hatchery
Saratoga National Fish Hatchery
Panoramic view of the Teton Range looking west from Jackson Hole,
Grand Teton National Park.
[edit] Climate
Wyoming state welcome signThe climate in Wyoming is generally a
semi-arid continental climate (Koppen climate classification BSk)
which is drier and windier in comparison to most of the United States
with temperature extremes. Much of this is due to the topography
of the state. Summers in Wyoming are warm with July high temperatures
averaging between 85 °F (29°C) and 95 °F (35°C)
in most of the state. With increasing elevation, however, this average
drops rapidly with locations above 9,000 feet (2,743 m) averaging
around 70 °F (21°C). Summer nights throughout the state
are characterized by a rapid cooldown with even the hottest locations
averaging in the 50-60 °F (10-14°C) range at night. In most
of the state, the late spring and early summer is when most of the
precipitation tends to fall. Winters are cold, but are variable
with periods of sometimes extreme cold interspersed between generally
mild periods, with Chinook winds providing unusually warm temperatures
in some locations. Wyoming is an arid state with much of the land
receiving less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rainfall per year. Precipitation
depends on elevation with lower areas in the Big Horn Basin averaging
5-8 inches (125 - 200 mm) (making the area nearly a true desert).
The lower areas in the North and on the eastern plains typically
average around 10-12 inches (250-300 mm), making the climate there
semi-arid. Some mountain areas do receive a good amount of precipitation,
20 inches (510 mm) or more, much of it as snow, sometimes 200 inches
(510 cm) or more annually.
The climate of any area in Wyoming is largely determined by its
latitude, altitude and local topography. When put together, these
factors have a lot to do with airflow patterns, temperature variations,
precipitation and humidity brought in by the weather systems that
migrate eastward. In winter, Wyoming is often beneath the jet stream,
or north of it, which accounts for its frequent strong winds, blasts
of Arctic air and precipitation, all the necessary ingredients for
great snow conditions at Wyoming's northwestern ski areas. In summer,
the jet stream retreats northward to somewhere over Canada, leaving
the state's weather mild and pleasant at a time when the majority
of Wyoming's visitors choose to arrive. Jackson, located at 6,230
feet (1,899 m) above sea level and surrounded by mountains, can
expect a high temperature in July of 80° F (26.6°C). The
average is more likely to be 65° F (18.3°C). The closest
National Weather Station (in Riverton on the other side of the Wind
River Mountains at 4,955 feet (1,510 m)) reports slightly warmer
July weather.
Weather and topography in Wyoming both have more contrast than
in most other states. Severe weather is not uncommon in Wyoming,
with the state being one of the leading states for hail damage in
the United States. The number of thunderstorm days vary across the
state with the southeastern plains of the state having the most
days of thunderstorm activity. Thunderstorm activity in the state
is highest during the late spring and early summer. The southeastern
corner of the state is the most vulnerable part of the state to
tornado activity. Moving away from that point and westwards, the
incidence of tornadoes drops dramatically with the west part of
the state showing little vulnerability. Tornadoes, where they occur,
tend to be small and brief, unlike some of those which occur a little
further east.
Monthly normal high and low temperatures for various Wyoming cities
[1] City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Casper 32/12 37/16 47/23 56/29 66/38 79/47 87/53 85/52 73/42 60/32
43/21 34/14
Cheyenne 37/15 40/17 46/22 54/29 64/38 75/48 82/53 80/52 70/43 58/32
44/22 38/16
Lander 32/9 37/14 48/24 56/31 66/40 78/49 86/55 85/54 73/44 60/33
42/19 33/10
Sheridan 33/10 39/15 48/22 58/30 66/39 76/47 85/52 85/52 73/41 60/30
43/18 34/10
[edit] History
Main article: History of Wyoming
A 12 pounder mountain howitzer on display at Fort Laramie in eastern
Wyoming.The region known today as the state of Wyoming was originally
inhabited by several Native American groups. The name Wyoming is
derived from the Delaware (Munsee) name xwé:wam?nk, meaning
"at the big river flat", originally applied to the Wyoming
Valley in Pennsylvania.[5] The Crow, Arapaho, Lakota, and Shoshone
were but a few of the original inhabitants encountered when white
explorers first entered the region. Although French trappers may
have ventured into the northern sections of the state in the late
1700s, John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition,
first described the region in 1807. His reports of the Yellowstone
area were considered at the time to be fictional. Robert Stuart
and a party of five men returning from Astoria discovered South
Pass in 1812. The route was later followed by the Oregon Trail.
In 1850, Jim Bridger located what is now known as Bridger Pass,
which was later used by both the Union Pacific Railroad in 1868,
and in the 20th century by Interstate 80. Bridger also explored
the Yellowstone region and like Colter, most of his reports on that
region of the state were considered at the time to be tall tales.
After the Union Pacific Railroad reached the town of Cheyenne,
which later became the state capital, in 1867, the population began
to grow steadily in the Wyoming Territory, which was established
on July 25, 1868.[6] Unlike Colorado to the south, Wyoming never
experienced a rapid population boom from any major mineral discoveries
such as gold or silver. Copper was found in some areas of the state.
Once government sponsored expeditions to the Yellowstone country
were undertaken, the previous reports by men like Colter and Bridger
were found to be true. This led to the creation of Yellowstone National
Park, which became the world's first National Park in 1872. It is
located in the far northwestern portion of the state. Most of the
territory that comprises Yellowstone National Park is located in
Wyoming.
Wyoming was admitted to the Union on July 10, 1890. It was named
after the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania, made famous by the 1809
poem Gertrude of Wyoming by Thomas Campbell. The name was suggested
by Representative J. M. Ashley of Ohio.
In 1869, Wyoming extended much suffrage to women, at least partially
in an attempt to garner enough votes to be admitted as a state.
In addition to being the first U.S. state to extend suffrage to
women, Wyoming was also the home of many other firsts for U.S. women
in politics. For the first time, women served on a jury in Wyoming
(Laramie in 1870). Wyoming had the first female court bailiff (Mary
Atkinson, Laramie, in 1870) and the first female justice of the
peace in the country (Esther Hobart Morris, South Pass City, in
1870). Wyoming became the first state in the Union to elect a female
governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross, who was elected in 1924 and took office
in January 1925.
Wyoming was the location of the Johnson County War of 1892 which
was fought between large cattle operators and free ranging interest
groups. This war was fought because of the new ranchers moving in
following the passage of the homestead act.
Wyoming Population Density Map[edit] Population
The center of population of Wyoming is located in Natrona County.
[2]
As of 2005, Wyoming has an estimated population of 509,294, which
is an increase of 3,407, or 0.7%, from the prior year and an increase
of 15,512, or 3.1%, since the 2000 census. This includes a natural
increase since the last census of 12,165 people (that is 33,704
births minus 21,539 deaths) and an increase from net migration of
4,035 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United
States resulted in a net increase of 2,264 people, and migration
within the country produced a net increase of 1,771 people. In 2004,
the foreign-born population was 11,000 (2.2%). In 2005, total births
in Wyoming numbered 7,231 (Birth Rate of 14.04). [3]
Wyoming is the least populous of any state (or the District of
Columbia) and has the second lowest population density, behind Alaska.
Demographics of Wyoming (csv)
By race White Black AIAN Asian NHPI
AIAN is American Indian or Alaskan Native — NHPI is Native
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
2000 (total population) 96.19% 1.01% 3.06% 0.84% 0.13%
2000 (Hispanic only) 6.05% 0.11% 0.32% 0.06% 0.02%
2005 (total population) 96.01% 1.15% 3.06% 0.90% 0.12%
2005 (Hispanic only) 6.38% 0.15% 0.27% 0.05% 0.01%
Growth 2000–2005 (total population) 2.95% 17.26% 3.16% 10.32%
-3.47%
Growth 2000–2005 (non-Hispanic only) 2.57% 14.20% 4.95% 12.17%
0.18%
Growth 2000–2005 (Hispanic only) 8.66% 42.08% -12.31% -14.09%
-28.40%
The largest ancestry groups in Wyoming are: German (25.9%), English
(15.9%), Irish (13.3%), American (6.5%), Norwegian (4.3%), and Swedish
(3.5%).
[edit] Religion
The religious affiliations of the people of Wyoming are shown in
the table below:
Christian – 78%
Protestant – 53%
Lutheran – 8%
Baptist – 8%
Methodist – 6%
Presbyterian – 4%
Episcopal – 4%
Other Protestant or general Protestant – 21%
Roman Catholic – 16%
LDS (Mormon) – 11%
Other Religions – 1%
Jewish – 0.1%
Non-Religious – 20.9%
[edit] Economy
According to the 2005 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report, Wyoming’s
gross state product was $27.4 billion. Wyoming’s unemployment
rate for 2006 was approximately 3.3%, which is lower than the national
average of 4.6%. Components of Wyoming's economy differ significantly
from those of other states. The mineral extraction industry and
the travel and tourism sector are the main drivers behind Wyoming’s
economy. The Federal government owns about 50% of its landmass,
while 6% is controlled by the state. Total taxable values of mining
production in Wyoming for 2001 was over $6.7 billion. The tourism
industry accounts for over $2 billion in revenue for the state.
In 2002, over six million people visited Wyoming’s national
parks and monuments. The key tourist attractions in Wyoming include
Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Devils Tower
National Monument and Fossil Butte National Monument. Each year
Yellowstone National Park receives three million visitors.
Historically, agriculture has been an important component of Wyoming’s
economic identity. Its overall importance to the performance of
Wyoming’s economy has waned. However, it is still an essential
part of Wyoming’s culture and lifestyle. The main agricultural
commodities produced in Wyoming include livestock (beef), hay, sugar
beets, grain (wheat and barley), and wool. Over 91% of land in Wyoming
is classified as rural.
[edit] Mineral production
A Wyoming coal mine.Wyoming’s mineral commodities include
coal, natural gas, coalbed methane, crude oil, uranium, and trona.
Wyoming ranks highest in mining employment in the U.S. In fiscal
year 2002, Wyoming collected over $48 million in sales taxes from
the mining industry.
Coal: Wyoming produced 395.5 million short tons (358.8 million
metric tons) of coal in 2004. The state is the number one producer
of coal in the U.S.[7] Wyoming possesses a reserve of 68.7 billion
tons (62.3 billion metric tons) of coal. Major coal areas include
the Powder River Basin and the Green River Basin
Natural gas: In 2004, natural gas production was 1,929 billion cubic
feet (54.6 km³). Wyoming ranks 5th nationwide for natural gas
production. The major markets for natural gas include industrial,
commercial, and domestic heating.
A Drilling rig drills for natural gas just west of the Wind River
Range in the Wyoming Rockies*Coal Bed Methane (CBM): The boom for
CBM began in the mid-1990s. CBM is characterized as methane gas
that is extracted from Wyoming’s coal bed seams. It is another
means of natural gas production. There has been substantial CBM
production the Powder River Basin. In 2002, the CBM production yield
was 327.5 billion cubic feet (9.3 km³).
Crude oil: Production of Wyoming crude oil in 2004 was 51.7 million
barrels (8.22 million cubic meters). The state is ranked 7th among
producers of oil in the U.S. Petroleum is most often used as a motor
fuel, but it is also utilized in the manufacture of plastics, paints,
and synthetic rubber.
Trona: Wyoming possesses the largest known reserve of trona in the
world. Trona is used for manufacturing glass, paper, soaps, baking
soda, water softeners, and pharmaceuticals. In 2002 Wyoming produced
17.3 million short tons (15.7 million metric tons) of trona.
Uranium: Although uranium mining in Wyoming is much less active
than it was in previous decades, recent increases in the price of
uranium have generated new interest in uranium prospecting and mining.
[edit] Taxes
Unlike most other states, Wyoming does not levy an individual or
corporate income tax. In addition, Wyoming does not assess any tax
on retirement income earned and received from another state. Wyoming
has a state sales tax of 4%. Counties have the option of collecting
an additional 1% tax for general revenue and a 2% tax for specific
purposes, if approved by voters. Food for human consumption is not
subject to sales tax[8]. There also is a county lodging tax that
varies from 2% to 5%. The state collects a use tax of 5% on items
purchased elsewhere and brought into Wyoming. All property tax is
based on the assessed value of the property and Wyoming's Department
of Revenue's Ad Valorem Tax Division supports, trains, and guides
local government agencies in the uniform assessment, valuation and
taxation of locally assessed property. "Assessed value"
means taxable value; "taxable value" means a percent of
the fair market value of property in a particular class. Statutes
limit property tax increases. For county revenue, the property tax
rate cannot exceed 12 mills (or 1.2%) of assessed value. For cities
and towns, the rate is limited to 8 mills (0.8%). With very few
exceptions, state law limits the property tax rate for all governmental
purposes.
Personal property held for personal use is tax-exempt. Inventory
if held for resale, pollution control equipment, cash, accounts
receivable, stocks and bonds are also exempt. Other exemptions include
property used for religious, educational, charitable, fraternal,
benevolent and government purposes and improvements for handicapped
access. Minerals are exempt from property tax but companies must
pay a gross products tax and a severance tax when produced. Underground
mining equipment is tax exempt.
Wyoming does not collect inheritance taxes. Because of the phase-out
of the federal estate tax credit, Wyoming's estate tax is not imposed
on estates of persons who died in 2005. There is limited estate
tax related to federal estate tax collection.
[edit] Transportation
Map of Wyoming - PDFThree interstate highways and seven U.S. highways
pass through Wyoming. In addition, the state is served by the Wyoming
state highway system.
Interstate 25 enters the state south of Cheyenne and runs north,
crossing Interstate 80 in Cheyenne. It passes through Casper and
ends at Interstate 90 near Buffalo. Interstate 80 crosses the Utah
border west of Evanston and runs east through the southern half
of the state, passing through Cheyenne before entering Nebraska
near Pine Bluffs. Interstate 90 comes into Wyoming near Parkman
and cuts through the northern part of the state. It serves Gillette
and enters South Dakota east of Sundance.
The U.S. highways that pass through the state are U.S. Routes 14,
16, 20, 26, 30, 89, 191, and 287.
See also: List of Wyoming railroads and State highways in Wyoming
[edit] Law and government
Wyoming law establishes three branches of government: executive,
legislative, and judicial branches.
The current governor is Dave Freudenthal (Democrat). The current
U.S. Congressional delegation includes Sen. Mike Enzi (Republican),
Sen. John Barrasso (Republican) and Rep. at-large Barbara Cubin
(Republican).
The Wyoming State Legislature is comprised of a House of Representatives
with 60 members and a Senate with 30 members.
Because of its low population, Wyoming only has three votes in
the electoral college. It is also due to this low population that
individuals in Wyoming technically have a more powerful vote in
presidential elections than anyone else in the United States. For
example, while Montana had a 2000 census population of 902,195 to
Wyoming's 493,782, they both have the same number of electoral votes.
Wyoming is an alcoholic beverage control state.
[edit] Judicial System
Wyoming's highest court is the Supreme Court of Wyoming, with five
justices presiding over appeals from the state's lower courts. Wyoming
is unusual in that it does not have an intermediate appellate court,
like most states. This is largely attributable to the state's size
and correspondingly lower caseload. Appeals from the state district
courts go directly to the Wyoming Supreme Court. Wyoming also has
state circuit courts (formerly county courts), of limited jurisdiction,
which handle certain types of cases, such as civil claims with lower
dollar amounts, misdemeanor criminal offenses, and felony arraignments.
Circuit court judges also commonly hear small claims cases as well.
All state court judges in Wyoming are nominated by the Judicial
Nominating Commission and appointed by the Governor. They are then
subject to a retention vote by the electorate.
[edit] Politics
Downtown CheyenneWyoming is predominantly conservative and politically
Republican. The state has not voted for a Democrat for president
since 1964, and there are only two reliably Democratic counties.
In the 2004 presidential election, George W. Bush won his second-largest
victory, with 69% of the vote. Current Vice President Dick Cheney
is a Wyoming resident and represented the state in Congress from
1979 to 1989. However, after his term, he resided primarily in Texas,
a fact that drew mild criticism from his political opponents when
he changed his voter registration back to Wyoming prior to joining
George W. Bush's ticket in the 2000 Presidential election.
Despite Wyoming's clear preference for Republicans in national
offices, Democrats have held the governorship for all but eight
years since 1975. Governor Dave Freudenthal was elected in 2002
and has one of the highest approval ratings of any governor in the
USA. Wyoming in 2006 reelected incumbent Republican Congresswoman
Barbara Cubin by just over 1,200 votes.
[edit] Counties
The State of Wyoming has 23 counties.
Wyoming Counties Ranked By 2005 Population[9] Rank County Population
1 Laramie County 85,163 13 Converse County 12,766
2 Natrona County 69,799 14 Goshen County 12,243
3 Sweetwater County 37,975 15 Big Horn County 11,333
4 Campbell County 37,405 16 Platte County 8,619
5 Fremont County 36,491 17 Washakie County 7,933
6 Albany County 30,890 18 Johnson County 7,721
7 Sheridan County 27,389 19 Sublette County 6,926
8 Park County 26,664 20 Weston County 6,671
9 Uinta County 19,939 21 Crook County 6,182
10 Teton County 19,032 22 Hot Springs County 4,537
11 Lincoln County 15,999 23 Niobrara County 2,286
12 Carbon County 15,331 Wyoming Total 509,294
In 2005, 52.4% of Wyomingites lived in one of the 5 most populous
Wyoming counties.
Wyoming license plates contain a number on the left that indicates
which county the vehicle is from. The county license plate numbers
are as follows:
# on License Plate County
1 Natrona
2 Laramie
3 Sheridan
4 Sweetwater
5 Albany
6 Carbon
7 Goshen
8 Platte
9 Big Horn
10 Fremont
11 Park
12 Lincoln
13 Converse
14 Niobrara
15 Hot Springs
16 Johnson
17 Campbell
18 Crook
19 Uinta
20 Washakie
21 Weston
22 Teton
23 Sublette
[edit] Cities & Towns
The State of Wyoming has 98 incorporated municipalities.
The 20 Most Populous Wyoming Cities and Towns[10] Rank City County
Population
1 City of Cheyenne Laramie County 55,731
2 City of Casper Natrona County 51,738
3 City of Laramie Albany County 26,050
4 City of Gillette Campbell County 22,685
5 City of Rock Springs Sweetwater County 18,772
6 City of Sheridan Sheridan County 16,333
7 City of Green River Sweetwater County 11,787
8 City of Evanston Uinta County 11,459
9 City of Riverton Fremont County 9,430
10 City of Cody Park County 9,100
11 Town of Jackson Teton County 9,038
12 City of Rawlins Carbon County 8,658
13 City of Lander Fremont County 6,898
14 City of Douglas Converse County 5,581
15 City of Torrington Goshen County 5,533
16 City of Powell Park County 5,288
17 City of Worland Washakie County 4,967
18 City of Buffalo Johnson County 4,290
19 Town of Wheatland Platte County 3,464
20 City of Newcastle Weston County 3,221
In 2005, 50.6% of Wyomingites lived in one of the 13 most populous
Wyoming municipalities.
[edit] Metropolitan Areas
The United States Census Bureau has defined two Metropolitan Statistical
Areas and seven Micropolitan Statistical Areas for the State of
Wyoming.
U.S. Census Bureau Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
of Wyoming[11] Census Area County Population
Cheyenne, WY, Metropolitan Statistical Area Laramie County, Wyoming
85,163
Casper, WY, Metropolitan Statistical Area Natrona County, Wyoming
69,799
Rock Springs, WY, Micropolitan Statistical Area Sweetwater County,
Wyoming 37,975
Gillette, WY, Micropolitan Statistical Area Campbell County, Wyoming
37,405
Riverton, WY, Micropolitan Statistical Area Fremont County, Wyoming
36,491
Laramie, WY, Micropolitan Statistical Area Albany County, Wyoming
30,890
Sheridan, WY, Micropolitan Statistical Area Sheridan County, Wyoming
27,389
Jackson, WY-ID, Micropolitan Statistical Area Teton County, Wyoming
19,032
Teton County, Idaho 7,467
Total 26,499
Evanston, WY, Micropolitan Statistical Area Uinta County, Wyoming
19,939
In 2005, 30.4% of Wyomingites lived in either of the Metropolitan
Statistical Areas, and 73% lived in either a Metropolitan Statistical
Area or a Micropolitan Statistical Area.
[edit] Education
Main article: List of high schools in Wyoming
Public education is directed by the State Superintendent of Public
Instruction, an elected state official. Educational policies are
set by the State Board of Education, a nine-member board appointed
by the governor. The constitution prohibits the state from establishing
curriculum and text book selections; these are the prerogatives
of local school boards. The Wyoming School for the Deaf was the
only in-state school dedicated to supporting deaf students in Wyoming,
but it closed in summer of 2000.
[edit] Higher Education
Main article: List of colleges and universities in Wyoming
Wyoming has one public four-year institution, the University of
Wyoming in Laramie. In addition, there are seven two-year community
colleges spread through the state.
Prior to the passing of a new law in 2006, Wyoming had become a
haven for alleged diploma mills.[12] Among the state's distance
education unaccredited institutions that remain in Wyoming today
is Warren National University at Cheyenne. The 2006 law is forcing
unaccredited institutions to make one of three choices, move out
of Wyoming, close down, or like Warren National University apply
for accreditation. The Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization
predicts that perhaps in a couple years the problem will be resolved.[13]
[edit] Sports
Casper Ghosts, minor league baseball
Wyoming Cavalry, American Indoor Football Association
University of Wyoming, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Golf
[edit] Miscellaneous information
USS Wyoming was named in honor of this state.
State flower of Wyoming: Indian Paintbrush
[edit] State symbols
Nickname: Big Wonderful Wyoming, Equality State, Cowboy State
State motto: "Equal Rights"
State flower: Indian Paintbrush
State mammal: Bison
State bird: Western Meadowlark
State tree: Plains Cottonwood
State gemstone: Jade
State fish: Cutthroat Trout
State reptile: Horned Toad
State Fossil: Knightia
State dinosaur: Triceratops
State coin: Golden Dollar
State Song: Wyoming by Charles E. Winter & George E. Knapp
State Mythical Creature: Jackalope
State Grass: Western Wheatgrass
State Soil: Forkwood
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