USA Idaho | North America

Idaho is located in the Mountain West region of the United States, bordering Washington and Oregon to the west, Nevada and Utah to the south, Montana and Wyoming to the east, and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north. It is the 11th largest state by area and is geographically defined by the Rocky Mountains, the Snake River Plain, and over 2,000 named lakes. The capital and largest city is Boise.

History & Culture

Idaho was admitted to the Union in 1890 as the 43rd state. Its cultural identity is rooted in a history of mining, fur trading, and westward expansion along the Oregon Trail. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (37%), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (19–24%), and Catholic (10%). Social etiquette emphasizes rugged individualism, a high value on outdoor recreation, and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

The official language is English. English proficiency is universal. Spanish is the second most common language (spoken by approx. 8% of the population). Regional dialects are part of the Western American group, characterized by a lack of distinct regionalism, though some local vocabulary persists (e.g., "crick" for creek).

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 2.06 million as of January 2026, maintaining its status as one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. GDP per capita is approximately $52,000 USD. The economy is a global leader in potato production (producing one-third of the U.S. supply) and is anchored by major sectors in semiconductor R&D (Micron), aerospace, and food processing (J.R. Simplot). Top export commodities include semiconductor devices ($410M), dairy products ($602M), and lead ore.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries to enhance security vetting. Citizens of most EU nations and the UK require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Boise Air Terminal (BOI) is strict regarding agricultural products.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal in urban areas. Cash is standard for small tips, entry to local rodeos, and at remote trailheads or rural general stores. ATM availability is high, with dense networks in retail chains like Albertsons and Maverik.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the I-84, I-15, and I-90 corridors. Amtrak provides limited service via the "Empire Builder" in the northern panhandle (Sandpoint). Domestic aviation is anchored by Boise Air Terminal (BOI), Idaho Falls Regional (IDA), and Spokane International (GEG) for northern access. In 2026, the state is executing major "ITD 15-to-20" infrastructure projects to expand highway capacity in the Treasure Valley.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Boise-Nampa and Idaho Falls-Pocatello corridors. In 2026, the Idaho Office of Broadband is utilizing $583 million in BEAD funding to connect 70,000 unserved rural locations. High-speed fiber projects, such as the 198-mile middle-mile backbone from Grangeville to Star, are nearing completion in early 2026.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate ranges from oceanic influence in the north to semi-arid in the south. For the 2025–2026 winter, a weak La Niña has resulted in colder-than-average temperatures and above-normal snowfall in the northern and central mountains. Drought conditions are expected to improve significantly across northern and central Idaho by spring 2026.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include extreme winter cold, wildfire smoke (summer), and wildlife encounters (bears/cougars) in backcountry areas. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

The Treasure Valley (Tech/Government/Education): Hub city is Boise.

The Panhandle (Tourism/Timber/Mining): Hub city is Coeur d'Alene.

Southeastern Idaho (Agri-Business/Nuclear Research): Hub city is Idaho Falls.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.15 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $6.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Idaho is known as the "Gem State" because nearly every known type of gemstone has been found there, including the rare Star Garnet. A prominent local legend is the "Sharlie," a 35-foot serpentine lake monster allegedly inhabiting Payette Lake. Another enduring folk legend is the "Hells Canyon Gold," concerning a massive buried treasure of stolen gold bars hidden during a 19th-century robbery that remains undiscovered.