USA Wyoming | North America

Wyoming is located in the Mountain West region of the United States, bordering Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Colorado and Utah to the south, and Idaho to the west. It is the 10th largest state by area but the least populous. The geography is dominated by the Rocky Mountains in the west and the High Plains in the east. The capital city is Cheyenne.

History & Culture

Wyoming was admitted to the Union in 1890 as the 44th state. It is known as the "Equality State" for being the first to grant women the right to vote (1869). In 2026, the town of Cody is celebrating its 130th anniversary, coinciding with national U.S. 250th Anniversary events. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (43%) and Catholic (14%), with 26% identifying as unaffiliated. Social etiquette emphasizes independence, outdoor heritage, and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

English is the official and universal language. Spanish is the most significant secondary language (approx. 5%). The regional dialect is categorized as Western American, characterized by a neutral accent.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 590,000. GDP per capita is approximately $75,000 USD. The economy is a national leader in mineral extraction, accounting for 40% of U.S. coal production and significant shares of uranium and trona. In 2026, Wyoming is projected to add 8,000 jobs, primarily in construction, healthcare, and hospitality. The state is aggressively pursuing the Wyoming Pipeline Corridor Initiative (WPCI) to establish a 2,000-mile network for carbon capture and enhanced oil recovery.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries. This includes a full suspension for 19 high-risk nations. Citizens of the UK, EU, and other Visa Waiver Program nations require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Wyoming state law (SF0124) enacted in 2025 also prohibits the intentional transportation or concealment of unauthorized aliens within the state. Customs enforcement at Casper-Natrona County (CPR) and Cheyenne Regional (CYS) is strict.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal. Wyoming has no personal or corporate income tax. Cash is common at rural rodeos, guest ranches, and for small tips. ATM availability is high in towns but scarce in wilderness areas.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the I-80, I-25, and I-90 corridors. There is no Amtrak passenger rail service in Wyoming. Domestic aviation is anchored by Jackson Hole (JAC), Casper-Natrona County (CPR), and Cheyenne Regional (CYS). 2026 infrastructure projects include significant bridge rehabilitations and road expansions in the High Plains regions.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Cheyenne-Laramie and Casper corridors. In 2026, the "Connect Wyoming" program is utilizing $70.5 million in ARPA/CPF funding to complete fiber-to-the-home projects. The state is also prioritizing 5G for home broadband as a cost-effective solution for semi-urban areas. Signal dead zones remain frequent in the Wind River Range and Yellowstone backcountry.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is semi-arid and continental. For the 2025–2026 winter, a weak La Niña has resulted in colder-than-average temperatures and above-normal snowfall in the Tetons and northern mountains. High-elevation areas have seen early-season snow accumulation. Summer (July–August) is dry with high wildfire risk.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include extreme winter cold/wind chill, altitude sickness (mean elevation 6,700 ft), and wildlife encounters (grizzly bears/bison). The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Southeast Corridor (Gov/Edu/Transport): Hub cities are Cheyenne and Laramie.

Central Basin (Energy/Logistics): Hub city is Casper.

Northwest/Yellowstone (Tourism/Aerospace): Hub city is Cody/Jackson.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.15 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $6.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Wyoming is home to Devils Tower, the first U.S. National Monument. A prominent local legend is the "San Pedro Mountains Mummy," a 14-inch pygmy mummy found in 1932. Folklore also surrounds the "Old Faithful Geyser" in Yellowstone, which has been the subject of indigenous spirit legends for centuries. Additionally, the "Petrified Forest of the Absarokas" contains upright fossilized trees from the Eocene epoch. The state is also the setting for the "Jackalope" legend, which originated in Douglas in the 1930s.