Wyoming gets its name from the Algonquin words for "land of vast plains." After the Union Pacific Railroad reached the town of Cheyenne, the capital, in 1867, the population began to grow steadily in the Wyoming Territory, established in 1868. In 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state. The constitution of the "Equality State" was the first in the world to grant voting rights to women. Wyoming was also the first state to elect a woman governor. People are spread out across the state in small farming and ranching towns. Wyoming's tourist attractions are among the most spectacular and well-known in the nation. Each year, millions of tourists visit Yellowstone National Park (the world's first national park). The most notable features of the park include active geysers, spectacular towering waterfalls, hot springs, deep canyons and excellent fishing. Wyoming also is home to Devils Tower, the nation's first national monument, and Grand Teton National Park, the site of some of the West's most beautiful mountain scenery.

GOVERNMENT
Capital: Cheyenne
Governor: Dave Freudenthal, D (to Jan. 2003)
Senators: Michael B. Enzi, R (to Jan. 2009); Craig Thomas, R (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 1 district | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 17,448; National rank: 49; Percent change since 1990: 30%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 49 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $29,587; National Rank: 20 (97% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 503; National Rank: 48
Agriculture: Cattle, sugar beets, sheep, hay, wheat.
Industry: Mining, chemical products, lumber and wood products, printing and publishing, machinery, tourism.