| Colorado is situated in the Rocky Mountain region of the US with the states of Kansas and Nebraska bordering it to the east. It is the eighth largest state in area and 22nd largest in population. The total land area is 104,185 square miles with a length of 380 miles and a width of 280 miles. According to an estimate, its population was 4,861,515 in 2007, an increase of about 13 percent from what it had been as per the US Census 2000. Colorado is situated at a very high point and is the only state in the US to lie entirely above 1,000 meters elevation. More than 100 mountain peaks are above 4,000 meters in height. Among these, Mount Elbert is the highest peak with a height of 4,401 meter. There is not much precipitation in the state and average rainfall ranges between 12 and 18 inches per year. As a result, irrigated farming is rare and much of the land is used for ranching and dryland farming. Population is concentrated in the eastern ridge of the Rock Mountains because this area offers a partial protection from the prevailing storms. Denver is the most populous city as well as the capital of the state. |
