10 Things to Know About Montana

1. DUBBED “Big Sky Country,” Montana is the third-least densely populated state in the United States. Forty-six of its 56 counties are considered “frontier counties,” and average just 6.86 people per square mile of land.

2. What it lacks in human population numbers, it makes up for in cattle. Montana has more than double the number of cows than it does humans.

3. Montana was the first state to elect a woman to Congress. Jeannette Rankin was elected in 1916 and then again in 1940, and was the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. participation in both world wars.

4. The state rightfully earned its motto, “oro y plata,” spanish for “gold and silver.” The Treasure State is known for its abundant natural and mineral resources, including coal, copper, gold, manganese, sapphire, silver, lead, oil and zinc.

5. Montana’s diverse habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, white pelicans, golden eagles, moose, elk, buffaloes and bison.