Mid West Region of America
States
Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado.
Major Cities
Salt Lake City (Utah), Denver (Colorado).
Geographical Layout
This region is known for its geographical diversity ranging from snowcapped mountains to flowing river valleys to rugged, stony deserts. Overall rocky terrain given to the land by the mountains that dominate this region feature everything from arid deserts with sand dunes to thriving pine forests in mountain valleys.
Climate
The Midwest Region is a complex climate due to its varying geography. The low lying plateaus are dry with a mostly desert climate where its many mountain ranges feature their own variety of climates where the typical south-north/cooler-warmer variation in other states is generally not applicable at all in the mountainous regions. The location of mountain ranges and surrounding valleys affect local climate greatly. As a general rule, with an increase in elevation come a decrease in temperature and an increase in precipitation. The other primary source of precipitation for this region is the Pacific Ocean, with the more western and southern portion usually lying in the path of large Pacific storms from mid-October through April. This same portion of the region also benefits from the monsoon moisture that the Southwestern states experience. Most of the lowland areas receive less than 12 inches (300 mm) of precipitation annually, lending this region its more arid, desert plateaus whose temperatures are extreme with cold winters and very hot summers. However, the low humidity and high elevation typically leads to large temperature variations, leading to cool nights most summer days. The region is known for its abundant sunshine and cool clear nights, which give this area the highest average diurnal temperature range in the United States.
Business & Industry
Although today this regions economy is diversified and noted for its concentration of scientific research and high-technology industries it is a far cry from its early U.S. history when mining was the main area of industry. Since the early 1900s this region has become more industrialized and innovative with transportation, information technology, research, and government services taking the lead in industry. Tourism has staked its claim on a large portion of the business and industry sector as well with a healthy portfolio of parks and resorts securing its roots. Some of the oldest and strongest economic leaders in this region are found in gas drilling, ranching and mining. Since much of this region is made up of rocky terrain, whether it be in the plateaus or the mountains, it does not lend itself to a supporting a strong agricultural basket. However agricultural pursuits do exist in this region, they are cattle, wheat, dairy products, corn, and hay. The federal government is also a major economic force in the state with many important federal facilities. Other industries include food processing, machinery, and chemical products. Colorado also produces the largest amount of beer of any state in the U.S.
Beyond Business
This mountainous region of the U.S. produces the most snow and is well known for its premiere ski resorts. The gorgeous mountains offer something exciting in the way of activities for every season of the year. Enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and camping in the valleys during the summer months. Summer also offers rafting and fishing in the plentiful rivers and streams that wind through the mountain valleys while skiing and snowmobiling dominate the winter months in the higher elevations. An impressive collection of U.S. held parks offers some of the most exciting views of nature where bears, coyote, and deer roam freely amid picnic tables and parked cars.
Culture
The culture of this region is almost as diverse as its terrain. The Utah area is well known for its Mormon population, where Colorado is home to more of a Christian base. There is a heavy Latin-American population in some areas, where there is a more European population of foreign immigrants in other areas, all of which contribute greatly to the current culture of this diverse region.