Find out about some of the most fascinating Montana facts, like the story behind the state’s name, how the grizzly bear became the state animal, and how a discovery at Egg Mountain led to Maiasaura becoming the state fossil.

Montana Quick Facts

• Montana entered the Union and officially became a state on November 8, 1889.
• The city of Helena became the state capital after a very suspicious and controversial election.
• Montana's diverse geography covers more than 147,000 square miles, making it the fourth-largest state in the nation.
• Montana is bordered by Idaho on the west, Wyoming to the south, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, and Canada along the northern border.
• There are 56 counties in Montana.
• In terms of population, Montana is only the 48th most densely populated of the 50 states.
• Montana is home to the world's shortest river, the Roe River in Great Falls.
• The state holds the world record for the greatest temperature change in 24 hours, when the temperature rose 103 degrees Fahrenheit in a single day.
• The highest point in Montana is Granite Peak in the Beartooth Range of the Rocky Mountains.
• Montana has two state gemstones: agate and sapphire.
• The state nickname is the “Treasure State.” Other nicknames include “Land of Shining Mountains,” “Big Sky Country,” and “Last Best Place.”