Montana State Guide

Situated in the Pacific Northwest U.S., in the Great Plains region, Montana is a vast, sprawling state of wide prairies, dense forests, and mighty rivers. But it's the majestic mountain ranges spanning the western third of the state that give the state its name (from the Spanish montaña, or "mountain"). The majestic Continental Divide runs diagonally across the state, while the northern Rocky Mountains dominate Montana's western region. Montana is known by a variety of nicknames: "Land of Shining Mountains" (for obvious reasons), "Big Sky Country" (for the wide open plains that comprise approximately 60% of the state), and "the last best place" (for the rugged, pristine image Montana has successfully maintained). Montana's abundance of natural resources and precious materials have also earned it the designation of the "Treasure State," and led to its official motto of Oro y plata ("Gold and silver").