Western United States

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The Western United States, often called the American West, is a large and diverse region defined by the U.S. Census. It includes 13 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It stretches from the Pacific Coast to the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin, and in some definitions even includes Hawaii.

What makes the West unique
- Big variety of landscapes: coastal mountains, high plateaus, vast deserts, and snowy peaks. Major ranges include the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades.
- Deserts and waters: the Mojave and Great Basin deserts are along with important rivers like the Colorado, Columbia, and Snake. The West also has extensive coastlines and forests.
- Climate ranges a lot: wet and mild in the Pacific Northwest, very hot and dry in the desert Southwest, and cold in the mountains.

People and places
- The West is less densely populated than the East overall, but has several large cities. Los Angeles is the region’s largest city. Other big metros include San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, San Diego, Portland, and Las Vegas.
- The region is culturally diverse, with large Hispanic and Asian populations, as well as many Native communities.

Economy and land use
- The West has a strong mix of economies: technology and entertainment in California (think Silicon Valley and Hollywood), aerospace in the Northwest, ranching and mining in the mountains, and major farming in California’s valleys and the Pacific Northwest.
- A lot of land is owned or managed by the federal government, including national parks and forests. Water from rivers and reservoirs is crucial for cities, farms, and habitats, and it’s a key political issue.

History and culture
- Native peoples have lived in the West for thousands of years. The 1800s brought rapid growth from trails, mining booms, and the transcontinental railroad.
- The West helped shape American culture, with the cowboy image, the growth of Hollywood, Route 66, and innovations in science and tech.
- Politically, the region is mixed: some states lean Democratic, others Republican, and some swing states can decide elections. Immigration and demographics are important influences.

Nature and wildlife
- The West hosts many kinds of ecosystems, from glaciers and pine forests to deserts and marine life along the coast. It’s home to numerous animals adapted to dry, mountain, and coastal environments.

A quick snapshot
- Population: about 79 million people.
- Area: about 1.87 million square miles.
- Largest city: Los Angeles.
- Highlights: dramatic mountains, long coastlines, big deserts, advanced cities, and influential culture.

Overall, the Western United States is known for its vast scenery, economic variety, and a long history of exploration, settlement, and innovation.