State of Utah
Nicknames: The Beehive State
Motto(s): Industry
Date of Statehood: January 4, 1896 (45th state)
State Song: “Utah, This is the Place” by Sam and Gary Francis
Utah Flag History
The flag of Utah, adopted in February 2011, is a testament to the state’s heritage and values. The emblem features the beehive, symbolizing industry, perseverance, and thrift, surrounded by sego lilies, representing peace. The bald eagle above the beehive denotes protection in peace and war. The date 1847 is the year the Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, and 1896 is the year Utah was admitted to the Union as the 45th state. The flag’s background is a deep blue, with the United States flag elements symbolizing Utah’s support to the nation.
Utah’s flag underwent a significant change when the state seal was standardized in 2011. The current design, rich in symbols, reflects Utah’s commitment to industry, the community’s pioneer heritage, and its allegiance to the United States.
The flag’s design elements come together to tell the story of Utah – its struggles, its values, and its unwavering spirit of industry and perseverance. The beehive, a central element, is a unique symbol that distinguishes Utah’s flag, embodying the ethos of the state and its people.
Utah Quick Facts
Capital City: Salt Lake City
Abbreviation: UT
Population: Approximately 3.2 million
Region: Western United States
Origin of State Name: Derived from the Ute tribe, meaning ‘people of the mountains’
Sports Teams: Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Bordering States: Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada
Area Codes: 435, 801, 385
Highest Point: Kings Peak at 13,534 feet (4,125 meters)
Lowest Point: Beaver Dam Wash at 2,180 feet (664 meters)
Geography of Utah
Area: 84,899 square miles (219,887 square kilometers), 13th largest
Land: 82,144 square miles (212,751 square kilometers), 12th largest
Water: 2,755 square miles (7,136 square kilometers), 36th largest
Coastline: None (landlocked state)
Shoreline: Utah is landlocked but has a significant shoreline along the Great Salt Lake.
Largest Cities:
- Salt Lake City
- West Valley City
- Provo
- West Jordan
- Orem
- Sandy
- Ogden
- St. George
- Layton
- South Jordan
- Lehi
- Millcreek
- Taylorsville
- Logan
- Murray
National Parks:
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
Utah State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: California Gull
State Animal: Rocky Mountain Elk
State Amphibian: Boreal Toad
State Butterfly: California Dogface Butterfly
State Fish: Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
State Flower: Sego Lily
State Horse Breed: American Quarter Horse
State Insect: Honeybee
State Mammal: Rocky Mountain Elk
State Reptile: Gila Monster
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Cherry
State Gemstone: Topaz
State Soil: Mivida
State Tree: Blue Spruce
State Quarter: Released in 2007, featuring the Delicate Arch and the Olympic Winter Games symbol
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Black and Yellow
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: None designated
State Fossil: Allosaurus
State Mineral: Copper
State Rock: Coal