Colorado is often called "Colorful Colorado" for the scenic beauty of its plains, mountains and rivers. Like many of the Western states, it had many flags flown over it, including the emblems of Spain, France, the British colony of Virginia, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Territory of Louisiana, the Missouri Territory, the State of Deseret (which is now Utah), the New Mexico Territory, the Nebraska Territory and the Kansas Territory. The Colorado Territory was finally established in 1861, and Colorado became a State in 1876, one hundred years after the United States made its Declaration of Independence. For this reason, Colorado is sometimes called "The Centennial State."

Origin of state's name: Colorado's name has its origins in the Spanish language; the name means "colored red."

Capital city: The capital of Colorado is Denver, which is sometimes called "The Mile-High City" because its elevation is one mile above sea level. Denver was established on the banks of the South Platte River during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. It was located across the river from the encampments of Arapaho and Cheyenne Indian tribes, which helped to facilitate trade between the miners and the locals.

Population: According to 2009 population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, Colorado is home to approximately five million residents.

Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Agriculture and Industry: Colorado's most important agricultural product is beef; more than 60 percent of its farming income is from cattle. Dairy products, pigs, eggs and sheep are also important exports. Wheat, hay, corn, sorghum, beans, apples and carnations are the most important crops in the region. Mining is also important to the local economy, and oil, coal and natural gas are the most valuable resources mined in the area. But the largest source of income in the state is the service industry, particularly health care, tourism, legal services and software development.

State Bird: The Lark Bunting is the Colorado state bird. It is a migratory bird known for the spectacular courting dance of its males.

State Tree: The Colorado blue sprice, or piscea pungens, is the state tree. It is known for its stately symmetrical shape and its beautiful silvery-blue color.

State Flower: The state flower is the white-and-lavender columbine, a rare flower that grows on the mountain meadows of Colorado.

State Song: The official state song is "Where the Columbines Grow," which was written by A. J. Fynn. The title refers to the state's official flower. John Denver's tune "Rocky Mountain High" is also an official state song.