Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges " are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains . This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name, derived from the Spanish word montaña (mountain). Montana has several nicknames, none official,[ 1] including: "The Treasure State" and "Big Sky Country", and slogans that include "Land of the Shining Mountains" and more recently, "The Last Best Place".[ 2] [ 3] The state ranks fourth in area, but 44th in population, and accordingly has the third-lowest population density in the United States.[ 4] The economy is primarily based on services, with ranching , wheat farming, oil and coal mining in the east, and lumber , tourism, and hard rock mining in the west.[ 5] Millions of tourists annually visit Glacier National Park , the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument , and three of the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park .[ 6]
Location of Montana
A number of Montanans have become notable for their involvement in acting, animation, directing , classical music, rock music, and opera. Actors include Gary Cooper , who won Academy Awards for Sergeant York (1942) and High Noon (1952), and Myrna Loy , who won a lifetime achievement Academy Award in 1991.[ 7] [ 8] Martha Raye was an entertainer who was a strong supporter of, and much beloved by, members of the United States military.[ 9] Animator Brad Bird won Academy Awards for The Incredibles (2004) and Ratatouille (2007).[ 10] [ 11] Director David Lynch has been nominated for four Academy Awards.[ 12] Jeff Ament is the bassist for Pearl Jam .[ 13] Soprano Judith Blegen is a member of New York's Metropolitan Opera .[ 14]
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