What is the Size of Greater Idaho

Greater Idaho is a proposed geographic territory that seeks to expand the current state of Idaho in the United States. The idea gained traction as a result of political and cultural differences between rural and urban areas within certain states, particularly Oregon and California. Proponents of the Greater Idaho concept argue that it would address these divisions by allowing conservative-leaning rural counties to become part of Idaho, where they believe their voices would be better represented.

As it stands, Greater Idaho would include several counties from the current states of Oregon and California. In Oregon, the proposed counties include Baker, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler. In California, the counties of Del Norte, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity would also be part of Greater Idaho.

In terms of land area, Greater Idaho would encompass a considerable portion of the current states involved, totaling approximately 70,000 square miles. To put this into perspective, the current state of Idaho covers around 83,570 square miles, making Greater Idaho almost as large as the existing state itself.

The proposed borders of Greater Idaho are not only defined by land area but also by political and cultural characteristics. The counties included within Greater Idaho tend to have more conservative populations, contrasting with the predominantly liberal areas found in larger cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Sacramento, California. This ideological divide has sparked the desire for a separate identity and governance for the rural areas, leading to the Greater Idaho movement.

Supporters of the Greater Idaho concept argue that the expansion would allow for more effective representation and governance that aligns with their values. They argue that the current political climate and policies of their respective states do not adequately address their concerns and needs. By joining Idaho, they hope to have a stronger voice in decision-making processes that directly impact their communities.

However, the idea of Greater Idaho also faces significant challenges and opposition. Consolidating geographic territories involves not only legal and political hurdles but also potential economic and social implications. Critics argue that the proposed expansion lacks a comprehensive analysis of the potential consequences, such as resource distribution, public services, and infrastructure development. Moreover, some opponents believe that the Greater Idaho movement is merely a symptom of a larger issue – the growing polarization across the United States.

While the Greater Idaho movement continues to generate discussions and debates, it should be noted that the creation of a new state or the expansion of existing states is a complex process that requires constitutional amendments and approval from the states involved, as well as the U.S. Congress. Although the size of Greater Idaho is significant in terms of land area, the feasibility and practicality of its realization are yet to be determined.

In conclusion, the proposed size of Greater Idaho encompasses several counties from Oregon and California, totaling around 70,000 square miles. The concept aims to address political and cultural differences by enabling conservative-leaning rural areas to join a state where they feel their voices would be better represented. However, the idea faces challenges and opposition due to potential economic and social implications, as well as the complex process required for state expansion. The future of Greater Idaho remains uncertain, but its existence as a topic of discussion highlights the ongoing divisions within certain states and the broader issue of polarization across the United States.