Denver, Colorado
Denver is the capital and largest city in Colorado, the seat of Denver Co., located in the north-central part of the state, 12 miles east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Denver is also the name of the metropolitan area surrounding the city.
Geography
The city itself covers 107 square miles (277 sq km), 5,280 feet (1,610 meters) -- exactly one mile above sea level; it is called the Mile High City. Winding through Denver are the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. The Rockies provide a spectacular backdrop for the city, and they also protect it from high winds.
Denver is a spacious city of parks, tree-lined streets, broad avenues, old buildings, and modern skyscrapers. Its climate is mild and dry, primarily because the Rockies divert moisture-bearing winds away from the area. Formerly known for its clear sky, it was long a destination for people suffering from tuberculosis. Since 1950, however, pollution from automobiles and trucks has caused serious air pollution. The average temperature in July, the warmest month, is 73°F (23°C.), and the average temperature in January, the coldest month, is 28.5°F. (-2°C.). Annual precipitation is only 15 inches (380 mm), and the city has an average of 250 clear or partly cloudy days a year. The sunshine makes it a very popular tourist destination.
Demography
Minority communities in Denver include a rapidly groeing Latino population chiefly of Mexican ancestry
Economy
Denver is a major manufacturing center of the western United States. It is also a major market for the produce of the surrounding area and a gateway for skiers headed to the nearby Rockies. Denver International Airport is one of the world's major facilities.