Salt Lake City
Official name Salt Lake City Corporation
Type Capital city
File:Salt Lake City Skyline.jpg
Salt Lake City with Wasatch Range
State Utah
Country United States
Established 1847
Population 200,000
Area (km²) 287
Time zone Mountain (MST/MDT)
ZIP code(s) 84101–84199
Area code(s) 385, 801
40.7608N | 111.8910W


Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous city of Utah. It is known for its historic ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), its scenic mountain setting, and its emerging role as a hub for outdoor sports and technology.

Overview

  • Population: ~200,000 (over 1.2 million in the metro area)
  • Founded: 1847 by Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young
  • Nicknames: SLC, The Crossroads of the West
  • Geography: Located in the Salt Lake Valley, surrounded by the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains

Landmarks and Attractions

  • Temple Square – spiritual center of the LDS Church
  • Utah State Capitol
  • Natural History Museum of Utah
  • Hogle Zoo and Red Butte Garden
  • Great Salt Lake – largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere
  • Liberty Park and City Creek Center

Economy

SLC’s economy is diverse and growing:

  • Technology and software (part of the “Silicon Slopes” region)
  • Healthcare and education
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Finance, real estate, and logistics

Religion and Identity

  • Headquarters of the LDS Church (Mormon Church)
  • Temple Square attracts millions of visitors annually
  • Blend of religious heritage and growing secular, diverse population

Outdoor and Winter Sports

  • Hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics
  • Proximity to world-class ski resorts (Park City, Snowbird, Alta)
  • Hiking, climbing, and mountain biking widely available
  • Strong local sports scene: Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Transportation

  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – major hub
  • TRAX light rail and UTA bus system
  • Extensive highway network and access to national parks

Fun Facts

  • One of the flattest downtown areas with mountain peaks rising quickly on all sides
  • Home to the nation’s first department store
  • The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete

See Also