Named after its mountains, which rake the central and eastern sides, Montana is the country's fourth-largest state. It covers 38 million hectares (94 million acres) that was shaped by massive glaciers, scorching heat, molten lava and inland seas.

Today almost a quarter of Montana is national forest or public lands, with almost two million hectares (five million acres) protected as wilderness areas. The state is also a gateway into Yellowstone National Park. Elk, deer, antelope, wolves and bears are just a few of the 500 species of wildlife that can be seen in Montana.