Are you curious about why Wyoming is number 56 in the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code?
Wyoming is a sparsely populated state in the western United States, known for its natural beauty and wide-open spaces.
The FIPS code is a system used by the federal government to uniquely identify states, counties, and other geographic entities.
In this article, we’ll explore why Wyoming has the FIPS code number 56, and what that means for the state and its residents.
What is the FIPS Code?
The FIPS code is a five-digit code used to identify geographic entities within the United States, such as states, counties, and cities.
The first two digits represent the state, while the last three digits represent the county or other geographic entity.
The FIPS code is used by the federal government for various purposes, such as distributing funds and conducting research.
The History of FIPS Codes
The FIPS code system was established in 1963 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
At the time, the system was used to identify counties for the purpose of distributing federal funds for disaster relief.
Over time, the system was expanded to include other geographic entities, such as states, cities, and towns.
Why is Wyoming Number 56 in the FIPS Code?
Wyoming is number 56 in the FIPS code because it was the 56th state to be admitted to the Union. Wyoming became a state on July 10, 1890, and was the first state to grant women the right to vote. The FIPS code for Wyoming is 56XXX, where XXX represents the county or other geographic entity within the state.
How Does the FIPS Code Affect Wyoming?
The FIPS code is used by the federal government for various purposes, such as distributing funds and conducting research.
The code is also used by businesses and organizations that need to identify geographic entities within the United States.
For Wyoming, having the FIPS code number 56 means that the state is recognized as the 56th state to be admitted to the Union.
This is a point of pride for many Wyoming residents, who value the state’s history and heritage.
FAQs About Wyoming’s FIPS Code
1. Is Wyoming the only state with the FIPS code number 56?
No, Wyoming is not the only state with the FIPS code number 56. There are other states that also have the number 56 as part of their FIPS code, such as South Carolina (code 45-56) and Vermont (code 50-56).
2. What is the significance of the FIPS code for Wyoming?
The FIPS code for Wyoming is significant because it identifies the state as the 56th state to be admitted to the Union. This is a point of pride for many Wyoming residents, who value the state’s history and heritage.
3. How is the FIPS code used in Wyoming?
The FIPS code is used by the federal government for various purposes, such as distributing funds and conducting research. The code is also used by businesses and organizations that need to identify geographic entities within the United States.
4. Can the FIPS code for Wyoming change?
The FIPS code for Wyoming is unlikely to change, as it is based on the state’s order of admission to the Union. However, the code for individual counties or other geographic entities within the state can change if the boundaries of those entities are altered.
5. Is the FIPS code the same as a ZIP code?
No, the FIPS code is not the same as a ZIP code. The FIPS code is used to identify geographic entities within the United States.
