Established in the late 1800s Nampa is the second-largest city in Idaho. Although the origins of the name Nampa are unknown, it is believed to be a Shoshoni Indian word meaning "moccasin," or "footprint." The city which was established as a result of the completion of the Oregon Short Line railroad was once highly dependent of agriculture. However, with increase in population today Nampa’s economy also depends on manufacturing industry. Nampa boasts a mild climate, excellent parks and recreation, and proximity to Idaho's state capital, Boise. Nampa is also known as "Idaho's Banana Belt" with an average temperature of 64.4 degrees F. It enjoys a wonderful spring though temperatures soar with the arrival of summer days. You can enjoy the “Indian summer” by watching geese fly to their winter home at nearby Deer Flat National Game Refuge and by picking apples. Winters are mild, with average January temperature of 37 degrees F. There's plenty of snow for snowmobiling or building a snowman, but they do not impede driving conditions.
Nampa is also famous for Northwest Nazarene University and the Snake River Stampede, one of the nation's top ten rodeos which is held every year in July. Between 1990 and 2000 Nampa has experienced nearly 50 percent population growth and continues to grow further.

Area: 20 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 2,492 feet above sea level

Latitude: 43.57 N

Longitude: 116.56 W

Population: 71,713 (as on July 2005)

Festivals

• Parade America in May
  
  
• Snake River Dayz Festival in July
  
  
• Downtown Nampa Stampede Dayz
  
  
• Nampa Community Fun Night in August
  
  
• Apeelin' Spud Fest in October