Most people don’t even know that Wyoming is a state within the United States. Those who are aware of the state, only know it for Yellowstone National Park. Which is a wonder in itself, but if we are being honest, that corner of Wyoming is a hot spot for tourists and doesn’t even begin to cover how overlooked the state is.

Here are 11 reasons why I am proud to be a Wyomingite:

1. Throw everything you know about southern hospitality and Minnesota nice out the window

Everyone always goes on and on about the politeness and charm of the south, or the aversion of confrontation in Minnesota. But have they ever been to Wyoming? Cars actually stop at crosswalks and pedestrian will wave in gratitude. You can forget your keys in your car and your car will still be where you left it. No matter where you live in Wyoming, there is always a sense of community.

2. Having an existential crisis? There’s lots of room out here so no one will see

Wyoming is called home by a small population of a little over 500,000 people and has a square mileage of a little under 98,000. Which means that every person would get roughly 5 square miles to themselves. In case you can’t do the math, that means every person would basically have 250 amusement parks and not have to share a single ride or inch of space. In other words, you can cry, scream, or do whatever ever you’d like and no one would hear or see you.

3. Cowboy butts and rodeos

Every year, Wyoming hosts the largest outdoor rodeo. Professionals come from all around the nation just to compete. This rodeo is so big that rap artists decide to come down and join the fun. Not to mention, have you ever seen a cowboy’s butt? They are pretty glorious.

4. The air here is better than yours

I can step outside and breathe fresh, unpolluted air. My apologies for going all Disney princess, but I can hear the birds sing and even sing back! At night, I can step outside and see almost every star in the sky.

5. Dressing like a cowboy is not a requirement

Texas might think they’ve got a claim on the last surviving cowboys, but Wyoming knows better — the real ones live in the wild, wild west. Most folks within the state, ranch or farm for a way of life. Wearing cowboy boots, Levi’s, and flannels is the most practical outfit to get the day’s jobs done. But no need to sweat, most people around these parts still wear Converse and Patagonia sweatshirts, too.

6. The wind likes to play around, so maybe putting rocks in your boots is a good idea

One of the only downsides of being a Wyomingite is the wind. North Dakota or the Windy City think they have it bad, but maybe a road trip is needed. The wind is one reason people here all seem to have bigger dogs. That’s because all those yippy Chihuahuas are blown away. The wind is no joke in these parts, and only the strong survive it. Mind you, I survived, which in turn means I can probably survive almost anything.

7. Almost everyone has an extra freezer in their garage

Don’t worry, that lift-up freezer doesn’t hold a dead body, just A LOT of meat.

8. Wyomingites do some pretty weird things

Horses tend to be more reliable than your Ford or Chevrolet truck, so don’t be shocked when you see someone riding their horse into town. Also, wearing a snowsuit underneath a Halloween costume is not uncommon. One more weird thing that you see around here: panning for gold. Keep in mind, it is not a reliable form of employment.

9. Nearly everyone owns a gun so don't f*** with us

I’m genuinely surprised school districts around these parts haven’t set a hunting season break within the academic calendar yet. Missing hunting is a bigger crime than missing school.

10. Did someone say super volcano?

As just about everyone knows, Wyoming is home to Yellowstone National Park. It’s also home to the Yellowstone Caldera, a super volcano that could erupt at any time, dooming the United States to a fiery, ashy demise. Wyomingites don’t sweat it though, no volcanic eruption is going to ruin the morning cattle branding.

11. There’s no place like a home that’s as beautiful as mine

Okay, so maybe that was a little bit conceded. But seriously, the scenery in Wyoming is unbeatable. You won’t ever find a sunset as breathtaking anywhere else. Numerous hiking spots, such as the Vedauwoo trail or the Cloud Peak trail, offer stellar photos for anyone’s social media feeds.