| Name | State of Deseret |
| Status | Self-governing nation |
| Culture | Native American • European • Mormon |
| Economy | Agriculture • Manufacturing • High-tech |
| Location | Western North America |
| Geography | River valleys • Deserts • Mountain ranges |
| Population | Over 7 million |
| Foreign Policy | Independent |
| Predominant Religion | Mormon |
The State of Deseret is an independent nation located in the western region of North America. It is one of the larger and more prosperous states in the region, with a population of over 7.2 million as of 2020. The capital and largest city is Salt Lake City. Deseret is known for its unique culture, economy, and political system, which sets it apart from its neighbors.
Deseret covers a vast and geographically diverse territory, encompassing parts of what in our timeline would be the U.S. states of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. The state is dominated by the Great Basin region, with the Great Salt Lake at its heart. To the west, the Wasatch Range and other Rocky Mountains rise up, while to the east and south are the Colorado Plateau and Mojave Desert.
Despite the arid reputation of the American West, much of Deseret actually has a relatively mild, semi-arid continental climate. Major rivers like the Snake River, Colorado River, and Green River provide ample water resources and enable extensive irrigation for agriculture. Coastal regions along the Pacific Ocean in the west also enjoy a Mediterranean climate.
Deseret was first settled in the 1840s by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, who were fleeing religious persecution in the eastern United States. Led by Brigham Young, the Mormon pioneers established a series of agricultural communities centered around the Great Salt Lake. In 1849, they declared the State of Deseret, seeking independence and self-governance.
Over the next several decades, Deseret slowly grew in population and economic strength through continued Mormon migration and the development of industries like mining, manufacturing, and transcontinental railroads. The state was able to maintain its autonomy as larger powers like the United States, Mexico, and British North America vied for control of the region.
By the late 19th century, Deseret had become one of the most prosperous and influential states in western North America, with a unique cultural and political identity built around the Mormon faith. It has maintained this independent status to the present day.
The population of Deseret is predominantly Mormon (around 70%), with the remaining 30% consisting of other Christian denominations, non-religious individuals, and smaller numbers of Native Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic groups. The state has a relatively homogeneous culture and society centered on the teachings of the LDS church.
Alongside traditional Mormon values, Deseret culture also incorporates elements of the region's Native American heritage, as well as influences from the broader American West. Distinctive customs, architecture, cuisine, and arts have developed, creating a unique regional identity. The state is known for its robust outdoor recreation industry and reverence for environmentalism.
Deseret is a unitary state with a republican form of government. The state constitution establishes a strong, centralized government led by an elected governor and legislature. However, the LDS church also plays a major role in politics and policy decisions, with church leaders wielding significant influence.
Politically, Deseret tends to be very conservative, with the dominant Mormon population supporting traditional social and economic policies. The state is not part of any larger federal union, though it maintains cooperative arrangements with neighboring independent states on issues like trade, infrastructure, and security.
Deseret has a diverse, well-developed economy built on a foundation of agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and technology. Major industries include:
The state also has a thriving high-tech sector, with a number of major technology companies and research institutions based in cities like Salt Lake City and Provo. Deseret maintains an independent economic policy, with a mix of free market and state-directed economic planning.
