Moscow in Idaho is the most populous of more than twenty American cities with the same name. More than half of its residents are students and faculty from the state's oldest institution, the University of Idaho. The population of Idaho's Moscow is nearly 24,000, which is, of course, insignificantly small compared to the Russian capital and its 12 million residents. However, are small sizes always a disadvantage? This green and peaceful educational and agricultural center could be a dream for many Russians tired of urban hustle, if only they knew of its existence.

Although the city has been named Moscow for over a hundred years, it was originally called something else. This area was previously known as Hog Heaven, which translates to 'Pig Paradise,' due to its fertile soils. In 1877, postmaster Samuel Neff began using the name 'Moscow' in official postal addresses, but this had no relation to the Russian capital. Neff chose this name in honor of the city of 'Moscow' in Pennsylvania, where he was born. The Pennsylvania Moscow was named by a Lutheran minister, Peter Rupert, who had Russian roots. Today, it is a small town with a population of less than 2,000.