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Nevada

Nevada
(In Detail) (Full size)
State nickname: Silver State

Other U.S. States
Capital Carson City
Largest City Las Vegas
Area
 - Total
 - Land
 - Water
 - % water
Ranked 7th
286,585 kmē
284,628 kmē
1,973 kmē
%
Population
 - Total (2000)
 - Density
Ranked 35th
1,998,257
7/kmē
Admittance into Union
 - Order
 - Date

36th
October 31, 1864
Time zone Pacific: UTC-8/-7
Latitude
Longitude
35°N to 42°N
114°W to 120°W
Width
Length
Elevation
  -Highest
  -Mean
  -Lowest
515 km
790 km
 
4,005 meters
1675 meters
146 meters
ISO 3166-2:US-NV
Nevada is a state located in the western United States. The population of the state, as of 2000, is 1,998,257. Nevada is one of the fastest growing states in the country.

"Nevada" is a Spanish adjective that means "snow-covered". The name derives from the Sierra Nevada in the west of the state. Several United States Navy ships have been named in honor of the state -- USS Nevada. The local pronunciation of the state is not "Ne-vah-da", but should be said so that the middle syllable rhymes with "gamble".

Nevada's nickname is "The Silver State" and the state motto is "Omnia Pro Patria" ("All for our Country'). The state song is "Home Means Nevada" by Bertha Rafetto.

Table of contents
1 History
2 Law and Government
3 Geography
4 Economy
5 Demographics
6 Important Cities and Towns
7 Education
8 Professional Sports Teams
9 External Links

History

In 1850, the U.S. Congress established the Utah territory which included the present day states of Utah, Idaho and Nevada. 1859 saw the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a rich outcropping of gold and silver, and Virgina City sprang up. This discovery brought a flood of miners, prospectors, merchants and others hoping to cash in on the wealth.

On March 2, 1861, Nevada separated from the Utah territory and adopted its current name. On October 31st, 1864, Nevada became the 36th state in the union.

In response to the Great Depression, Nevada legalized gambling on March 17, 1931 in order to stimulate economic growth.

Law and Government

Nevada's capital is Carson City and its governor is Kenny Guinn (Republican). Nevada's two U.S. senators are Harry Reid (Democrat) and John Ensign (Republican). See List of Nevada Governors

Geography

See List of Nevada counties

Nevada has borders with Oregon and Idaho to the north, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast and Utah to the east. The border with Arizona includes the Colorado River. It is in a mountain region that includes semiarid grasslands and sandy deserts, and is the most arid (dry) state in the nation. Nevada is a land of rugged, snow-capped mountains, grassy valleys and sandy deserts.

Economy

Nevada's total gross state product for 1999 was $69 billion placing it 32nd in the nation. Its 2000 Per Capita Personal Income was $30,529 or 14th in the nation. Its agricultural outputs are cattle, hay, dairy products, and potatoes. Its industrial outputs are tourism, mining, machinery, printing and publishing, food processing, and electric equipment. It is well-known for gambling and nightlife. Large, luxurious casinos in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno attract visitors from around the world.

Nevada is the only state of the US with legal prostitution: brothel prostitution is legal in most counties of Nevada, see prostitution in Nevada.

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, the population of Nevada is 1,711,263. Its population grew 8.4% (132,846) from its 1990 levels. According to the 2000 census, 89.6% (1,533,261) identified themselves as White, 5.5% (94,425) as Hispanic or Latino, 4% (68,541) as black, 1.3% (21,931) as Asian, 0.9% (14,896) as American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.05% (836) as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2.8% (47,845) as other, and 1.4% (23,953) identified themselves as belonging to two or more races.

6.8% of its population were reported as under 5, 26.3% under 18, and 13.6% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 50.7% of the population.

Important Cities and Towns

The largest city is Las Vegas.

See List of cities in Nevada.

Education

Colleges and Universities

Professional Sports Teams

External Links


Nevada is also the name of some places in the United States of America: