Nevada
From Wikinfo
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State nickname: Silver State | |||||
| Image:Map highlighting Nevada.png
Other U.S. States | |||||
| Capital | Carson City | ||||
| Largest City | Las Vegas | ||||
| Area - Total - Land - Water - % water |
Ranked 7th | ||||
| Population
- Density |
Ranked 35th
7/km2 | ||||
| Admittance into Union
- Date | 36th | ||||
| Time zone | |||||
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Latitude |
35°N to 42°N | ||||
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Width |
515 km | ||||
| 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.
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.
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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
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. 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.
Education
Colleges and Universities
Professional Sports Teams
External Links
- Official web site of Nevada: http://www.state.nv.us
- Nevada Tourism Commission
- Nevada Maps
Nevada is also the name of some places in the United States of America:
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Nevada" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada November 18, 2003
