Nevada

Nevada is a state in the Western United States. The U.S. census bureau estimates it to be the fastest growing state. The capital of Nevada is Carson City. The most populous city is Las Vegas followed by Reno and Paradise. It is the among the twenty least populous state in the nation with a population of 1,998,257 according to the 2000 census.

The state name may have originated from Spanish sailors gazed upon the beautiful mountain ranges of California. They called these mountains Sierra Nevada (snowy range). Sierra Nevada seemed an apt name for the new territory carved out of Utah, but when Congress passed the act designating the territory in 1859, the name was shortened to just Nevada.

Geography

The state is in the Mountain census region. It has a surface area of 110,561 square miles, and 0.66% of the surface area is covered by water. It is the seventh largest state in area. Nevada has an arid steppe and desert climate. It ranks among the bottom ten in the total amount of surface water among the fifty states. Reno Nevada is west of Los Angeles. To the north are Oregon and Idaho, to the east lie Utah and Arizona and to the southwest is California. The highest point in the state is Boundary Peak with an elevation of 13,143 feet. The lowest point in North America, Death Valley, is in the state. The Kangaroo Rat, a Death Valley resident, can live its entire life without drinking a drop of liquid.

History

The Paiute were one of the Native American tribes living in the area that would become Nevada during the initial European exploration and settlement. The first documented European exploration of the area was by Melchi Diaz (1540). In 1853, American settlers established a settlement at Junction House a toll station in present-day Reno. Mormon settlers led by Colonel John Reese founded the first permanent colony, Eagle Station trading post, at present-day Carson City in 1851.

The United States acquired the land that would later become Nevada from Mexico as part of the Mexican Cession after the Mexican-American war. Prior to entering the Union, it was part of Utah Territory and subsequently Nevada Territory. The state's enabling act came on March 21, 1864 authorizing formation of a State government and admission thereafter. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Nevada the 36th state on October 31, 1864.

In 1931, the first casino, the Pair-O-Dice Club, opened on Highway 91, the future Las Vegas Strip.

Business and Economy

The economic product (GSP or gross state product) of the state in 2003 was 87.72 billion dollars. The state produces various commodities including cattle, hay, dairy products, and onions. Amusement and recreation, construction, hospitality, and metal mining are notable industries. From 2000 to 2003 the GSP increased by 12.45%. Nevada's GSP represents 0.8% percent of the combined GSP of the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Society and Culture

Tennis player Andre Agassi is from Las Vegas. A person from Nevada is called a Nevadan or Nevadian. The state is nicknamed the Silver State, Sagebrush State, and Battle-Born State. Its tourism slogan is “Wide Open.”

Demographics

The population was 1,201,833 at the time of the 1990 census. The US Census Bureau estimated the State’s population in 2003 to be 2,241,154. The state experienced an estimated growth of 12.2% between 2000 and 2003.

Nevada's population is somewhat varied with a non-Latino white majority and significant Latino and minority populations. According to the 2003 census, the ethnic breakdown of the state is:
White: 75.2%
Black: 6.8%
Indian: 1.3%
Asian: 4.5%
Pacific Islander: 0.4%
Other Races: 8%
Two or more races: 3.8%

The state's Latinos represent 19.7% of the total population. 65.2% of the population classifies itself as non-Latino white.

Quick Facts

Capital: Carson City
Motto: All for Our Country
Nickname: The Silver State
State Bird: Mountain Bluebird
State Flower: Sagebrush
State Tree: Single Leaf Piñon