Population: ~3.2 million (2023 estimate) — 32nd most populous state
Area: 110,577 sq mi (286,382 km²) — 7th largest state
Seal of Nevada
Geography
Location: Nevada is in the western United States, bordered by Oregon and Idaho to the north, Utah to the east, Arizona to the southeast, and California to the west and southwest.
Major Landforms:
Great Basin Desert: A vast, arid expanse covering most of the state.
Sierra Nevada Mountains: These towering peaks define Nevada’s western boundary and influence its weather patterns.
Lake Tahoe: A stunning alpine lake shared with California, offering year-round recreation.
Hoover Dam: Located on the border with Arizona, it impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. by volume.
Valley of Fire State Park: Known for its red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
Climate: Nevada is the driest state in the U.S., with most areas receiving less than 10 inches of precipitation annually. Summers are hot, especially in southern regions, while winters can bring snow to the mountains and high desert areas.
Flag of Nevada
Economy
GDP (2023): ~$260 billion — 33rd largest state economy in the U.S.
Major Industries:
Gaming and Tourism: Las Vegas and Reno are global entertainment and gambling hubs, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Mining: Nevada leads the nation in gold and silver production, earning its nickname. It also mines lithium, a critical resource for batteries.
Technology and Renewable Energy: Northern Nevada is becoming a tech hotspot, with companies like Tesla operating gigafactories.
Agriculture: Despite its arid climate, Nevada supports cattle ranching, hay farming, and alfalfa production.
Major Exports: Gold, silver, machinery, electronics, and processed food products.
Demographics
Diversity: Nevada has a rich mix of cultures, influenced by its proximity to California, the Southwest, and its immigrant communities.
Ethnic Breakdown:
White: 49%
Hispanic/Latino: 29%
Black/African American: 9%
Asian: 8%
Native American: 2%
Other: 3%
Languages: English and Spanish are the most widely spoken languages, with Tagalog and Chinese also prominent in urban areas.
Religions: Predominantly Christian (Catholic and Protestant), with a growing secular population and smaller Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist communities.
History
Indigenous Peoples: Nevada is home to Native American tribes, including the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe peoples, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Spanish and Mexican Era: Spanish explorers reached Nevada in the 18th century. It was later part of Mexico until the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).
Territorial Period: Nevada became part of the U.S. through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 and was incorporated as part of the Utah Territory before becoming its own territory in 1861.
Statehood: Nevada was fast-tracked to statehood during the Civil War to help secure Union support.
Modern Development: The construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s spurred growth, as did the legalization of gambling in 1931.
Culture and Landmarks
Las Vegas: Known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, world-class shows, and vibrant nightlife.
Reno: Dubbed the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno offers a smaller-scale gaming and entertainment experience.
Lake Tahoe: A year-round destination for skiing, hiking, and water sports.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: A favorite for hiking and rock climbing near Las Vegas.
Burning Man: An annual arts and culture festival held in the Black Rock Desert.
Virginia City: A historic mining town that preserves Nevada’s Wild West heritage.
Area 51: A mysterious military facility shrouded in UFO lore, located in southern Nevada.
Great Basin National Park: Known for its ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and dark skies for stargazing.
Famous People from Nevada
Andre Agassi: Tennis champion born and raised in Las Vegas.
Brandon Flowers: Lead singer of The Killers, a rock band from Las Vegas.
Pat Nixon: Former First Lady of the United States, wife of Richard Nixon.
Jimmy Kimmel: Comedian and talk show host, raised in Las Vegas.
Kyle Busch: NASCAR driver born in Las Vegas.
Fun Facts
Nevada’s state bird is the mountain bluebird, and its state flower is the sagebrush.
The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.
More than 80% of Nevada’s land is federally owned, making it the state with the most public land.
Nevada has over 300 mountain ranges and is one of the most mountainous states in the U.S.
The state’s legal brothels, found outside of major urban areas, are a unique feature of Nevada’s culture.
Las Vegas hosts the world’s largest single-day sporting event betting market during the Super Bowl.
