Other meanings of Nevada
U.S. States
Nevada is a state in the western United States, admitted as the 36th state on October 31, 1864, during the Civil War. Known as the "Silver State" for its historic silver mining, it is the seventh-largest state by area but among the most sparsely populated, with over 85% of its land managed by the federal government. Its largest city, Las Vegas, is a global hub for entertainment and gambling, while the capital, Carson City, is one of the smallest state capitals in the nation. Nevada's unique history, geography, and legal culture distinguish it from other western states.
Nevada lies mostly within the Basin and Range Province, characterized by north-south mountain ranges and arid valleys. The state's highest point is Boundary Peak (13,147 ft), while the lowest is along the Colorado River at about 479 ft. The Mojave Desert covers the southern tip, including Las Vegas, while the Great Basin Desert dominates the rest, making Nevada the driest state in the U.S., with average annual precipitation below 10 inches1. The Humboldt River, the only major river entirely within the state, flows across the north. Over 85% of Nevada's land is federally administered, including the Nevada Test Site (now Nevada National Security Site) and numerous military ranges, which limits development but preserves vast wilderness areas2.
Nevada's history is tied to the Comstock Lode, a rich silver deposit discovered in 1859 near Virginia City, which triggered a mining boom and attracted thousands of settlers. To secure mineral wealth and loyal Union support during the Civil War, Congress fast-tracked Nevada's statehood, and it was admitted in 1864 despite having a population far below the usual threshold3. The state's nickname, "Silver State," reflects this heritage. Mining remains important, with Nevada being the world's fourth-largest gold producer, yielding about 5 million troy ounces annually4. The state's early economy also relied on ranching and the transcontinental railroad, which crossed the northern part of the state in 1869.
Nevada's modern economy is dominated by tourism, gaming, and entertainment, centered on Las Vegas and Reno. Legalized gambling was re-established in 1931 to fund public works during the Great Depression, and today Nevada is the only state with legal commercial casinos in multiple cities, though New Jersey and others have since followed5. Las Vegas, often called "Sin City," attracts over 40 million visitors annually, hosting major conventions and shows. The state also has a growing technology and logistics sector, with Tesla's Gigafactory near Reno and a favorable tax climate (no corporate or personal income tax). Nevada's culture is shaped by its frontier heritage, libertarian ethos, and diverse population, including significant Hispanic and Asian communities.
Beyond the Strip, Nevada holds many obscure facts. The state's name comes from the Spanish for "snow-covered," referring to the Sierra Nevada, though the mountain range is mostly in California. Nevada is the only state in the U.S. where prostitution is legal in some counties, but only in licensed brothels outside of Clark County (which includes Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno)6. The state is also home to the Burning Man festival, held annually in the Black Rock Desert, a temporary city that draws over 70,000 participants. Nevada has no state income tax, but it has a high sales tax and a gross receipts tax on businesses. The state's official fossil is the ichthyosaur, a marine reptile, reflecting its ancient seafloor origins. Additionally, Nevada's Area 51, a secretive military base, has fueled UFO lore and is a popular tourist attraction despite being off-limits.
Nevada's statehood was expedited during the Civil War, and its motto 'All for Our Country' reflects that origin.
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