Nebraska is a Great Plains state with sweeping prairie, the Sandhills wetlands, and Omaha — home to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.
Geography & climate
Nebraska lies in the Midwest of the United States, set at approximately 41.5°N, 100°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 200,520 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Nebraska all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Omaha, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 2M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Nebraska was admitted to the Union in 1867 as the 37th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Nebraska is nicknamed “The Cornhusker State”, with the state motto Equality before the law. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Nebraska is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Nebraska.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Nebraska offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Nebraska can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | NE | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Lincoln | — |
| Largest city | Omaha | — |
| US region | Midwest | — |
| Population | 2M | people |
| Area | 200,520 | km² |
| Statehood | 1867 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 37 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Cornhusker State | — |
| Motto | Equality before the law | — |
| Latitude | 41.5 | degrees |
| Longitude | -100 | degrees |
Did you know?
Nebraska is the only US state with a unicameral (single-house) state legislature — a system pioneered by Senator George Norris in 1937.
