Nevada is the driest US state, dominated by the Mojave Desert, with Las Vegas — the global gambling and entertainment capital — Lake Tahoe on the usa-state/california/" data-it-autolink="1">California border, and Area 51.
Geography & climate
Nevada lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 38.3°N, 117°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 286,382 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 Nevada all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Nevada is Carson City, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Las Vegas, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 3.2M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Nevada was admitted to the Union in 1864 as the 36th 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
Nevada is nicknamed “The Silver State”, with the state motto All for our country. 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 Nevada 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 Nevada.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Nevada 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 Nevada can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | NV | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Carson City | — |
| Largest city | Las Vegas | — |
| US region | West | — |
| Population | 3.2M | people |
| Area | 286,382 | km² |
| Statehood | 1864 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 36 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Silver State | — |
| Motto | All for our country | — |
| Latitude | 38.3 | degrees |
| Longitude | -117 | degrees |
Did you know?
Las Vegas hosts more than 41 million tourists per year and has the most hotel rooms of any US city — over 150,000.
