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NEVADA - USA
Nevada is a state located in the western United
States. The population of the state, as of 2000, is 1,998,257. Nevada is one
of the fastest growing states in the country. The local pronunciation of the
state is not "Ne-vah-da", but should be said so that the middle syllable
rhymes with "gamble".
Nevada's nickname is "The Silver State" and the state's motto is "All for
our Country". The state song is "Home Means Nevada" by Bertha Rafetto. The
phrase "Battle Born" appears on the state flag, a reference to the state's
founding date during the American Civil War (although no battles of that war
took place within Nevada).
Several United States Navy ships have been named USS Nevada in honor of the
state. History
In 1850, the U.S. Congress established the Utah territory which included the
present day states of Utah, Idaho and Nevada. 1859 saw the discovery of the
Comstock Lode, a rich outcropping of gold and silver, and Virginia City
sprang up. This discovery brought a flood of miners, prospectors, merchants
and others hoping to cash in on the wealth.
On March 2, 1861, Nevada separated from the Utah territory and adopted its
current name. On October 31st, 1864, Nevada became the 36th state in the
union. There is an enduring myth in the state that it was founded in the
midst of the American Civil War so that the Union could gain better access
to the wealth of its mines. However, the state was actually founded for more
complex political and economic reasons, including the moderate Republicans'
need for more votes to support the reelection of Abraham Lincoln.
In response to the Great Depression, Nevada legalized gambling on March 17,
1931 in order to stimulate economic growth.
A fictional history (with a great deal of actual fact) is a book with the
same name, Nevada, written by Clint McCullough.
Law and Government
Nevada's capital is Carson City and its governor is Kenny Guinn
(Republican). Nevada's two U.S. senators are Harry Reid (Democrat) and John
Ensign (Republican). See List of Nevada Governors
Due to the tremendous growth of Las Vegas in recent years, there is a
noticeable divide between politics of Northern Nevada and Southern Nevada.
The north has long maintained control of key positions in the state
government even while the Las Vegas area is many times larger than Washoe
County. This has fostered resentment on both sides as the north sees the
south as a potential bully of majority rule and the south sees the north as
the "old guard" trying to rule as an oligarchy. Most observers outside the
state are not familiar with this rivalry.
Geography
Nevada has borders with Oregon and Idaho to the north, California to the
west, Arizona to the southeast and Utah to the east. The border with Arizona
includes the Colorado River.
It is in a mountain region that includes semiarid grasslands and sandy
deserts, and is the most arid (dry) state in the nation. Nevada is a land of
rugged, snow-capped mountains, grassy valleys and sandy deserts. The
northern and central portions of Nevada are mostly within the Great Basin
Desert, while portions of the southern tip are within the Mojave Desert. See
also list of mountain ranges of Nevada.
Economy
Nevada's total gross state product for 1999 was $69 billion placing it 32nd
in the nation. Its 2000 Per Capita Personal Income was $30,529 or 14th in
the nation. Its agricultural outputs are cattle, hay, dairy products, and
potatoes. Its industrial outputs are tourism, mining, machinery, printing
and publishing, food processing, and electric equipment. It is well-known
for gambling and nightlife. Large, luxurious casinos in Las Vegas, Lake
Tahoe and Reno attract visitors from around the world.
Nevada is the only state of the US with legal prostitution: brothel
prostitution is legal in most counties of Nevada.
Demographics
As of the 2000 census, the population of Nevada is 1,711,263. Its population
grew 8.4% (132,846) from its 1990 levels. According to the 2000 census,
89.6% (1,533,261) identified themselves as White, 5.5% (94,425) as Hispanic
or Latino, 4% (68,541) as black, 1.3% (21,931) as Asian, 0.9% (14,896) as
American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.05% (836) as Native Hawaiian or Pacific
Islander, 2.8% (47,845) as other, and 1.4% (23,953) identified themselves as
belonging to two or more races.
6.8% of its population were reported as under 5, 26.3% under 18, and 13.6%
were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 50.7% of the population.
Important cities and towns
The largest city is Las Vegas.
Las Vegas
Reno
Henderson
North Las Vegas
Sparks
Carson City
Pahrump
Elko
Boulder City
Mesquite
Fernley
Fallon
Winnemucca
Gardnerville
Minden
State symbols
State Animal: Desert Bighorn Sheep
State Artifact: Tule Duck Decoy
State Bird: Mountain Bluebird
State Colors: Silver and Blue
State Fish: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
State Flower: Sagebrush
State Fossil: Ichthyosaur
State Grass: Indian Ricegrass
State March: "Silver State Fanfare" by Gerald Wills
State Metal: Silver (Ag)
State Precious Gemstone: Virgin Valley black fire opal
State Semiprecious Gemstone: Nevada turquoise
State Song: "Home Means Nevada" by Bertha Raffetto
State Reptile: Desert Tortoise
State Rock: Sandstone
State Soil: Orovada series
State Trees: Single-leaf Piñon and Bristlecone_pine
Education
Colleges and universities
Sierra Nevada College
University and Community College System of Nevada
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada State College at Henderson
Community College of Southern Nevada
Great Basin College
Truckee Meadows Community College
Western Nevada Community College
Professional sports teams
Las Vegas Gladiators, Arena Football League
Las Vegas 51s, minor league baseball
Las Vegas Wranglers, East Coast Hockey League
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