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Nevada

Nevada is a state in the western United States, bordered by California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nevada is a state in the western United States, bordered by California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. Its capital is Carson City, and its largest city is Las Vegas. Nevada became the 36th U.S. state on October 31, 1864, during the American Civil War.

Geography

Nevada is a western state with deserts, mountain ranges, and semiarid grasslands. It is bordered by California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, and is often described as the driest U.S. state.

History

The area that became Nevada was first inhabited by Indigenous peoples and later claimed by Spain, then Mexico, before becoming part of the United States in 1848. Nevada was admitted to the Union in 1864 during the Civil War.

Population and major cities

Nevada's population is concentrated in the Las Vegas area, especially Clark County. Other major cities include Reno, Henderson, and Carson City, the state capital.

Economy

Nevada's economy has traditionally been associated with mining and agriculture, but tourism is now a major driver, especially in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. Mining remains important, particularly for gold.

Key facts

  • Nevada is the seventh-largest U.S. state by area and one of the least densely populated.
  • Most of Nevada's population lives in Clark County, which includes the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
  • The state borders five others: California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.
  • Nevada entered the Union as a Civil War-era state in 1864.
  • The state's name comes from the Spanish word for 'snow-covered' or 'snow-clad,' referring to the Sierra Nevada.
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Canadian context

Nevada is relevant to Canadian readers as a major U.S. travel destination, especially Las Vegas, and as a western state with cross-border economic and tourism ties to Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nevada?
Nevada is a U.S. state in the western United States with its capital at Carson City and its largest city at Las Vegas.
When did Nevada become a state?
Nevada became the 36th state on October 31, 1864.
Why is Nevada called the Silver State?
The nickname refers to the importance of silver mining in the state's history.
What does the name Nevada mean?
Nevada comes from a Spanish word meaning 'snow-covered' or 'snow-clad,' referring to the Sierra Nevada.
What is Nevada's largest city?
Las Vegas is Nevada's largest city.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Nevada-state
    Supports: State geography, borders, capital, area, statehood date, climate, and name origin.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada
    Supports: Largest city, population distribution, statehood date, and general state facts.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Nevada-state
    Supports: Population, capital, borders, historical settlement, and economy.
  4. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/nevada
    Supports: State nickname, name origin, statehood, geography, and historical background.
  5. U.S. Census Bureau — https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/3bf5a1a
    Supports: Largest city and state symbols.