 Nevada
Information
Capital
City: Carson City
Economy: Gambling,
tourism, agriculture, mining and industry
Language Description:
English and Spanish
Passport/Visa U.S.:
Citizens of Australia and the U.K. need a passport and proof of
onward passage but in most cases will not need a visa (contact a
U.S. embassy or consulate for details). Canadians need to show proof
of citizenship accompanied by a photo ID. Reconfirm travel document
requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Population: 1,998,257
Religion: Christian
(Roman Catholic, Protestant, Mormon), though other major religions
are represented
Time Zone: 8 hours
behind Greenwich Mean Time (-8 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed
from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts
Nevada's Flag:
On a cobalt blue background in the upper left quarter is a five-pointed
silver star between two sprays of sagebrush crossed to form a half
wreath; across the top of the wreath is a golden scroll with the
words, in black letters, "Battle Born." The name "Nevada"
is beneath the star in gold letters. The current Nevada State Flag
design was adopted March 26, 1929, and revised in 1991.
History
of Nevada: Trappers and traders, including Jedediah
Smith, and Peter Skene Ogden, entered the Nevada area in the 1820s.
In 1843–1845, John C. Fremont and Kit Carson explored the
Great Basin and Sierra Nevada. In 1848 following the Mexican War,
the U.S. obtained the region and the first permanent settlement
was a Mormon trading post near present-day Genoa. The driest state
in the nation, with an average annual rainfall of only about 7 inches,
much of Nevada is uninhabited, sagebrush-covered desert. The wettest
part of state receives about 40 inches of precipitation per year,
while the driest spot has less than four inches per year. Nevada
was made famous by the discovery of the fabulous Comstock Lode in
1859 and its mines have produced large quantities of gold, silver,
copper, lead, zinc, mercury, barite, and tungsten. Oil was discovered
in 1954. Gold now far exceeds all other minerals in value of production.
In 1931, the state created two industries, divorce and gambling.
For many years, Reno and Las Vegas were the “divorce capitals
of the nation.” More liberal divorce laws in many states have
ended this distinction, but Nevada is the gambling and entertainment
capital of the U.S. State gambling taxes account for 40.1% of general
fund tax revenues. Although Nevada leads the nation in per capita
gambling revenue, it ranks only fourth in total gambling revenue.
Near Las Vegas, on the Colorado River, stands Hoover Dam, which
impounds the waters of Lake Mead, one of the world's largest artificial
lakes. The state's agricultural crop consists mainly of hay, alfalfa
seed, barley, wheat, and potatoes. Nevada manufactures gaming equipment;
lawn and garden irrigation devices; titanium products; seismic and
machinery monitoring devices; and specialty printing. Major resort
areas flourish in Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Las Vegas. Recreation areas
include those at Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Lake Mead and Lake
Mohave, both in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Among the other
attractions are Hoover Dam, Virginia City, and Great Basin National
Park (includes Lehman Caves).
Other Nevada Links:
Nevada
Department of Education
Nevada League of Cities
Nevada State Library and Archives
Nevada State Tourism Commission
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