Nevada Info
 |
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 |
|
|
|
