The name Nevada means "snow-covered" in Spanish. Nevada borders Oregon and Idaho to the north, Utah to the east, Arizona to the southeast, and California to the west. Carson City, in the western part of the state, is the capital. Nevada became the 36th state of the union on October 31, 1864.

Nevada is located in a mountainous region that includes vast semiarid grasslands and sandy alkali deserts. It is the most arid state of the country, and one of the most sparsely settled. Nearly three-quarters of Nevada's people live in Clark County which includes Las Vegas.

The state boasts more than 100 beautiful golf courses. Several lakes provide scenic and recreational attractions. Lake Tahoe, on the California-Nevada border, is particularly notable for its clarity, depth, and scenic beauty. Pyramid, Walker, and Winnemucca lakes are remnants of an ancient sea.

The animal population of Nevada includes bighorn sheep, several varieties of deer, and pronghorns. Rabbits and other rodents are found in abundance. The desert harbours such reptiles as geckos, horned toads, tortoises, and sidewinder rattlesnakes. Predators such as coyotes and bobcats are common.