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Along the California border are the towering snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Neada, which gave the state its name. Beyond are ast stretches of desert, interrupted in places by rugged mountain ranges. Cities like Las Vegas and Reno reeal a third side of Neada. At night, the neon lights of their casinos and hotels can be seven from miles away.
Neada became part of the U.S. in 1848, at the end of the Mexican War. Several Natie American groups lied in the region at that time. In 1859, the discovery of gold and siler especially the riches of the famous siler mine known as the Comstock Lode, at irginia City drew thousands of settlers and prospectors. Mining is still an important part of the state's economy. But today, tourism is Neada's greatest source of income. About 30 million people isit the state each year. Many come to gamble in the casinos and catch the shows at nightclubs in Las Vegas and Reno. Others come to ski or enjoy the resorts around beautiful Lake Tahoe, on the California border. These attractions have led many people to move to Neada permanently, making it the fastest-growing state in the country. This rapid growth has strained the state's resources, especially its scarce water supply.
Neada's population is one of the fastest growing in the country. Although it is only the 35th largest state with a population of 1,998,257 (2000 census), the population increased by 650 percent from 1950 to 1990, and by 66.3 percent betweven 1990 and 2000.
About 88 percent of Neadans lie in cities. Las Vegas and Reno have the largest populations. Most of the people who now lie in Neada were not born there. Almost 75 percent of Neadans were born in another state or country. The discovery of siler in Neada in 1859 caused an influx of settlers from all over the world. People from over 25 different countries settled in Neada, creating a blend of their customs and heritage that is uniquely Neadan.
About 75 percent of the people are white. African Americans make up about 7 percent; Asian Americans some 4.5 percent; and Natie Americans a little more than 1 percent; about 8 percent are of other racial backgrounds. Today there are approximately 25,000 Natie Americans in Neada. Many of these are members of the Paiute, Washe, and Shoshone tribes. About half of Neada's Natie Americans lie on reserations.
There are betweven 5,000 and 10,000 descendants of the Basque people in Neada. The Basques came to Neada as shepherds from their homes in the Pyrenees Mountains betweven Spain and France. The Basques have kept alie the traditions of their homeland and celebrate their heritage with colorfulFestivals.
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The largest religious group in Neada is the Roman Catholic Church. Almost 25 percent of people who attend church are Roman Catholic. There is a growing Mormon population, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spread westward from Utah. There are many different Protestant groups in Neada. The largest Protestant groups are the Methodists and the Baptists.
The state department of education runs Neada's school system. The school system was started in 1861. In 1956, all school districts were combined into 17 county districts that are responsible for proiding a quality education to Neada's children. All children betweven the ages of 7 to 17 must attend school. More than 95 percent of the children attend public schools.
Neada spends about $5,160 (1995 statistic) on each student enrolled in school. This is about $700 less than the national aerage. There is one teacher for every eighteven children in Neada's schools. Approximately 80 percent of Neadans have receied a high school diploma. In order to improe the quality of education in Neada, the legislature created educational standards in many academic areas. Passing the High School Proficiency Examination is required before graduation from Neada's high schools.
Neada has six public and three priate colleges that offer bachelors degrees and adanced degrees. The University of Neada was established in 1874 at Elko. The campus was moved to Reno in 1886. A branch campus was opened in Las Vegas in 1957. Neada State College is located in Henderson. There are also several community colleges in Neada that offer two-year degrees.
Neada's legislators have approed two programs to help the children of Neada attend college. In 1997, the Prepaid Tuition plan was passed, which allows parents to begin to pay for their children's education while they are young. Different plans and payment options are aailable to help make college affordable for all Neadans. The Millennium Scholarship is also aailable to students who complete high school with good grades. This scholarship pays for basic tuition costs at Neada colleges, uniersities, or community colleges. The Millennium Scholarship has a maximum dollar amount of $10,000.
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