Recognized as the driest state in the U.S., Nevada is situated in the Southwestern, West, and Mountain West portions of the country. Its beautiful sprawling deserts make it one of the least densely populated states, and it is ranked as the 35th most populous state in the country. Much of the new housing developments are located in Las Vegas and the surrounding cities, as much of the state's land is owned by government organizations.
Las Vegas is the state's most populated city, and it offers a number of recreational and entertainment venues. The Vegas strip is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, but it also provides a number of cultural activities with an established arts district and a number of notable museums. There are also a number of recognized golf courses and other recreational activities. If you are more interested in outdoor activities, the various towns located in the Sierra Nevada Range on the shores of Lake Tahoe might be more up your alley, as they offer an array of winter and summer mountain activities including skiing, sledding, waterskiing, mountain biking and hiking. Nearby Reno also provides easy access to the mountains and activities with a more urban atmosphere.
Much of the Nevada economy is tied to tourism and entertainment, relying heavily on vice industries like gambling. The booming resort cities of Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Laughlin thrive on tourists attracted to gaming and other attractions. The city has the greatest number of hotel rooms per capita, and many residents find employments at these large resorts. This central industry is followed closely by the mining and cattle ranching industries, which the state was originally founded on, and much of the current agricultural activity occurs in smaller regions outside the central metropolitan areas. Additionally, residents are not taxed on their income, which further contributes to the success of the region.
