The Silver State has been known for its mineral wealth, gambling casinos and scenic landscapes that attract millions of tourists; however, by the early 1990s, Nevada had developed a relatively diversified economy; tourism, mining and ranching remain important, but manufacturing and construction have grown rapidly.

The state's population showed more than a tenfold increase between 1950 and the late 1990s.

Famous Nevadans include tennis champion Andre Agassi; U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid; Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, the first Native American woman to publish a book in English; and Native American basket weaver Dat So La Lee.