Facts About Nebraska

Nebraska is a state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. It is known for its wide open plains, rolling hills, and the beautiful Missouri River. Nebraska is also home to a variety of wildlife and plants, making it a great place for outdoor activities. But there is much more to Nebraska than its natural beauty.

Geography

Location

Nebraska is located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by South Dakota to the north, Iowa to the east and Missouri to the southeast, Kansas to the south, and Colorado to the southwest. The state capital of Nebraska is Lincoln, and the largest city is Omaha. Nebraska is split into two time zones, Central and Mountain, with most of the state observing Central Time.

Climate

Nebraska has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the winter, the average temperature is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The state receives an average of 20 inches of rain per year, and snowfall varies greatly depending on the region.

Natural Resources

Nebraska is home to a variety of natural resources, including timber, coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium. The state is also known for its agricultural production, which includes corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, hay, and livestock. Nebraska is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bison, and birds. The state also has a number of rivers and lakes, which provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

History

Pre-European Settlement

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as Nebraska was inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Omaha, Pawnee, and Otoe-Missouria. These tribes were nomadic, following the bison herds that roamed the Great Plains. They lived in teepees and hunted with bows and arrows, and they traded with other tribes for goods and services. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have lived in the area for at least 12,000 years.

European Settlement

The first Europeans to explore the area were French fur traders, who arrived in the late 1700s. They were followed by Spanish explorers and missionaries, who were looking for a route to the Pacific Ocean. In the early 1800s, American settlers began to move into the area, and by the 1840s, the area was part of the United States.

Statehood

In 1867, Nebraska became the 37th state in the Union. The state was largely rural, with a population of just over 200,000 people. The economy was based on agriculture and ranching, and the state was home to a large number of Native American tribes. In the late 1800s, the state began to industrialize, and by the early 1900s, it had become an important center of industry and agriculture. Today, Nebraska is a thriving state with a population of over 1.9 million people.

Demographics

Population

The population of Nebraska is estimated to be 1,934,408 as of 2019. This is a slight increase from the 1,907,116 people who lived in Nebraska in 2010. The population density of Nebraska is 24.2 people per square mile, making it the 37th most densely populated state in the United States. Nebraska is the 16th most populous state in the country.

Race and Ethnicity

According to the most recent census data, the racial makeup of Nebraska is 86.7% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 1.9% from two or more races. The largest ancestry groups in Nebraska are German, Irish, English, and Czech.

Languages Spoken

English is the most commonly spoken language in Nebraska. According to the most recent census data, 95.2% of Nebraska residents speak English as their primary language. Other languages spoken in Nebraska include Spanish (3.3%), German (0.6%), and Vietnamese (0.3%). There are also small populations of people who speak French, Chinese, and Arabic.

Economy

Nebraska is a state located in the Midwestern United States, and it has a strong and diverse economy. Agriculture is the largest industry in the state, and it is responsible for a large portion of the state’s economic output. Nebraska is also home to a number of other industries, including manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, and retail.

Major Industries

Agriculture is the largest industry in Nebraska, and it is responsible for a significant portion of the state’s economic output. Nebraska is the second-largest producer of corn in the United States, and it is also a major producer of soybeans, wheat, and other grains. Livestock production is also a major industry in Nebraska, and the state is home to a number of large cattle ranches. In addition to agriculture, Nebraska is also home to a number of other industries, including manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, and retail.

Taxation

Nebraska has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2.46% to 6.84%. The state also has a sales tax of 5.5%, which is applied to most goods and services. In addition, Nebraska has a number of other taxes, including property taxes, excise taxes, and inheritance taxes. The state also has a number of tax incentives designed to encourage economic development, such as the Nebraska Advantage program, which provides tax credits and other incentives to businesses that create jobs in the state.

Culture

Music

Nebraska has a rich musical history, with a variety of genres represented. Country music has been popular in the state for many years, with a number of famous country singers hailing from Nebraska. Rock music has also been popular in the state, with bands like 311 and Bright Eyes originating in Nebraska. Jazz and blues music have also had a strong presence in Nebraska, with many clubs and venues dedicated to these genres. Additionally, Nebraska is home to a thriving folk music scene, with many local bands and festivals dedicated to traditional folk music.

Cuisine

Nebraska is known for its unique cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its agricultural heritage. Corn is a staple of the state's cuisine, with dishes like cornbread, corn chowder, and corn fritters being popular. Nebraska is also known for its unique beef dishes, such as Omaha steaks and the state's famous Runza sandwich. Additionally, Nebraska is home to a variety of German-influenced dishes, such as kolaches and sauerbraten.

Sports

Sports are a big part of life in Nebraska, with the state being home to a number of professional and collegiate teams. The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the most popular teams in the state, with a passionate fan base and a long history of success. The Omaha Storm Chasers, a minor league baseball team, are also popular in the state. Additionally, Nebraska is home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League and the Omaha Lancers of the USHL.