Nevada (Spanish for "snowy ''; see pronunciations) is a state in the Western, Mountain West, and Southwestern regions of the United States of America. Nevada is the 7th most extensive, the 34th most populous, but the 9th least densely populated of the 50 United States. Nearly three - quarters of Nevada 's people live in Clark County, which contains the Las Vegas -- Paradise metropolitan area where three of the state 's four largest incorporated cities are located. Nevada 's capital is Carson City. Nevada is officially known as the "Silver State '' because of the importance of silver to its history and economy. It is also known as the "Battle Born State '', because it achieved statehood during the Civil War (the words "Battle Born '' also appear on the state flag); as the "Sagebrush State '', for the native plant of the same name; and as the "Sage - hen State ''. Nevada borders Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast and Utah to the east.
why do they call nevada the battle born state
because it achieved statehood during the Civil War