States and Territories
Nebraska, the "Cornhusker State"
Abbreviation: NE
Nebraska gets its name from an Indian word meaning "flat water" after the Platte River that flows through the state. It became the 37th state in 1867. Nebraska, once considered part of the American desert, is now a leading farming state. Nebraskans have practiced scientific farming to turn the Nebraska desert into a land of ranches and farms. Much of the history of the state is the story of the tough, strong-willed Nebraska farmer. In the 1860s, the first great wave of homesteaders poured into Nebraska to claim free land granted by the federal government. Many of the first farm settlers built their homes out of sod because they found so few trees on the grassy land. Tourists can now drive along highways that follow the historic Oregon and Mormon trails. Almost every county has a fair during the summer and many communities hold annual fall festivals.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Lincoln
Governor: Mike Johanns, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Chuck Hagel, R (to Jan. 2009); Ben Nelson, D (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 3 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 1,711,263; National Rank: 38; Percent change since 1990: 8.4%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 37
Land Area: 76,878 sq mi. (199,113 sq km); National Rank: 16
10 largest cities (2000): Omaha, 390,007; Lincoln, 225,581; Bellevue, 44,382; Grand Island, 42,940; Kearney, 27,431; Fremont, 25,174; Hastings, 24,064; North Platte, 23,878; Norfolk, 23,516; Columbus, 20,971
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 56,967; National rank: 37; Percent change since 1990: 41%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 30 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $28,861; National Rank: 23 (95% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 2,527; National Rank: 34
Agriculture: Cattle, corn, hogs, soybeans, wheat, sorghum.
Industry: Food processing, machinery, electric equipment, printing and publishing.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information
Statistics
- Nebraska Profile - Fedstats
- Census 2000 Data for the State of Nebraska
- Census State Data Centers: Nebraska
Background
- Explore the States (Library of Congress)
- Facts about Nebraska
- 50States.com
- InfoPlease
- Stately Knowledge
Travel
For Kids
- Kids Guide to Nebraska