<P> 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 . </P>
why do they call nevada the battle born state
because it achieved statehood during the Civil War