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Table of Contents
Nebraska is located in the Midwest and the Great Plains of the United States and ranks as the 16th-largest state. On March 1, 1867, it became the 37th state to join the Union.
See the fact file below for more information on The State of Nebraska, or you can download our 24-page Nebraska worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORY OF NEBRASKA
- For thousands of years, Native American tribes of various sizes lived throughout Nebraska before the first European settlers arrived.
- The Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne peoples were nomadic tribes that lived in the West. As the bison herds provided them with food, clothes, and shelter, they lived in tepees and were always on the move.
- The Omaha, Pawnee, and Otoe tribes resided in the eastern part of North America. More durable lodges made of earth and sod served as their homes. Despite farming a large portion of their food, they also hunted buffalo and grew crops of corn, beans, and squash.
- Beginning in the 1500s, French and Spanish explorers attempted to seize the region but overlooked some of its areas.
- As part of the Louisiana Purchase, France sold the land to the United States in 1803.
- Some of the earliest settlers made their way in covered wagons along the Oregon Trail, a rocky 2,170-mile road.
- In 1862 during the Civil War, the Homestead Act gave households 160-acre tracts of land in the West in exchange for five years of building on and farming the land.
- The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 established the Nebraska Territory. After the Homestead Acts made it possible for anyone to receive free land in the region, people started to relocate to Nebraska in earnest in the 1860s.
- In addition, it was much simpler for people to travel there because of the new trains that ran through the region. Nebraska was admitted to the Union as the 37th state on March 1, 1867. The capital was relocated to Lancaster, which was later given the name Lincoln in Abraham Lincoln’s honor.
GEOGRAPHY
- The state of Nebraska, often known as the Cornhusker State is located in the Missouri River basin, with the western portion of the state also a part of the Platte River basin.
- The name of the state, which means “flat or broad water,” comes from a Native American phrase. With a surface size of 77,354 square miles. Nebraska ranks as the 16th largest state in the U.S.A.
- Nebraska is located in the Midwest and the Great Plains of the United States. Across the Missouri River, it is surrounded by South Dakota to the north, Iowa to the east, Missouri to the southeast, Kansas to the south, Colorado to the southwest, and Wyoming to the west.
- The Sand Hills are located to the north and west of Nebraska’s High Plains. In this arid region, improvements in irrigation technology have enabled some farming, while rougher terrain is used for grazing.
- The badlands of Nebraska are found in the state’s northwest. The wind and water in the badlands have sculpted distinctive landforms.
DEMOGRAPHICS
- Nebraska is the only U.S. state to have three land borders. Around 1.9 million people live in Nebraska, which is slightly over 77,220 square miles in size. Its main city, Omaha, is located on the Missouri River, while Lincoln serves as the state capital.
- Non-Hispanics make up 79.4% of Nebraska’s population, followed by Whites or Hispanics (8.09%), Blacks or African Americans (4.64%), Asians (2.3%), and other ethnic groups (2.09%).
- In Nebraska, 11.8% of families said that their primary shared language was something other than English. Just the principal self-reported language used by all household members is taken into account here, not the potential multilingual character of households.
- Around 36.2 years old is the state’s median age. At this time, there are roughly 50.3% more women than men—49.7% more men—in the population.
- On a statewide basis, 75% of Nebraskans identify as practicing the Christian faith, 4% as non-Christian, and 20% as having no religious affiliation.
ECONOMY
- Being one of the nation’s top grain producers, Nebraska’s about 48,500 farms and ranches raise animals as well as maize, sorghum, soybeans, hay, wheat, dry beans, oats, potatoes, and sugar beets.
- The majority of forage grasses in the nation are found in Nebraska.
- Oil, natural gas, cement, stone, sand, gravel, and lime are examples of natural resources.
- Processed fuels, industrial machinery, publishing, electric and electronic equipment, metal goods, mobile homes, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and transportation equipment make up the majority of Nebraska’s manufacturing industry.
EDUCATION
- Prekindergarten through grade 12 students attend public schools in Nebraska that are housed in districts run by superintendents and school boards that are locally elected. In 2022, there were 328,724 students enrolled in 244 school districts across 1,036 different schools in Nebraska.
- Compared to the national average of 1:16, the public schools had 23,751 instructors or nearly one teacher for every 14 students. In 2020, Nebraska spent an average of $12,939 per student. In the school years of 2018 to 2019, the state’s graduation rate was 88%.
- Nebraska’s fourth and eighth students performed better in math and reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2022 than most other states and the national average (NAEP).
- Nebraska received the highest math score of any state in the fourth grade. In eighth-grade math, just one received a higher rating. In the fourth grade, just three states scored higher than Nebraska, and in the eighth grade, only seven states outperformed the county.
“Remember that none of us are more than caretakers of this great country. Remember that the more freedom you give to others, the more you will have for yourself. Remember that without law there can be no liberty. And remember, as well, the rich treasures you brought from whence you came, and let us share your pride in them.” – President Gerald R. Ford- Native of Nebraska, Remarks during Naturalization Ceremonies at Monticello, Virginia, July 5, 1976
CULTURE
- Nebraska is predominantly a rural state. Although the vast majority of the treeless rolling prairie is taken up by enormous farms and cattle ranches, it is one of America’s least inhabited states.
- Visitors will therefore come across people whose lives are centered on the land. Most Nebraskans lead straightforward, simple lives. They tend toward conservatism yet are often quite accepting of people of different racial and cultural backgrounds.
- The majority of Nebraska’s entertainment occurs in Omaha, which retains a small-town atmosphere while being the state’s largest metropolis. There isn’t much to do apart from enjoying the local’s laid-back way of life outside of its amazing zoo. Football, notably the adored Cornhuskers, and outdoor activities are popular in Nebraska.
- Up to the very popular hunting season in the fall, the landscape is crowded with hikers, bikers, fishers, and boaters during the summer.
The State of Nebraska Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the State of Nebraska across 24 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about Nebraska. Nebraska is located in the Midwest and the Great Plains of the United States and ranks as the 16th-largest state. On March 1, 1867, it became the 37th state to join the Union.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Nebraska Facts
- Nebraska Summarized
- Nebraskan Pride
- Personality Profiling
- State Song
- NE Sports Teams
- State Symbols
- Nebraska’s Best Spots
- Anniversary Stamp
- Nebraska Today
- Importance of Agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Nebraska?
The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln. It is the second-most populous city in the state and is located in the southeastern part of Nebraska.
What is the population of Nebraska?
The estimated population of Nebraska was around 1.9 million people in September 2021.
What are some major industries in Nebraska?
Nebraska has a diverse economy with several major industries. Some of the prominent industries in Nebraska include agriculture and livestock production, manufacturing (particularly in food processing, machinery, and transportation equipment), insurance and finance, healthcare, and education.
What are some popular tourist attractions in Nebraska?
- Nebraska has several popular tourist attractions, including:
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: One of the best zoos in the world, known for its large collection of animals and immersive exhibits.
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site: A notable landmark along the Oregon Trail, known for its distinctive chimney-like rock formation.
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of aviation and the U.S. Strategic Air Command, located near Ashland.
- Scotts Bluff National Monument: A natural landmark with stunning rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
- Nebraska State Capitol: Located in Lincoln, it is known for its unique architectural design and beautiful interior artwork.
What is the climate like in Nebraska?
Nebraska has a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching above 90°F (32°C), while winters are cold with temperatures dropping below freezing. Spring and fall are transitional seasons with mild temperatures. Nebraska experiences thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in the spring and summer months, as part of its weather patterns.
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Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.