Internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining, Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada with an estimated population of over 558,383 residents. Las Vegas is also popularly known as The Entertainment Capital of the World for its number of casino resorts and associated entertainment. Las Vegas is also popular for a variety of adult entertainment that has earned it the title of Sin City, making it a popular setting for film and television programs. Contradictory to its title, Las Vegas also has the highest number of churches per capita of any major city in the US.
Established in 1905, Las Vegas officially became a city in 1911. In the early 1900s it became a popular railroad town that started as a stopover on the pioneer trails to the west. Las Vegas population and tourism grew as a result of the Hoover Dam which was completed in 1936. It was both the world's largest hydroelectric power generating station and the world's largest concrete structure. Identified as a historic monument, the Hoover Dam is also a popular tourist attraction.
Las Vegas is characterized by a dry, arid desert climate, typical of the Mojave Desert in which it lies. Las Vegas on an average enjoys 300 days of sunshine every year with very little rainfall. The summers can be very hot and dry with temperatures reaching as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit, while the winters are for a short duration. The season is mild with the highest temperature during daytime reaching to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tourism is a major industry that drives the Las Vegas economy. The city is home to Harrah's Entertainment and MGM Mirage, two largest Fortune 500 gaming companies. Owing to a rapid population growth, the real estate market in Las Vegas has seen some action in last few years.
With a variety of entertainment options like casinos, parks and restaurants serving some of the finest cuisines from all over the world, Las Vegas is no wonder the most popular tourist destination in the world.
