Overview
Situated in Nevada, Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling and shopping. Known worldwide the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas is home to a vast array of casino resorts and associated entertainment. With an estimated population of 558,383, Las Vegas is the 28th most populous city in the United States.
The city has a unique history and heritage. Established in 1905, and officially becoming a city in 1911, Las Vegas started as a stopover on the pioneer trails to the west, and became a popular railroad town in the early 1900s. Local mining industries ensured the continued growth of the city, but with the proliferation of the railroads, the city was decreasingly relied upon as a staging point for local mines. However, tourism and the local economy were given a boost by the completion of the nearby Hoover Dam in 1935.
1931 is an important year in the history of Las Vegas, due to the legalisation of gambling in 1931. This led to the creation of the casino-hotels, for which Las Vegas is famous. The following decade saw a significant growth in the construction of casino-hotels in the area, building the foundations for the city's widespread gambling scene.
Today, 'Sin City' remains one of the world's top entertainment destinations and is hugely popular with tourists from the U.S and further afield.
Tourist Attractions
Las Vegas has justifiably been labelled the 'Entertainment Capital of the World', with a wide, diverse and exciting array of entertainment options to keep visitors of all ages and interests entertained. Some of the area's top visitor attractions include:
- Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park
- Flamingo Garden
- Cloud Nine Balloon Ride
- Star Trek: The Experience
- Bellagio Fountains
- Sky Diving
- Freemont Street Experience
Las Vegas Transportation
McCarran International Airport is the city's primary airport, serving multiple locations in the U.S and worldwide. Once there, Las Vegas offers an extensive public transportation system including bus networks, monorail, and taxis.