- **Date of Independence:** July 4, 1776 (not applicable - part of Louisiana Purchase and later territories) - **Date of Annexation to [[United States of America (USA)]]:** March 1, 1867 (37th state to join the Union) - **Population (2025):** 2.02 million - **GDP (2025):** $146 billion - **Largest City:** Omaha (477,000) - **State Capital:** Lincoln (295,000) - **Historical Note:** Known as the "Cornhusker State." Part of [[Louisiana]] Purchase (1803). Birthplace of President [[Gerald Ford]] (though he lived there only 16 days after birth). Famous for unique unicameral (one-house) legislature with nonpartisan elections. Major agricultural producer (corn, beef, soybeans). Home to University of Nebraska and Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett). Known for Chimney Rock, Sandhills region, and the [[Oregon]] Trail. Capital moved from Omaha to Lincoln (named after Abraham Lincoln) in 1867.