USA Nebraska | North America

Nebraska is located in the Midwestern United States, bordering South Dakota to the north, Iowa and Missouri to the east (across the Missouri River), Kansas to the south, Colorado to the southwest, and Wyoming to the west. The state is divided into two primary land regions: the rolling Dissected Till Plains in the east and the expansive Great Plains in the west. The capital city is Lincoln.

History & Culture

Nebraska was admitted to the Union in 1867 as the 37th state. Its culture is defined by its pioneer heritage (the "Gateway to the West"), agricultural dominance, and unique unicameral legislature. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (approx. 49%, including 31% Evangelical and 22% Mainline) and Catholic (20%), with 26% of the population identifying as religiously unaffiliated. Social etiquette emphasizes "Midwestern Nice" values, a strong work ethic, and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

English is the official and universal language. Spanish is the second most common language (spoken by approx. 8% of the population). The regional dialect is categorized as General American, characterized by a clear, neutral accent used as a baseline for national broadcasting.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 2.0 million. GDP per capita is approximately $72,000 USD. The economy is a global leader in value-added agriculture and logistics. Nebraska is the #1 state for U.S. beef exports, surpassing $2 billion in 2024. Other top export commodities include corn, soybeans, and industrial machinery. 2026 economic indicators show Nebraska as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Midwest, fueled by carbon capture initiatives (Tallgrass Trailblazer pipeline) and a strong manufacturing sector (Kawasaki).

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries to enhance security vetting. Citizens of most EU nations and the UK require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Eppley Airfield (OMA) is strict regarding agricultural products to protect the state’s massive livestock and crop industries.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal. Cash remains common at county fairs, rural diners, and for small tips. ATM availability is high, with dense networks in retail chains like Casey’s and Kum & Go.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the I-80 corridor, a major transcontinental artery. Amtrak provides service via the "California Zephyr." Domestic aviation is anchored by Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha and Lincoln Airport (LNK). In 2026, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is executing an expedited schedule for the Highway 275 expressway system and the I-680 Pacific to Dodge expansion in the Omaha metro area.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Omaha-Lincoln-Grand Island corridor. In 2026, the Nebraska Broadband Office is utilizing $405 million in BEAD funding to connect unserved rural locations. Approximately 97% of the state has access to speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps, though signal strength remains inconsistent in the Sandhills region.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is humid continental in the east and semi-arid in the west. For the 2025–2026 winter, weak La Niña conditions have resulted in colder-than-normal temperatures and near-normal snowfall (30–50 inches in the northeast). Severe weather, including significant tornado risk, is most prevalent from May through June.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include extreme winter wind chill, severe thunderstorms, and heat-related illnesses in the summer. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Eastern Nebraska (Finance/Tech/Logistics): Hub cities are Omaha and Lincoln.

Central Nebraska (Manufacturing/Agri-Business): Hub city is Grand Island.

The Panhandle (Agriculture/Western History): Hub city is Scottsbluff.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.10 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $5.50 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Nebraska is the home of Arbor Day and the birthplace of Kool-Aid. A prominent local legend is the "Salt Witch of the Plains," an indigenous folk tale concerning a pillar of salt that marks the site of a tragic spiritual event. Hummel Park in Omaha is central to regional ghost lore, featuring legends of "cannibal albinos" and paranormal activity. Additionally, the "Rawhide Creek" legend persists, detailing a macabre 19th-century conflict between pioneers and indigenous groups near Fremont.