NYE

county, south-central Nevada, U.S. Bordered by eight other Nevada counties and the state of California, it is the state's largest county in area. In general, the county is mountainous with large desert valleys. In the north are large segments of the Toiyabe and Humboldt national forests, which include the Toquima and Monitor mountain ranges. The south contains almost all of the Nevada Test Site (principally for nuclear weapons) and the Nellis Air Force Range. The county was organized in 1864 and its seat is Tonopah, on the western border. The economy depends on gold and clay mining and military-related activities. Area 18,147 square miles (47,001 square km). Pop. (1990) 17,781.