Reno is a city located in the northwest section of the U.S. state of Nevada, situated along the border with California. It rests in the High Eastern Sierra foothills within the Truckee River valley on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada range, approximately 23 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe. As the county seat and most populous city of Washoe County, it serves as the urban center for a region that includes Carson City, Lake Tahoe, and historic mining towns.

The community originated in 1859 when Charles W. Fuller built a log toll bridge across the Truckee River to connect Virginia City with the California Trail. Myron C. Lake later developed the area into Lake's Crossing before selling land to the Central Pacific Railroad, which promised a depot there. The town of Reno was officially established on May 9, 1868, and named after Civil War Union Major General Jesse L. Reno, who was killed at the Battle of South Mountain.

The city is defined by its history as a divorce mill and its modern identity as a gambling hub. It earned the nickname "The Biggest Little City in the World" after a 1929 contest for the Reno Arch slogan. The downtown area, once centered on casinos, has evolved with new entertainment districts and condo projects. The Reno Arch remains a permanent gateway, symbolizing the city's transition from its early railroad and mining roots to contemporary tourism.

Reno attracts visitors through casino gambling, proximity to Lake Tahoe, and cultural heritage linked to its past. It was known as the "Divorce Capital of the World" during the mid-twentieth century, drawing celebrities and ordinary residents alike. Today, it offers family entertainment, festivals, museums, and cuisine. The city also hosts the University of Nevada at Reno, the state's second-largest university, adding an educational dimension to its visitor appeal.

Reno had a population of 264,165 as of 2020, making it the third most populous city in Nevada. It is the 78th most populous city in the United States and lies within the Reno–Sparks metropolitan area, the second-largest in the state. The region experiences four seasons, offering winter and summer activities. Its economy has shifted from mining and divorce services to tourism, gaming, and higher education.