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CAPITAL CITY: Bismarck

BACKGROUND

North Dakota got its name from the Dakota division of the Sioux Indians who lived on the plains before the Europeans arrived. "Dakota" means "friend." In 1889, North Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 39th state. On the same day, South Dakota was admitted. North Dakota lies in the center of the North American continent. It is mainly a farm state and most of its industries (food processing and farm equipment) are connected to farming. Farms and ranches stretch from the flat Red River Valley, in the east, across rolling plains, to the rugged Badlands in the west.

Map showing the location of North Dakota

North Dakota's crisp autumn days attract hunters to streams and lakes where migrating fowl pause on their way south. Summer visitors to the state enjoy the exciting rodeos that are held in numerous communities and colorful Indian ceremonies that are conducted on reservations in the state.

QUICK FACTS

The great seal of the state of North Dakota

The great seal of the state of North Dakota

Nickname: Peace Garden State / Flickertail State/ Sioux State

Motto: Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable

Statehood: November 2,1889 (39th or 40th -- Admitted the same day as South Dakota)

Origin of State's Name: Dakota is the Sioux Indian word for "friend."

Largest Cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Dickinson

Border States: Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota

Land Area: 68,994 sq. mi., 17th largest

State Bird: Western Meadowlark

State Flower: Wild Prairie Rose (rosa arkansana)

State Tree: American Elm (ulmus americana)

State Song: North Dakota Hymn

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for North Dakota - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.