North Dakota
North Dakota is a northern U.S. state known for its wide plains, agricultural strength, and energy production. It shares an international border with Canada and is part of the Great Plains region.
History
North Dakota became the 39th state in 1889, admitted on the same day as South Dakota. Before statehood, the land was home to various Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Lakota Sioux. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the region in the early 1800s.
Geography
North Dakota is characterized by prairie land, river valleys, and rolling hills. It borders Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Major cities include Fargo (the largest), Bismarck (the capital), and Grand Forks.
Culture and Traditions
The state has deep Scandinavian and German-Russian cultural roots. Farming, hunting, and strong community ties are central to daily life. Native American traditions also remain influential, with several reservations and powwows held across the state.
Economy
North Dakota’s economy is centered on agriculture (wheat, corn, soybeans, cattle), energy (oil and natural gas), and manufacturing. The Bakken shale oil boom made the state one of the top oil producers in the U.S. It also has a strong financial sector and very low unemployment.
Fun Facts
- North Dakota has one of the lowest population densities in the U.S.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota.
- The geographical center of North America is in Rugby, North Dakota.
- The state experiences some of the coldest winters in the continental U.S.