North Dakota is sparsely populated and dominated by farms, oil-rich Bakken Formation in the west, and the badlands made famous by Theodore Roosevelt.
Geography & climate
North Dakota lies in the Midwest of the United States, set at approximately 47.5°N, 100.4°W and falling within a cool temperate climate band. The state covers around 183,272 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in North Dakota all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of North Dakota is Bismarck, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Fargo, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 780K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
North Dakota was admitted to the Union in 1889 as the 39th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
North Dakota is nicknamed “Peace Garden State”, with the state motto Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of North Dakota is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in North Dakota.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, North Dakota offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across North Dakota can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | ND | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Bismarck | — |
| Largest city | Fargo | — |
| US region | Midwest | — |
| Population | 780K | people |
| Area | 183,272 | km² |
| Statehood | 1889 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 39 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | Peace Garden State | — |
| Motto | Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable | — |
| Latitude | 47.5 | degrees |
| Longitude | -100.4 | degrees |
Did you know?
North Dakota produces more honey than any other US state, with over 18 million kilograms harvested in a typical year.
