See Also

North Dakota

North Dakota is a Midwestern Midwestern United States

The Midwestern United States is a region of the north-central and northeastern United States of America [i] ... 

 state U.S. state

A state of the United States is any one of the fifty subnational entities referred to as a state [i] ... 

 in the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

. It is the northernmost of the Great Plains Great Plains

The Great Plains is the broad expanse of prairie [i] and steppe [i] which lies east of the Rocky Mountains [i] ... 

 states and is the northern half of The Dakotas. During the 19th century 19th century

The 19th century lasted from 1801 [i] through 1900 [i] in the Gregorian calendar [i]. ... 

, North Dakota was considered part of the Wild West American Old West

The American Old West was the myths, legends and stories--many of them true--that collected around the Western United States [i] ... 

. Formerly part of Dakota Territory Dakota Territory

Dakota Territory was the name of the northernmost part of the Louisiana Purchase [i] of the United States [i] ... 

 , North Dakota became the 39th state in 1889. The Missouri River Missouri River

The Missouri River is a tributary of the Mississippi River [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

 flows through the western part of the state and forms Lake Sakakawea Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea is a reservoir [i] on the Missouri River [i]. ... 

 behind the Garrison Dam. The western half of the state is hilly and is home to natural resources including lignite coal and crude oil Petroleum

Petroleum or crude oil is a black, dark brown or greenish liquid [i] found in porous rock formati ... 

.

Discussions

  Discussion Features

   Ask a question about 'North Dakota'

   Start a new discussion about 'North Dakota'

   Answer questions about 'North Dakota'

   'North Dakota' discussion forum

Timeline

1889   President President of the United States

The President of the United States of America is the head of state [i] of the United States [i]. ... 

 Grover Cleveland Grover Cleveland

Stephen Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States [i], and the only Presi ... 

 signs a bill admitting North Dakota, South Dakota South Dakota

South Dakota is a Midwestern [i] state [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

, Montana Montana

Montana is a state [i] in the Pacific Northwest [i] and Great Plains [i] regions of the United States [i] ... 

 and Washington Washington

Washington is a state [i] in the Pacific Northwest [i] of the United States [i]. ... 

 as U.S. state U.S. state

A state of the United States is any one of the fifty subnational entities referred to as a state [i] ... 

s.

1889   North Dakota and South Dakota South Dakota

South Dakota is a Midwestern [i] state [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

 are admitted as the 39th and 40th U.S. state U.S. state

A state of the United States is any one of the fifty subnational entities referred to as a state [i] ... 

s.

1934   Supreme court of North Dakota declares lieutenant governor of the state, Ole Olsen, the legitimate governor and tells William Langer William Langer

William "Wild Bill" Langer was a prominent American [i] politician [i] from North Dakota [i] ... 

 to resign. Langer proceeds to declare North Dakota independent. He revokes the declaration after the Supreme Court justices meet him

1992   Kent Conrad Kent Conrad

Kent Conrad is a United States senator [i] from North Dakota [i]. ... 

 of North Dakota resigns his seat in the United States Senate United States Senate

he United States Senate is one of the two chambers of the Congress of the United States [i], the other b ... 

 and is sworn into the other seat from North Dakota, becoming the only U.S. Senator ever to have held two seats on the same day.



Encyclopedia

North Dakota is a Midwestern Midwestern United States

The Midwestern United States is a region of the north-central and northeastern United States of America [i] ... 

 state U.S. state

A state of the United States is any one of the fifty subnational entities referred to as a state [i] ... 

 in the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

. It is the northernmost of the Great Plains Great Plains

The Great Plains is the broad expanse of prairie [i] and steppe [i] which lies east of the Rocky Mountains [i] ... 

 states and is the northern half of The Dakotas. During the 19th century 19th century

The 19th century lasted from 1801 [i] through 1900 [i] in the Gregorian calendar [i].
... 

, North Dakota was considered part of the Wild West American Old West

The American Old West was the myths, legends and stories--many of them true--that collected around the Western United States [i] ... 

. Formerly part of Dakota Territory Dakota Territory

Dakota Territory was the name of the northernmost part of the Louisiana Purchase [i] of the United States [i]... 

 , North Dakota became the 39th state in 1889.

The Missouri River Missouri River

The Missouri River is a tributary of the Mississippi River [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

 flows through the western part of the state and forms Lake Sakakawea Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea is a reservoir [i] on the Missouri River [i]. ... 

 behind the Garrison Dam. The western half of the state is hilly and is home to natural resources including lignite coal and crude oil Petroleum

Petroleum or crude oil is a black, dark brown or greenish liquid [i] found in porous rock formati ... 

. In the east, the Red River of the North Red River of the North

The Red River, one of several by that name, is a North America [i]n river. ... 

 forms the Red River Valley Red River Valley

The Red River Valley is a region in central North America [i] that is drained by the Red River of the North [i] ... 

. This region has rich farmland. Agriculture has long dominated the economy and culture of North Dakota.

The state capital is Bismarck Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota [i], a state [i] of the United States of America [i] ... 

. The largest city in the state is Fargo. Large public universities are located at Grand Forks Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks is a city in Grand Forks County [i], North Dakota [i] in th ... 

 and Fargo. The United States Air Force United States Air Force

The United States Air Force is the aerospace [i] branch of the United States armed forces [i] and one o ... 

 operates bases at both Minot Minot, North Dakota

Minot is a city located in north central North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

 and Grand Forks.

Geography




North Dakota is bounded on the north by the Canadian Canada

Canada is the world's second-largest [i] country by total area, occupying most ... 

 provinces of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is the middle province [i] of Canada's [i] three prairie provinces [i] ... 

 and Manitoba Manitoba

Manitoba is one of Canada [i]'s provinces [i]. ... 

, on the west by Montana Montana



Montana is a state [i] in the Pacific Northwest [i] and Great Plains [i] regions of the United States [i]... 

, on the south by South Dakota South Dakota

South Dakota is a Midwestern [i] state [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

, and on the east — across the Red River of the North Red River of the North

The Red River, one of several by that name, is a North America [i]n river. ... 

 and the Bois de Sioux River Bois de Sioux River

The Bois de Sioux River drains Lake Traverse [i], the southernmost body of water [i] in the Hudson Bay [i] ... 

 — by Minnesota Minnesota

Minnesota is a state [i] in the Midwestern [i] region of the United States [i]... 

.

Western North Dakota is home to the hilly Great Plains Great Plains

The Great Plains is the broad expanse of prairie [i] and steppe [i] which lies east of the Rocky Mountains [i] ... 

 and the Badlands Badlands

Badlands are a type of arid [i] terrain [i] with clay [i]-rich soil [i] that has been extensively eroded [i] ... 

. This area contains White Butte, the highest point in the state, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Established in 1978 [i], Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a United States [i] National Park [i] ... 

. This region is also home to several natural resources including crude oil Petroleum

Petroleum or crude oil is a black, dark brown or greenish liquid [i] found in porous rock formati ... 

 and lignite coal. The Missouri River Missouri River

The Missouri River is a tributary of the Mississippi River [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

 flows through western North Dakota and forms Lake Sakakawea Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea is a reservoir [i] on the Missouri River [i]. ... 

, the third largest man-made lake in the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

, at the Garrison Dam.

Central North Dakota is home to the Drift Prairie and the Missouri Plateau. This area is covered in lakes, stream valleys, and rolling hills. The Turtle Mountains can be found in the Drift Prairie area near the Canadian border. The geographic center of the North America North America

North America is a continent [i] in the Earth [i]'s northern hemisphere [i] and almost fully in the western hemisphere [i]... 

n continent is located near the city of Rugby Rugby, North Dakota

Rugby is a city in Pierce County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

.

Eastern North Dakota is home to the flat Red River Valley Red River Valley

The Red River Valley is a region in central North America [i] that is drained by the Red River of the North [i] ... 

 which is formed by the meadering Red River of the North Red River of the North

The Red River, one of several by that name, is a North America [i]n river. ... 

, a river which — unlike most rivers — flows towards the north. The Red River Valley was once the bottom of Lake Agassiz Lake Agassiz

Lake Agassiz was an immense lake—bigger than all of the present-day Great Lakes [i] combined&mdash ... 

. Today, it is very fertile agricultural land. Farms and small towns dot the landscape of eastern North Dakota. Devil's Lake, the largest natural lake in the state, is also found in the east.

There are 53 counties List of counties in North Dakota

List of 53 counties [i] in the U.S. state [i] of North Dakota [i]:
... 

 within North Dakota. Every incorporated place in the state of North Dakota is classified as a city City

A city is an urban area [i] that is differentiated from a town [i], village [i], or hamlet [i] ... 

. There are no villages, towns, or hamlets.

Areas under management of the National Park Service National Park Service

The National Park Service is the United States [i] federal agency that manages all National Parks [i] ... 

 include:
  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

    Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is the site of an old fort and frontier trading post on t... 

     near Williston Williston, North Dakota

    Williston is a city in Williams County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 

  • Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

    Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is a United States [i] National Historic Site [i] ... 

     near Stanton Stanton, North Dakota

    Stanton is a city in Mercer County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

  • Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

    In 1804, Meriwether Lewis [i] & William Clark [i] began a voyage of discovery with 45 men, a keelboat, two pirogue [i] ... 

  • North Country National Scenic Trail
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Established in 1978 [i], Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a United States [i] National Park [i] ... 

     near Medora Medora, North Dakota

    Medora is a city in Billings County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

     and Watford City Watford City, North Dakota

    Watford City is a city in McKenzie County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 



Climate

North Dakota is a prime example of a continental climate — it is distant from major bodies of water that would otherwise serve to moderate the weather. Because of this, the climate of North Dakota can range from sweltering heat and humidity to bitter cold. Competing warm air masses from the Gulf of Mexico Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is a major body of water [i] bordered and nearly landlock [i]ed by North America [i]. ... 

 and cold air masses from the Arctic regions often produce strong winds as they move in and out of the region.

In the summer, the clash of arctic and tropic systems often leads to strong thunderstorm Thunderstorm

A thunderstorm, or an electrical storm [i], is a form of weather [i] characterized by the presence ... 

s, sometimes including damaging hail Hail

Hail is a form of precipitation [i]
... 

 and tornado Tornado

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air which is in contact with both a cumulonimbus [i] ... 

es. In the winter, the weather tends to be more stable — cold and dry, with occasional flurries — though the constant wind can create blowing snow at any time of the season. Severe snowstorms — some of which are classified as blizzard Blizzard

A blizzard is a severe winter storm [i] condition characterized by low temperature [i]s, strong wind [i] ... 

s — tend to manifest late in the fall or early in the spring.

Springtime flooding is a relatively common event in the extremely flat Red River Valley. The best known and most destructive flood in eastern North Dakota was the Flood of 1997 Red River Flood, 1997

The Red River Flood of 1997 was a major flood [i] that occurred in April and May 1997, along the Red River of the North [i] ... 

. This flood devastated much of the Red River Valley and caused unprecedented damage in the city of Grand Forks Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks is a city in Grand Forks County [i], North Dakota [i] in th ... 

.

History

Prior to Europe Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

an contact, Native Americans Native Americans in the United States

American Indian and Alaskan NativesU.S. state [i]s and several of the inhabited insular areas [i] that a ... 

 inhabited North Dakota for thousands of years. The first European to reach the area was the French-Canadian trader La V้rendrye, who led an exploration party to Mandan Mandan

The Mandan are a Native American [i] tribe that historically lived ... 

 villages about 1738.

The trading arrangement between tribes was such that North Dakota tribes rarely dealt directly with Europeans. However, the native tribes were in sufficient contact that by the time of Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Lewis and Clark expedition was the first United States [i] overland expedition to the Pacific [i] ... 

; they were at least somewhat aware of the French, then Spanish claims to their territory.

The state was settled sparsely until the late 1800s, when the railroads pushed through the state, and aggressively marketed the land. On 2 November 1889, North Dakota was admitted to the Union with South Dakota South Dakota

South Dakota is a Midwestern [i] state [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

.

The territorial Dakota Territory

Dakota Territory was the name of the northernmost part of the Louisiana Purchase [i] of the United States [i]... 

 and early state governments were largely corrupt. Early in the 20th century 20th century

The 20th century started on 1 January [i] 1901 [i] and ended on 31 December [i] 2000 [i], according to t... 

, a wave of populism led by the Non Partisan League brought social reforms. The Great Depression Great Depression

The Great Depression was a worldwide economic downturn [i] which started in 1929 and lasting ... 

 was particularly hard on the state and came several years early with the 1920s 1920s

The 1920s was a decade [i] sometimes referred to as the "Jazz Age [i]" or the "Roaring Twenties [i]," us ... 

 farm crisis. The original North Dakota Capitol North Dakota Capitol

The North Dakota Capitol is the seat of government of the U.S. state [i] of North Dakota [i]. ... 

 burned to the ground in the 1930s 1930s

... 

 and was replaced by a limestone faced art deco Art Deco

Art Deco also known as Style Moderne or 1925 Style, was a twentieth century movement in the... 

 skyscraper that still stands today.

The 1950s 1950s

The 1950s was the decade spanning the years 1950 to 1959.... 

 brought a round of federal construction projects, including the Garrison Dam and the Minot Minot Air Force Base

Minot Air Force Base is a base [i] of the United States Air Force [i] in Ward County [i] ... 

 and Grand Forks Grand Forks Air Force Base

Grand Forks Air Force Base is a base [i] of the United States Air Force [i] located in Grand Forks County [i] ... 

 Air Force United States Air Force

The United States Air Force is the aerospace [i] branch of the United States armed forces [i] and one o ... 

 bases. There was an oil boom in the Williston basin in the 1980s, as skyrocketing petroleum Petroleum

Petroleum or crude oil is a black, dark brown or greenish liquid [i] found in porous rock formati ... 

 prices made development profitable, driving state population to a peak near 700,000. Since then the state has been experiencing a period of economic and demographic decline. Today, the population stands at around 640,000 .

Demographics


According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2005, North Dakota has an estimated population of 636,677, which is an increase of 369, or 0.1%, from the prior year and a decrease of 5,527, or 0.9%, since the year 2000. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 10,283 people and a decrease due to net migration of 14,881 people out of the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 3,687 people, and migration within the country produced a net decrease of 18,568 people.

North Dakota ranks 47th of the 50 states in population, with fewer people only in Alaska Alaska

Alaska is a U.S. state [i], located on the northwest tier [i] of North America [i] ... 

, Vermont Vermont

Vermont is a state [i] in the New England [i] region of the United States [i], located in th ... 

, and Wyoming Wyoming

Wyoming is a state [i] of the western [i] United States [i]. ... 

.

Most North Dakotans are of Northern Europe Northern Europe

Northern Europe is the northern part of the European continent [i]. ... 

an descent. The five largest ancestry groups in North Dakota are: German German American

German Americans are citizens of the United States [i] of German [i] ancestry. ... 

 , Norwegian Norwegian American

Norwegian Americans are an ethnic group [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

 , Irish Ireland

Ireland is the third largest [i] island [i] in Europe [i]. ... 

 , Native American Native Americans in the United States

American Indian and Alaskan NativesU.S. state [i]s and several of the inhabited insular areas [i] that a ... 

 , Swedish Swedish American

Swedish-Americans are the Americans [i] with Swedish heritage, most often related to the l ... 

 .

People of German ancestry are present throughout the state, especially the southern and central counties, and Scandinavians are also present throughout. A few counties have large Native American Native Americans in the United States

American Indian and Alaskan NativesU.S. state [i]s and several of the inhabited insular areas [i] that a ... 

 populations . Individual counties in western and eastern North Dakota have the largest white, Russian, Ukrainian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian percentages of any county.

6.1% of North Dakota's population were reported as under 5, 25% under 18, and 14.7% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 50.1% of the population.

Outmigration

While it has grown slightly in recent years, the state of North Dakota has experienced a decline in population over the last 20 years. Some college graduates leave the state after their education has been completed because of what they see as a lack of employment opportunities within the state.

To encourage college graduates to remain in the state, some people have advocated a program in which the student loans of all college graduates who reside in the state for a certain period of time following graduation would be forgiven. A smaller version of this program for some health and education graduates has been introduced with some degree of success, but a larger program that would have applied to graduates from all fields failed to pass a referendum in a state election.

Some federal politicians, including North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan Byron Dorgan

Byron Leslie Dorgan is the junior United States Senator [i] from North Dakota [i]. ... 

, have proposed to encourage living in areas losing population through incentives such as tax breaks, but these have also made little headway.

Religion

A very large majority of North Dakotans self-identify as Christian. North Dakota has the lowest percentage of non-religious people of any state, and it also has the most churches per capita of any state.

An estimate of the religious affiliations of the people of North Dakota :
  • Christian: 86%
    • Protestant: 52%
      • Lutheran Lutheranism

        Lutheranism is a movement within Christianity [i] that began with the theological [i] insights ... 

        : 35%
      • Methodist Methodism

        Methodism or the Methodist movement is a group of historically related denomination [i] ... 

        : 7%
      • Baptist Baptist

        A Baptist is a member of a Baptist church or a person who believes in the practice of baptism by immersi... 

        : 6%
      • Assemblies of God Assemblies of God

        The Assemblies of God is the world's largest Pentecostal [i] denomination with approximately 52.5 millio ... 

        : 3%
      • Jehovah's Witnesses Jehovah's Witnesses

        Jehovah's Witnesses are members of an international religion [i] who believe they are the restoration [i] ... 

        : 1%
      • Other Protestant: 1%
    • Roman Catholic Roman Catholic Church

      The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic Church is the Christian [i] Church [i] ... 

      : 30%
    • LDS : 1%
    • Other Christian: 2%
  • Muslim Muslim

    A Muslim is an adherent of Islam [i]. ... 

    : 2%
  • Buddhist Buddhism

    Buddhism is a dharmic [i], non-theistic [i] religion [i], a way of life, a p ... 

    : 1%
  • Other: 1%
  • Non-religious: 3%
  • Did Not Answer: 6%

Culture

See also: Music of North Dakota, Cuisine of North Dakota

As most residents of North Dakota are descendants of Scandinavia Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a region [i] in Northern Europe [i]. ... 

n and German Germans

Germans are defined as an ethnic group [i], or Volk [i], in the sense of sharing a common German culture [i] ... 

 immigrants, North Dakotans are sometimes stereotyped similarly as Minnesota Minnesota

Minnesota is a state [i] in the Midwestern [i] region of the United States [i]... 

ns. Stereotypical traits include Lutheranism Lutheranism

Lutheranism is a movement within Christianity [i] that began with the theological [i] insights ... 

  "Minnesota nice," "hot dish Hotdish

Hotdish is any of a variety of casserole [i] dishes popular in the Midwest [i] of the United States [i] ... 

" ,"lutefisk Lutefisk

Lutefisk is a traditional food [i] of the Nordic countries [i] made from stockfish [i] and lye [i] ... 

" , very close family ties , a strong sense of community and shared culture with many other North Dakotans instead of just with one's town or city, North Dakota often shares Minnesota's form of Upper Midwest American English , and a distinctive type of upper Midwestern accent.

Along with having the most churches per capita of any state, North Dakota has the highest percentage of church-going population of any state.

Native American Native Americans in the United States

American Indian and Alaskan NativesU.S. state [i]s and several of the inhabited insular areas [i] that a ... 

 traditions are still practiced by the Native American population of North Dakota, especially on Indian reservation Indian reservation

In the United States [i], an Indian reservation is land [i] which is managed by a Native American [i] ... 

 land. Pow-wow Pow-wow

A pow-wow is a gathering of Native Americans [i]. ... 

s and traditional Native American dancing are still found across the state.

Outdoor activities such as hunting Hunting

Hunting is the practice of pursuing animal [i]s to capture or kill them for food [i], recreation [i], or... 

 and fishing Fishing

Fishing is the activity of hunting [i] for fish [i]. ... 

 are hobbies for many North Dakotans. Ice fishing Ice fishing

Ice fishing is the sport of catching fish [i] with lines and hooks or spears through an opening ... 

 is also popular during the winter months. Residents of North Dakota may own or visit a cabin along a lake. Weekend trips to lake cabins are common during the summer months. Popular sport fish are walleye Walleye

The Walleye is a freshwater perciform [i] fish [i] native to most of Canada [i] and to the northern United States [i] ... 

, perch Perch

Perca is the genus of fish referred to as perch or yellow perch, a group of freshwater fish [i] ... 

, and northern pike Northern Pike

The Northern Pike is a carnivorous fish [i] of brackish [i] and freshwaters of the northe ... 

. The mosquito Mosquito

The mosquito is a member of the family [i] Culicidae; these insect [i]s have a pair of sc ... 

 is an annoyance in North Dakota as well as neighboring states during the summer months.

Economy

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Bureau of Economic Analysis

he BEA is responsible for releasing information on the gross domestic product [i] of the United States [i]. ... 

 estimates that North Dakota's total state product in 2005 was $ United States dollar

For details of current paper money [i] and coins, see Federal Reserve Note [i] and United States coinage [i] ... 

24.178 billion. Per capita personal income in 2005 was $31 395, 32nd in the nation.

North Dakota leads the nation in production of several crops. Agricultural activity is largely dependent on rainfall. Wheat Wheat

Wheat is a grass [i] that is cultivated worldwide. ... 

 , barley Barley

Barley is a major food and animal feed crop, a member of the grass family Poaceae.... 

, canola Canola

In agriculture [i], Canola is a trademarked cultivar [i] of the rapeseed [i] plant from which rapeseed o ... 

, soybean Soybean

The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume [i] native to eastern Asia [i].... 

s, sunflower Sunflower

The sunflower is an annual plant [i] in the family Asteraceae [i], with a large flower head . ... 

s, and flax Flax

Flax is a member of the genus Linum [i] in the family Linaceae [i]. ... 

 are present throughout the state. The wetter Red River Valley Red River Valley

The Red River Valley is a region in central North America [i] that is drained by the Red River of the North [i] ... 

 is dominated by farms, with the chief crops being sugar beet Sugar beet

Sugar beet , a member of the Chenopodiaceae [i] subfamily and the Amaranthaceae [i] family, is a plant w ... 

s, soybean Soybean

The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume [i] native to eastern Asia [i].... 

s and corn Maize

Maize , also known as corn, is a cereal [i] grain [i] that was domesticated in Mesoamerica [i]. ... 

. Cattle Cattle

Cattle are domesticated [i] ungulate [i]s, a member of the subfamily [i] Bovinae [i] of t ... 

 ranches are more common in the dry southwest, though dairy Dairy

A dairy is a facility for the extraction and processing of animal milk [i] and other farm animals, for ... 

 ranches are more common toward the east. Honey Honey

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by honeybee [i]s from the nectar [i] of flower [i]s. ... 

 is produced in the central part of the state. Small quantities of juneberries and grape Grape

Grapes are the fruit [i] that grow on a woody grape vine [i]. ... 

s support a modest domestic winery Winery

A winery is a building or property that produces wine [i], or a business involved in the production of w ... 

 industry.

The state's relatively small industrial output includes electric power Electric power

Electric power is defined as the amount of work [i] done by an electric current [i] in a unit time [i] ... 

, food processing, machinery, lignite mining, petroleum Petroleum

Petroleum or crude oil is a black, dark brown or greenish liquid [i] found in porous rock formati ... 

 extraction, and tourism Tourism

Tourism is the act of travel [i] for predominantly recreation [i]al or leisure [i] purposes, and also re ... 

.

North Dakota has the only state-owned bank in the United States, the Bank of North Dakota. The bank, by law, holds all funds of all state and local government agencies in North Dakota. Its deposits are not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is a [i] ... 

 but by the state itself. The state also operates the only state-owned mill in the country, the North Dakota Mill and Elevator North Dakota Mill and Elevator

The North Dakota Mill and Elevator is a large flour mill [i] located in the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota [i] ... 

.

North Dakota's reputation for severe weather has been cited by many as a motivating factor behind emigration and the failure of outside industry to locate in the state, though some have found this to be a secondary factor to the overall economic situation in the state.

State income tax Income tax

An income tax is a tax [i] levied on the financial income [i] of persons, corporations or other legal en... 

es are collected through 5 different tax brackets, ranging from 2.1 percent to 5.54 percent. North Dakota allows a credit for the net amount of tax paid to another state on income that is subject to tax by both North Dakota and that other state. North Dakota's sales tax rate is 5 percent. Local subdivisions are also allowed to levy a sales and use tax. This tax rate generally ranges from 1 percent to 3 percent. For the most part, personal property is exempt from property tax.

Transportation

See also: List of North Dakota numbered highways, List of North Dakota railroads

The major east-west highways are US 2 U.S. Route 2

U.S. Route 2 is an east-west U.S. Route [i]. ... 

 and Interstate 94 Interstate 94

Interstate 94 is a long interstate highway [i] connecting the Great Lakes and Intermountain region of th ... 

. North Dakota Highways 5 and 200 are also significant east-west routes.

The major north-south highways are Interstate 29 Interstate 29

Interstate 29 is an interstate highway [i] in the Midwest [i]ern United States [i]. ... 

, US 81 U.S. Route 81

U.S. Route 81 is one of the many United States Numbered Highways [i] established in 1926 by the US Depar ... 

, US 281, US 83 U.S. Route 83

U.S. Highway 83 is one of the longest north-south U.S. Highway [i]s in the United States [i], at 1885 mi ... 

, and US 85 U.S. Route 85

U.S. Route 85 is a north-south United States highway [i] that runs for 1,479 miles from the Canadian border [i] ... 

.

US 52 U.S. Route 52

U.S. Route 52 is a United States highway [i] that runs across the northern, eastern and southeastern reg ... 

 runs northwest-southeast from Portal Portal, North Dakota

Portal is a city in Burke County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

 to Jamestown Jamestown, North Dakota

Jamestown is a city in Stutsman County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 

, then to Fargo via I-94. US 12 U.S. Route 12

article_route=12
|map=US 12 map.png
... 

 cuts across the southwest corner of the state, intersecting US 85 in Bowman Bowman, North Dakota

Bowman is a city in Bowman County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 

.

BNSF BNSF Railway

The BNSF Railway , headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas [i], is one of the largest railroad networks in North America [i] ... 

 and the Canadian Pacific Railway Canadian Pacific Railway

The Canadian Pacific Railway , known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a Canadian [i] Class I railway [i] ... 

 operate the most extensive rail systems in the state. Minor lines include the Dakota, Missouri Valley and Western Railroad and the Red River Valley and Western Railroad, mostly operating on leased branch lines BNSF and CP were to abandon.

North Dakota has 90 public airports. Scheduled passenger airline service is offered in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston.

Law and government


See also: List of North Dakota Governors, List of Lieutenant Governors of North Dakota, List of United States Senators from North Dakota, List of political parties in North Dakota, List of Secretaries of State of North Dakota, List of Attorneys General of North Dakota

The current governor of North Dakota is John Hoeven . Its two current U.S. senators are Kent Conrad Kent Conrad

Kent Conrad is a United States senator [i] from North Dakota [i]. ... 

  and Byron Dorgan Byron Dorgan

Byron Leslie Dorgan is the junior United States Senator [i] from North Dakota [i]. ... 

 . Its congressman is Earl Pomeroy .

North Dakota has a bicameral legislature. The state elects two House Representatives and one Senator from each of 47 districts apportioned by population. The legislature meets at the North Dakota State Capitol North Dakota Capitol

The North Dakota Capitol is the seat of government of the U.S. state [i] of North Dakota [i]. ... 

 in an 80-day regular session in odd-numbered years, and in special session if summoned by the governor. See also: North Dakota Legislative Assembly, North Dakota Senate, North Dakota House of Representatives North Dakota House of Representatives

*Majority Leader: Rick Berg [i]
... 

.

The structure of North Dakota's judiciary is not terribly complex. Each of the 53 counties has a court, from which appeals are sent directly to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Because of the expense of having each county hire a judge, and the fairly low workload, the state is divided into seven judicial districts which collectively elect judges to travel to the various courthouses and hear cases.

District Judges are elected to six-year terms. Supreme Court Judges are elected to ten-year terms. The Supreme Court Chief Justice is selected every 5 years by vote of the District and Supreme Court Judges.

North Dakota's codified law is called the North Dakota Century Code .

Politics

The major political parties in North Dakota are the Republican Party and the North Dakota Democratic NPL Party. North Dakota does have some active third parties, but none of them have had ballot status on any state office race for some time.

The Republican Party holds large majorities in the state legislature and generally wins the state's 3-member electoral college delegation. Since 1964, no Democratic presidential candidate has carried North Dakota. In 2004, George W. Bush won with 62.9% of the vote.

On the other hand, Dem-NPL candidates for North Dakota's federal Senate and Congressional seats have won every election since 1986.

Important cities and towns

See also: List of cities in North Dakota

By population, the ten largest urban centers in the state are:

  1. Fargo/West Fargo West Fargo, North Dakota

    West Fargo is a city in Cass County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

  2. Bismarck Bismarck, North Dakota

    Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota [i], a state [i] of the United States of America [i] ... 

    /Mandan Mandan, North Dakota

    Mandan is a city in Morton County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 

  3. Grand Forks Grand Forks, North Dakota

    Grand Forks is a city in Grand Forks County [i], North Dakota [i] in th ... 

  4. Minot Minot, North Dakota

    Minot is a city located in north central North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]. ... 

  5. Dickinson Dickinson, North Dakota

    Dickinson is a city in Stark County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

  6. Jamestown Jamestown, North Dakota

    Jamestown is a city in Stutsman County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 

  7. Williston Williston, North Dakota

    Williston is a city in Williams County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 

  8. Wahpeton Wahpeton, North Dakota

    Wahpeton is a city in Richland County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

  9. Devils Lake Devils Lake, North Dakota

    Devils Lake is a city in Ramsey County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 

  10. Valley City Valley City, North Dakota

    Valley City is a city in Barnes County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 




The population trends in the state are noting a distinct shift from the rural areas to the larger cities. Most of North Dakota's largest communities grew between 1990 and 2000.

Between 1990 and 2000, the U.S. as a whole grew by 13.1%, yet North Dakota grew a mere 0.5%. It is the only state whose population declined between April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2003; this decline has become a major political issue.

Education

North Dakota's leaders frequently state that the educational scene in the state is excellent. However, because the economic situation is no match for it, many skilled graduates leave the state.

Colleges and universities

The state has 11 public colleges and universities, five tribal community colleges, and four private schools. The largest and oldest among them is the University of North Dakota University of North Dakota

[i] in [[Grand Forks, North Dakota]... 

 in Grand Forks.

The higher education system consists of the following institutions:

North Dakota University System North Dakota University System

The North Dakota University System is the group of public college [i]s and universities [i] i ... 



Bismarck State College in Bismarck Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota [i], a state [i] of the United States of America [i] ... 


Dickinson State University in Dickinson Dickinson, North Dakota

Dickinson is a city in Stark County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


Lake Region State College in Devils Lake Devils Lake, North Dakota

Devils Lake is a city in Ramsey County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


Mayville State University in Mayville
Minot State University Minot State University

Minot State University is a four-year institution of higher learning in Minot, North Dakota [i]. ... 

 in Minot Minot, North Dakota

Minot is a city located in north central North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]. ... 


Minot State University-Bottineau in Bottineau Bottineau, North Dakota

Bottineau is a city in Bottineau County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


North Dakota State University North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is a public university [i] in Fargo, North Dakota [i], USA [i] ... 

 in Fargo
North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton Wahpeton, North Dakota

Wahpeton is a city in Richland County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


University of North Dakota University of North Dakota

[i] in [[Grand Forks, North Dakota]... 

 in Grand Forks Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks is a city in Grand Forks County [i], North Dakota [i] in th ... 


Valley City State University in Valley City Valley City, North Dakota

Valley City is a city in Barnes County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


Williston State College in Williston Williston, North Dakota

Williston is a city in Williams County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 



Tribal colleges

Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten Fort Totten, North Dakota

Fort Totten is a census-designated place [i] in Benson County [i], North Dakota [i] ... 


Fort Berthold Community College in New Town New Town, North Dakota

New Town is a city in Mountrail County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates Fort Yates, North Dakota

Fort Yates is a city in Sioux County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt
United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota [i], a state [i] of the United States of America [i] ... 



Private schools

Aakers College in Fargo and Bismarck Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota [i], a state [i] of the United States of America [i] ... 


Jamestown College Jamestown College

Jamestown College is a private liberal arts college [i] affiliated with the Presbyterian Church [i] ... 

 in Jamestown Jamestown, North Dakota

Jamestown is a city in Stutsman County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i]... 


University of Mary in Bismarck Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota [i], a state [i] of the United States of America [i] ... 


Trinity Bible College in Ellendale Ellendale, North Dakota

Ellendale is a city in Dickey County [i], North Dakota [i] in the United States [i] ... 


Miscellaneous topics

A bill for statehood U.S. state

A state of the United States is any one of the fifty subnational entities referred to as a state [i] ... 

 for North and South Dakota , the Enabling Act of 1889, was passed on February 22 1889 during the Administration of