Capital: Bismarck

State abbreviation/Postal code: N.D./ND

Governor: John Hoeven, R (to Dec. 15, 2008)

Lieut. Governor: Jack Dalrymple, R (to Dec. 15, 2008)

Senators: Kent Conrad, D (to Jan. 2013); Byron L. Dorgan, D (to Jan. 2011)

U.S. Representatives: 1

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of State: Alvin A. Jaeger, R (to Dec. 31, 2008)

Treasurer: Kelly Schmidt, R (to Dec. 31, 2008)

Atty. General: Wayne Stenehjem, R (to Dec. 31, 2008)

Organized as territory: March 2, 1861

Entered Union (rank): Nov. 2, 1889 (39)

Present constitution adopted: 1889

Motto: Liberty and union, now and forever: one and inseparable

State symbols:

Nickname: Sioux State; Flickertail State; Peace Garden State; Rough Rider State

Origin of name: From the Sioux tribe, meaning “allies”

10 largest cities (2005 est.): Fargo, 90,672; Bismarck, 57,377; Grand Forks, 49,792; Minot, 34,984; West Fargo, 19,487; Mandan, 17,225; Dickinson, 15,666; Jamestown, 14,826; Williston, 12,193; Wahpeton, 8,220

Land area: 68,976 sq mi. (178,648 sq km)

Geographic center: In Sheridan Co., 5 mi. SW of McClusky

Number of counties: 53

Largest county by population and area: Cass, 131,019 (2005); McKenzie, 2,742 sq mi.

State parks: 17

Residents: North Dakotan

2005 resident population est.: 636,677

2000 resident census population (rank): 642,200 (47). Male: 320,524 (49.9%); Female: 321,676 (50.1%). White: 593,181 (92.4%); Black: 3,916 (0.6%); American Indian: 31,329 (4.9%); Asian: 3,606 (0.6%); Other race: 2,540 (0.4%); Two or more races: 7,398 (1.2%); Hispanic/Latino: 7,786 (1.2%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 75.0; 65 and over: 14.7; median age: 36.2.

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