North Dakota: State Flag, Bird and Facts
North Dakota has the western meadowlark as its state bird and the wild prairie rose as its state flower.
- Capital
- Bismarck
- Nickname
- Peace Garden State
- State bird
- Western meadowlark
- State flower
- Wild prairie rose
- State tree
- American elm
- Admitted
- November 2, 1889
- Population
- 779,094 (2020 census)
- Motto
- Serit ut alteri saeclo prosit
- Region
- Midwest
- Area
- 183,108 km² (70,698 sq mi)
- Highest point
- White Butte (3,506 ft)
- Borders
- Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota
About North Dakota
Named for the Dakota and Sioux peoples, North Dakota lies on the Great Plains, a land of broad prairie, badlands and farm fields. Saskatchewan and Manitoba sit across the northern border. Just under 800,000 people live here, which makes it one of the least populous states. Bismarck is the capital and Fargo is the largest city, with nearly a fifth of all residents.
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples farmed along the Missouri River, while Ojibwe, Cree and several Sioux groups lived elsewhere in the region. Fur traders came in the early 18th century, and the Homestead Act of 1862 drew a wave of settlers. Statehood followed in 1889. The flag adopted in 1911 is nearly a copy of a banner that North Dakota troops carried in the Philippine and American War, with the state name swapped in for the unit name.
Did you know?
- White Butte is the highest point in North Dakota, at 3,506 feet.
- Peace Garden State is the nickname printed on North Dakota license plates.
- North Dakota has also been nicknamed the Flickertail State and the Rough Rider State.
Questions about North Dakota
What is the capital of North Dakota?
Bismarck is the capital, and Fargo is the most populous city.
When did North Dakota become a state?
North Dakota was admitted on November 2, 1889.
Sources
- Wikidata Q1207, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: North Dakota, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Flag of North Dakota, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.