North Dakota is one of the least populous and most sparsely populated states that located in the Upper Midwest of the United States. North Dakota is surrounded by 2 Canadian provinces and 3 other states. The Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the north, states of Minnesota in the east, South Dakota in the south and Montana in the west. There are several nicknames for North Dakota, such as: Peace Garden State, Roughrider State, Flickertail State and Heaven on Earth. It’s surely a good idea for us to talk more about interesting North Dakota facts so that we will know more about this “Peace Garden State”.
1. North Dakota is the 4th Most Sparsely Populated State in the United States
With 70,705 sq mi (183,123 km2) total area, North Dakota is the 19th largest state. But It’s the 4th least populous that makes it the 4th most sparsely populated state in the United States. Alaska, Wyoming and Montana are the only three states that are more sparsely populated than North Dakota. The population of North Dakota has fluctuated slightly over the past seven decades.
2. The Capital City of North Dakota is Bismarck while the Largest City is Fargo
Bismarck is the capital city of North Dakota while Fargo is the largest city. Bismarck is also the second largest city. The total population of Fargo and Bismarck accounts for a quarter of the total population of North Dakota. The largest metropolitan area in North Dakota is Fargo-Moorhead, also known as FM Area, that comprises Fargo in North Dakota and Moorhead in Minnesota as well as surrounding communities.
3. Bank of North Dakota is the Only State-Run Bank in the United States
The Bank of North Dakota is headquartered in Bismarck. It’s owned and run by the Government of North Dakota. It’s the only state-run bank in the United States. The Bank of North Dakota was founded in 1919. The profit of the bank is either deposited in North Dakota’s general fund or used to support economic development in the state. It also provides recovery funding after disasters such as the Red River flood in 1997 and Missouri River Flood in 2011.
4. KVLY-TV Mast in Blanchard, North Dakota was Once the Tallest Structure in the World
At 2,655 feet (629 m) tall, The KVLY-TV mast was one the tallest structures in the world when it was completed in 1963. It is a television-transmitting mast in Blanchard, North Dakota. The KVLY-TV mast had been the tallest structure until it was succeeded by succeeded by the Warsaw radio mast in 1974. KVLY-TV was still the tallest structure in the United States until 2019 when the top mount antenna was removed and dropping the overall height to 1,987 ft (605.6 m).
5. North Dakota is Largest Producing State of Honey
North Dakota produces more honey than any other state in the United States. More than 20% of the honey collected in the United States are from North Dakota. North Dakota is also the top producing state of flaxseed and Canola. More than 80% of flaxseed and Canola of the United States are produced by North Dakota. North Dakota also the leading dry navy and pinto beans producer of the United States.
6. North Dakota is One of the States with Lowest Unemployment Rate
North Dakota is among the states with the lowest unemployment rate. North Dakota even often at the top of the list as the state with the lowest unemployment in the United States. Agriculture is still the largest industry of North Dakota, but petroleum, food processing, and technology are also major industries. Almost 90% of the land in North Dakota is used for farming and about one-fifth of the population is employed in agriculture.
7. North Dakota is the Largest Oil Producing States Behind Texas
Behind Texas, North Dakota is the largest oil producer of the United States although its oil production is even not a third of the oil production of Texas. In 1951, oil was discovered near Tioga. North Dakota experienced the North Dakota oil boom from 2006 and peaked in 2012 with rapidly expanding oil extraction from the Bakken Formation from the discovery of Parshall Oil Field.
8. White Butte is the Highest Natural Point of North Dakota
With 3,606 ft (1,069 m) elevation, White Butte is the highest natural point in North Dakota. White Butte is a prominent butte in Slope County. It’s located in the Badlands of the southwestern part of North Dakota. Amidon is the nearest town that can be reached in about 7 miles to the northwest. White Butte is privately owned by Dennis family that live nearby.
9. Western Meadowlark is the Official State Bird of North Dakota
The official state bird of North Dakota is the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) that was designated in 1947. The western meadowlark is a medium-sized bird about 8.5-inch (22 cm) in length. It can be found across western and central North America. It nests on the ground in open grassland and feeds mostly on bugs but also seeds and berries. The western meadowlark is a popular state bird, behind the northern cardinal, as it’s a state bird for 6 states. Besides the state bird of North Dakota, the western meadowlark is also the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wyoming.
10. Wild Prairie Rose is the Official State Flower of North Dakota
In 1907, the wild prairie rose (Rosa blanda or Rosa arkansana) was designated as the official state flower of North Dakota. The wild prairie rose is a species of rose that is native to central North America. It can be found between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. The wild prairies rose (Rosa arkansana) is also the state flower of Iowa.
Do you know other interesting facts about North Dakota? Feel free to share with us here if you know other interesting facts about North Dakota.