South Dakota, US

About

South Dakota became the 40th state admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889. Its neighbors are North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.

Geography and Climate

South Dakota covers 77,121 square miles featuring fertile prairie lands, the Black Hills, Badlands and rivers like the Missouri. The Black Hills contain Mount Rushmore and other peaks over 7,000 feet high. The diverse landscape provides stunning scenery.

The continental climate means hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Rapid weather shifts are common.

Economy and Industries

Key industries are agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. Cattle ranching and farming drive the agricultural sector. Major crops are wheat, corn, and soybeans. Tourism draws visitors to attractions like the Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Large manufacturing operations produce cars, airplanes, and medical devices in Sioux Falls. The financial services industry is also growing rapidly in South Dakota.

Culture and Demographics

South Dakota has under 1 million residents with 85% white and 9% Native American or Alaskan Native. Native American tribes based in the state include Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Sioux. The culture blends western ranch life with Native American heritage.

Government and Politics

The capital is Pierre while the largest city is Sioux Falls. The current governor is Kristi Noem, Republican. South Dakota is solidly Republican, last voting Democratic for president in 1964.

Conclusion

In summary, South Dakota offers majestic natural beauty through landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism contribute to the economy. Native American history infuses South Dakotan culture and lifestyle.

Quick Facts about South Dakota

SouthDakota-StateSeal seal image

Geography

South Dakota is located at 44°30'1"N 100°15'2"W (44.5002600, -100.2506900). It has 6 neighbors: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.

South Dakota map

Click "full screen" icon to open full mode. View satellite images

The largest city of South Dakota is Sioux Falls with a population of 157,584. Other cities include, Rapid City population 77,503, Watertown population 22,303, Mitchell population 15,697 and Yankton population 14,651. See all South Dakota cities & populated places.

Largest Cities in South Dakota (more)

Cities, Towns, Villages, Neighborhoods & Other Populated Places in South Dakota.

Show more South Dakota cities and populated places

People born in South Dakota, including Brulé Sioux chief, Native leader Spotted Tail, opera singer Jess Thomas, Hollywood stuntman and Lakota Siouxmedicine man Archie Fire Lame Deer, .

List

• Boyd Raeburn (American musician) he was born in 27/10/1913
• Norm Van Brocklin (American football player, coach, executive (1926-1983)) he was born in 15/03/1926
• Spotted Elk (Native American leader) he was born in 01/01/1826
• Gall (19th century Lakota chief) he was born in 01/01/1840
• John O'Neil (American rugby union player) he was born in 04/10/1898
• Bill Johnson (science fiction writer (20th century)) he was born in 01/01/1956
• Nicky Katt (American actor) he was born in 11/05/1970
• Pug Manders (American football player (1913-1985)) he was born in 05/05/1913
• Gary Stormo (American geneticist) he was born in 01/01/1950
• Gene Roth (actor (1903-1976)) he was born in 08/01/1903
• Phil Graham (American newspaper publisher) he was born in 18/07/1915
• Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse (American actor) he was born in 28/04/1976
• Luther Standing Bear (Oglala Lakota writer and actor (1868-1939)) he was born in 01/12/1868
• Lynn Job (American composer) she was born in 01/01/1959
• Linda Avey (American biotech analyst, biologist, and co-founder of 23andMe) she was born in 01/01/1960
• Siegfried Schoenbohm he was born in 01/01/1938
• Crow Foot (Son of Sitting Bull) he was born in 01/01/1876
• Nightwolf (character from Mortal Kombat)