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North Dakota became the 39^th state on Nov 2^nd 1889. Some say it became the 40^th state as North and South Dakota both became states on the same day. North Dakota is commonly known as the "Peace Garden State" in reference to the International Peace Gardens on the international border between North Dakota and Canada. North Dakota is also referred to as the "flickertail state" in reference to the red squirrel which is abundant in the state and has a tail that flickers form side to side.

Origin of state's name: The name Dakota is from the Indian word for "friend".

Population: The population of North Dakota is about 650,000 people based on the last census in 2000.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the North Dakota's Department of Transportation website under the Motor Vehicles section.

http://www.state.nd.us/dot//

Economy: The economy is driven primarily by the farming community. This includes dairy farming, wheat, potatoes, oats, barley and sunflower growing. Mining and tourism also add employment and money to the economy.

Bird: The state bird is the Western Meadow Lark which is also the state bird of Oregon, Kansas, Nebraska, Montana and Wyoming. The Meadow Lark is noted for its shyness and its square tail.

Flower: The state flower is the Wild Prairies Rose which grows in abundance in the state. It is noted for its beautiful whitish pinkish flowers with light yellow stamens in the center.

State Motto: The state motto is "Liberty and union, now and forever one and inseparable".

State Song: The state song is "North Dakota Hymn" by J. Foley which is a light song singing the praises of this great state.

North Dakota- Interesting Facts

• North Dakota has an international border with Canada and the port of entry from Dakota is Westhope.
• The center of the US is in Dakota in the town of Rugby.
• Milk is the official state beverage.
• The Dakota Dinosaur Museum is famous throughout the world as it has several complete dinosaur skeletons as well as many other interesting artifacts.
• North Dakota is a big grower of sunflowers.
• The often very tall American elm is the state tree

North Dakota – Famous People

Many famous people were born and raised in North Dakota and many famous people call North Dakota their home. This includes actors, athletes, authors, politicians and entertainers. The great singer Peggy Lee and the inimitable actress Angie Dickinson are both natives as is the great humanitarian Elizabeth Bodine.