North Dakota became the 39th state on Nov 2nd 1889. Some say it became the 40th 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.