- German: 46.3%
- Norwegian: 29.3%
- Swedish: 11.8%
- Irish: 9.5%
- French: 5.3%
- Native American: 5.4%
- Other: 5.4%
The ethnic makeup of North Dakota has been shaped by the state's history. The first European settlers in North Dakota were French fur traders who arrived in the 18th century. In the 19th century, German, Norwegian, and Swedish immigrants settled in North Dakota in large numbers. These groups were drawn to the state's fertile land and abundant natural resources. Native Americans have lived in North Dakota for thousands of years, and they continue to make up a significant portion of the state's population.