What is South Dakota?

South Dakota is a U.S. state located in the north-central region of the country, bordered by North Dakota to the north, Minnesota to the east, Iowa and Nebraska to the south, and Wyoming and Montana to the west. It is the 17th-most extensive and the fifth-least populous state.

Geography

* Area: 77,116 sq mi (200,000 km2)

* Climate: Continental, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and frequent wind.

People and Culture

* Population: 884,659 (2020)

* Ethnicities: White (83.5%), Native American (8.3%), Hispanic or Latino (5.9%), Asian (1.9%), Black (1.7%)

* Religions: Christianity (78%), Irreligion (16%), Other religions (6%)

Government and Politics

* State government: Tripartite system with a Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic-controlled executive and judiciary

* Federal representation: 1 congressional district, 3 electoral votes

* Major political parties: Republican Party, Democratic Party, Libertarian Party

Economy

* GDP: $53.7 billion (2021)

* Job growth: -0.1% (2021)

* Major industries: Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, energy production

History

* Statehood: Admitted to the Union in 1889

* Historical events: Gold Rush, Wounded Knee Massacre, Mount Rushmore construction

Notable Landmarks

* Mount Rushmore: A national memorial featuring the sculpted faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

* Black Hills: A mountain range known for its scenic beauty, including Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.

* Badlands National Park: A unique geological formation characterized by its rugged terrain, colorful cliffs, and pinnacles.

* Crazy Horse Memorial: A mountain carving in progress depicting the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse.