North Dakota and South Dakota are two states in the Midwestern United States. Both these states are sparsely populated and have enormous natural beauty. The following is a comparison between North Dakota and South Dakota. Let’s read.
North Dakota vs South Dakota – a comparison

North Dakota | South Dakota | |
---|---|---|
Area | about 70,705 square miles | about 77,115 square miles |
Area rank | 19th | 17th |
Population | 779,094 (2020) | 886,667 (2020) |
Became a state of the US | November 2, 1889 | November 2, 1889 |
Bordering US states | Minnesota in the east, Montana in the west, and South Dakota in the south | Minnesota and Iowa in the east, Wyoming and Montana in the west, North Dakota in the north, and Nebraska in the south. |
International border | Yes with Canada | No international border |
Highest natural point | White Butte (3,508 ft/1,069 meters) | Black Elk Peak (7,244 ft/2,208 meters) |
Largest lake | Lake Sakakawea | Lake Oahe |
Capital city | Bismarck | Pierre |
Largest city | Fargo | Sioux Falls |
Nickname | Peace Garden State, Roughrider State, Flickertail State | The Mount Rushmore State |
Number of National Parks | 1 (Theodore Roosevelt National Park) | 2 (Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park) |
Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites | 0 | 0 |
North Dakota state symbols
Honorary State Equine | Nokota Horse |
State bird | Western meadowlark |
State fish | Northern pike |
State flower | Wild prairie rose |
State tree | American elm |
State grass | Western wheatgrass |
State fruit | Chokecherry (bitter-berry) |
State beverage | Milk |
State fossil | Teredo petrified wood |
State insect | Convergent lady beetle |
South Dakota state symbols
State animal | Coyote |
State bird | Ring-necked pheasant |
State fish | Walleye |
State flower | American pasque |
State tree | Black hills spruce |
State grass | Western wheatgrass |
State drink | Milk |
State fossil | Triceratops |
State insect | Honeybee |
FAQs
Which state is larger, North Dakota or South Dakota?
South Dakota is larger in terms of area.
Lake Sakakawea is located in which state?
North Dakota
Is Lake Oahe in North Dakota or South Dakota?
The area of Lake Oahe falls in both North and South Dakota.
Are there Grizzly bears in North Dakota?
No
Which major US river flows through North Dakota and South Dakota?
Missouri River
What is the border length between North Dakota and South Dakota?
The border between North Dakota and South Dakota is 361 miles long.

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