South Dakota became the 40th state on 2 November 1889. It is famous for famous its scenery: the Badlands, the Black Hills, and Mt. Rushmore. After General Custer's military found gold in the Black Hills in 1874, the western Gold Rush began, eventually extending to California. Until 1889, North and South Dakota were one territory.
Introduction
With a 2006 population of 781,919, South Dakota is slightly more white than the nation as a whole (88.4% v 80.1%). The largest minority (8.5%) is Native American, followed by Blacks and Asians (0.9% and 0.7%, respectively); nationally, those percentages are 1.0%, 12.8% and 4.4%.
More than half of the population (436,350) is classified as rural. The state is much less densely populated than the nation, with 9.9 persons per square mile versus 79.6 for the nation.
Registered Voters: Democrats,38%; Republicans, 46%; Other, 15% (cite)
More than half of the population (436,350) is classified as rural. The state is much less densely populated than the nation, with 9.9 persons per square mile versus 79.6 for the nation.
Registered Voters: Democrats,38%; Republicans, 46%; Other, 15% (cite)
Presidential Politics
- 2004 : Kerry (D) 38%, Bush (R) 60%, Nader (I) 1%
- 2000 : Gore (D) 38%, Bush (R) 60%
- 1996 : Clinton (D) 43%, Dole (R) 46%, Perot (I) 10%
Federal Representation
South Dakota has one US Representative and two US Senators.- Sen. Tim Johnson (D-2008) - first elected in 1996
- Sen. John Thune (R-2010) - first elected in 2004
- Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D)
State Government
State politics is dominated by the Republican party. The current governor, M. Michael Rounds, was elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. The capitol is Pierre; the state legislature has 42 seats in the Senate and 70 seats in the House. Republicans hold a significant majority in the House (50-20) and a vulnerable majority in the Senate (2008)Economy
The South Dakota economy is dominated by wholesale-and-retail trade as well as agriculture. The state has no income tax -- personal or corporate. The top five agricultural products are cattle and calves; corn; soybeans; hogs; and wheat. Manufacturing is dominated by computer/electronics and food processing. The largest industry sector is finance, insurance and real estate.
Geography
South Dakota is about 380 miles long and 210 miles wide; with 77,121 square miles, it is the 17th largest of the 50 states. South Dakota is bordered on the north by North Dakota and on the south by Nebraska. On the east, South Dakota is bordered by Minnesota and Iowa. On the west, South Dakota is bordered by Montana and Wyoming. Its highest elevation is Harney Peak, 7,242 feet above sea level. The main rivers: Cheyenne, James, Missouri and White Rivers.
Longitude: 98° 28' 33"W to 104° 3'W; Latitude: 42° 29' 30"N to 45° 56'N
Longitude: 98° 28' 33"W to 104° 3'W; Latitude: 42° 29' 30"N to 45° 56'N