South Dakota, abbreviated SD and S.Dak., Is a state of the United States bordering North Dakota in the north, Minnesota and Iowa in the east, Nebraska in the south, Wyoming and Montana in the west. The state has an area of 199 743 km2 and has 869 666 residents (US Census, 2017). The capital is Pierre.
The name Dakota is after the sioux people dakota, and means ‘friend, weapon trap ‘. South Dakota is also known as The Coyote State, the ‘Coyote State’, as the coyote – the coyote – was very common here.
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Geography
The Missouri River flows from north to east, dividing South Dakota into two. East of the river, the landscape is leveled by former glaciers; To the west of the river, the non-glacial landscape is characterized by wind and water erosion. At the far west is the state’s most distinctive feature in the Black Hills, a continuation of the Rocky Mountains, and rises an average of about 900 feet above the surrounding plain. The highest point is Harney Peak with 2207 meters, which is also the highest point in North America east of the Rocky Montains.
Black Hills is one of the few wooded areas in the state. Here is the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Southwest of the Black Hills lies the Badlands with its distinctive canyons and cliffs shaped by wind, rain and flooding. The area is made into a national park. East of the Missouri River, the landscape consists mostly of rolling rolling countryside covered with fertile moraine clay. Previously, these plains were covered with short grass, today the areas are cultivated.
Population
Originally, South Dakota was populated by Sioux people. 9 percent of the population are descendants of these. Of the rest of the population, 82.2 percent are white, 3.8 percent Hispanic, and 2.1 percent black (US Census, 2017). Many of the residents are of Norwegian descent.
In 2010, 56.7 percent lived in cities or urban areas. Major cities are Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen. State University is located in Vermillion. The largest denominations are the Lutherans, then the Roman Catholic Church and the Methodists. South Dakota sends two senators and one representative to Congress.
Business
The economy is mainly based on agriculture, which also forms the basis for the food industry, trade and service industries. 4 / 5 of the area used in agricultural production. Main agricultural products are rye, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, oats, wheat, maize and barley. The livestock team includes especially cattle, sheep and pigs. Milk production takes place especially in the northeast.
Most of South Dakota’s mineral deposits are found in the Black Hills. South Dakota is a significant gold producer. By the way, there are also food, mechanical and electrical industries and tourism. Along the Missouri are several ponds that are the main source of electrical power.
History
South Dakota joined the American Union during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The Dakota Territory was created in 1861, and in 1889 it was divided into the states of South and North Dakota. The most significant increase in population came as a result of large gold finds in the Black Hills in the late 1870s.