Where is nd located

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: ND typically refers to North Dakota, the 39th state admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889. Located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, it borders Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south, and Montana to the west.

Key Facts

North Dakota covers 70,698 square miles (183,108 km²), making it the 19th largest state by area
The state's population was approximately 779,261 as of the 2020 U.S. Census
Bismarck has served as the state capital since 1883
North Dakota produces more than 50% of the nation's spring wheat
The state's highest point is White Butte at 3,506 feet (1,069 m)

Overview

North Dakota, abbreviated as ND, is a state in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. It was admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889, as the 39th state alongside South Dakota. The state's name derives from the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe, with "Dakota" meaning "friend" or "ally" in the Sioux language. North Dakota's history is deeply connected to Native American cultures, westward expansion, and agricultural development.

The state's development accelerated with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in the 1870s, which facilitated settlement and economic growth. Today, North Dakota maintains a strong agricultural economy while also becoming a significant energy producer. The state's landscape ranges from the fertile Red River Valley in the east to the rugged Badlands in the west. North Dakota's identity balances traditional rural values with modern economic diversification.

How It Works

Understanding North Dakota's location and characteristics involves examining its geographical, political, and economic dimensions.

Geographical Positioning: North Dakota occupies coordinates between 45°56′N to 49°00′N latitude and 96°33′W to 104°03′W longitude. The state spans 340 miles (547 km) east-west and 211 miles (340 km) north-south. Its northern border with Canada extends for 310 miles (499 km), while the Missouri River flows through the central part of the state for approximately 350 miles (560 km).
Political Organization: North Dakota is divided into 53 counties and contains 357 incorporated municipalities. The state government operates with three branches: executive (led by the governor), legislative (bicameral legislature with 47 senators and 94 representatives), and judicial. North Dakota holds 3 electoral votes in presidential elections and sends 2 senators and 1 representative to the U.S. Congress.
Economic Infrastructure: The state's economy relies heavily on agriculture, which contributes approximately $31 billion annually. North Dakota leads the nation in production of several crops including spring wheat (producing over 300 million bushels annually), durum wheat, barley, and canola. The energy sector has grown dramatically, with the Bakken Formation producing over 1.2 million barrels of oil per day as of 2023.
Transportation Networks: North Dakota's transportation system includes 86,758 miles (139,625 km) of public roads, with Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 serving as major east-west and north-south corridors. The state has 89 public airports, with Hector International Airport in Fargo being the busiest. Rail infrastructure remains crucial, with approximately 3,400 miles (5,500 km) of track supporting agricultural and energy shipments.

Key Comparisons

Feature	North Dakota	South Dakota
Population (2020 Census)	779,261	886,667
Land Area	70,698 sq mi	77,116 sq mi
Statehood Date	November 2, 1889	November 2, 1889
Highest Point	White Butte (3,506 ft)	Black Elk Peak (7,244 ft)
Major Economic Sector	Agriculture & Energy	Agriculture & Tourism
Largest City Population	Fargo (125,990)	Sioux Falls (192,517)

Why It Matters

Agricultural Significance: North Dakota produces more than 50% of the nation's spring wheat and accounts for approximately 15% of total U.S. wheat production. The state's agricultural output contributes significantly to national food security and global grain markets, with agricultural exports totaling over $7 billion annually.
Energy Production: As the second-largest oil-producing state after Texas, North Dakota's Bakken Formation has transformed U.S. energy independence. The state produces approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil daily, representing about 11% of total U.S. production, while also generating substantial natural gas and wind energy resources.
Geopolitical Position: North Dakota's 310-mile border with Canada represents a crucial international boundary in the northern United States. The state hosts the Peace Garden Border Crossing, one of the busiest ports of entry between the U.S. and Canada, facilitating over $30 billion in annual trade between the two nations.

North Dakota's strategic location and resources position it for continued significance in the 21st century. As climate change and energy transitions reshape global economies, the state's agricultural productivity and energy resources will remain vital to national interests. Technological advancements in precision agriculture and renewable energy integration promise to enhance North Dakota's contributions while addressing environmental challenges. The state's role in national food security, energy independence, and international trade ensures its ongoing relevance beyond its modest population size.