Facts About South Dakota

South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. With its vast plains and rolling hills, South Dakota is a beautiful state with plenty of interesting facts to explore.

Geography

Location

South Dakota is located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by North Dakota to the north, Minnesota and Iowa to the east, Nebraska to the south, and Wyoming and Montana to the west. South Dakota is the seventeenth largest state in the United States, with an area of 77,116 square miles.

Size

South Dakota is the seventeenth largest state in the United States, with an area of 77,116 square miles. It is the fifth least populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 884,659 as of 2019. South Dakota is divided into 66 counties and contains 696 incorporated municipalities.

Climate

South Dakota has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures averaging in the mid-20s Fahrenheit. South Dakota receives an average of 23 inches of precipitation each year, with the majority of it occurring in the spring and summer months. The state is also prone to severe weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzards.

History

Pre-European Settlement

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, South Dakota was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota. These tribes lived in the area for thousands of years and developed a culture that was closely connected to the land and its resources. They hunted bison, gathered wild plants, and lived in teepees and other dwellings. The tribes also had a rich spiritual and ceremonial life, and their beliefs and practices were closely intertwined with their environment.

European Settlement

The first Europeans to arrive in South Dakota were French fur traders, who arrived in the early 1700s. They were followed by American fur traders and missionaries in the 1800s. The American traders and missionaries were often in conflict with the Native American tribes, and the American government eventually negotiated a series of treaties with the tribes in the mid-1800s. These treaties opened up the area for American settlement, and by the late 1800s, settlers had begun to arrive in large numbers.

Statehood

South Dakota officially became a state in 1889, and its population quickly grew. The state's economy was largely based on agriculture, and the population was largely rural. In the early 1900s, the state began to develop its infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals. The state also began to attract industry, and by the mid-1900s, South Dakota had become an important center for manufacturing and technology. Today, South Dakota is a thriving state with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage.

Economy

Major Industries

South Dakota is home to a number of major industries. The state's agricultural industry is one of the most important, with the state producing a variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Additionally, South Dakota is a major producer of beef, pork, and dairy products. The state also has a thriving tourism industry, with the Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park being two of the most popular attractions. The state also has a strong manufacturing sector, with companies such as 3M, John Deere, and Caterpillar having major operations in the state.

Taxation

South Dakota has a relatively low tax burden compared to other states. The state does not have an income tax, and the sales tax rate is only 4.5%. Property taxes are also relatively low, with the average effective rate being 0.62%. The state also has a number of tax incentives for businesses, such as the Job Creation Tax Credit, which provides businesses with a tax credit for creating jobs in the state. Additionally, the state has a number of tax credits for businesses that make investments in research and development. These incentives make South Dakota an attractive place for businesses to locate and operate.

Demographics

Population

South Dakota is the fifth least populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 884,659 as of 2019. The state has a population density of 11.2 people per square mile, making it the fifth least densely populated state in the country. South Dakota has seen a population growth of 5.8% since 2010, with the majority of the population growth occurring in the larger cities, such as Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The state's population is spread out fairly evenly across the state, with the majority of the population living in the eastern part of the state.

Ethnicity

The majority of the population of South Dakota is white, making up 86.4% of the population. The next largest ethnic group is Native American, making up 8.8% of the population. Other ethnicities, such as African American, Asian, and Hispanic, make up a small percentage of the population.

Religion

The majority of the population of South Dakota is Christian, with the largest denominations being Catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist. Other religions, such as Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, make up a small percentage of the population. South Dakota also has a large population of people who identify as non-religious, with an estimated 20.6% of the population identifying as non-religious.

Culture

Music

South Dakota has a rich musical history, with a variety of genres represented. The state is home to a number of musical festivals, such as the South Dakota Jazz Festival and the South Dakota Rock Festival. The state is also home to a number of popular musicians, including the late singer-songwriter John Prine and the folk-rock band The Jayhawks. Additionally, South Dakota has its own unique style of music called Sioux music, which is a blend of traditional Native American music and European influences. Sioux music is often characterized by its use of drums, flutes, and rattles, and is often used in powwows and other traditional ceremonies.

Cuisine

South Dakota is home to a variety of different cuisines, from classic American dishes to more unique regional specialties. Popular dishes include chislic, a dish of cubed, deep-fried red meat, and kuchen, a German-style dessert. South Dakota is also home to a number of Native American dishes, such as fry bread and bison stew. Additionally, the state is home to a number of breweries and wineries, which produce a variety of craft beers and wines.

Sports

South Dakota is home to a number of professional and amateur sports teams. The state is home to the Sioux Falls Canaries, a minor league baseball team, and the Sioux Falls Storm, an indoor football team. Additionally, the state is home to a number of college sports teams, such as the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the South Dakota Coyotes. South Dakota is also home to a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as a variety of winter sports, such as skiing and snowmobiling.