North Dakota Local Business Directory

North Dakota is located in the Great Plains region and is considered part of the Upper Midwest. Much of the state's land area is flat, but the westernmost area of North Dakota is dominated by hills and mountainous regions. North Dakota was admitted to the Union in 1889 and was primarily settled by German, Norwegian, Irish and Swedish immigrants. Five percent of the population consists of Native Americans; five major reservations provide homes for American Indians from numerous tribes that include the Sioux, Chippewa, Mandan and Arikara nations.

North Dakota's rich natural resources allowed it to ride out the Great Depression without major ill effects. Today, agriculture, oil production, technology industries and food processing account for much of the economic growth experienced by the state. North Dakota typically experiences far lower unemployment rates than the U.S. average. Fargo is the largest city and offers the most extensive employment opportunities for residents of North Dakota. The Grand Forks Air Force Base is another major employer within the state.

Cultural attractions in the state of North Dakota include the annual United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck, the Scandinavian celebration known as Norsk H�stfest in Minot and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota. The Badlands extend into South Dakota and are popular with eco-tourists and other nature lovers.