Population(2000) 493,782 50th

Governor: Dave Freudenthal- D

Capital: Bismarck

State Bird: Western Meadowlark

State Tree: Cottonwood

State Flower: Indian Paintbrush

State Motto: Equal Rights

44th State of the Union

23 Counties

Lowest Point: Belle Fourche River 3,099 feet

Highest Point: Gannett Peak 13,804 feet