The capital of South Dakota is Pierre.
The Postal Code for South Dakota: SD
Typical abbreviations for South Dakota: S.D., S.Dak.
Time Zone:
The eastern portion of South Dakota lies in the Central Time (CST/CDT) zone and observes daylight saving time.
The Western portion of South Dakota lies in the Mountain Time (MST/MDT) zone and they also observe daylight saving times.
| Note: |
Starting in 2007, Daylight Savings Time will be begin 3 weeks earlier and end 1 week later.
Click here for details. |
When the people of South Dakota refer to themselves: South Dakotan
Population: According to the 2006 Census estimates, South Dakota has a population of 781,919 people.
This represents 0.26% of the national total, making it the 46th most populous state.
The following are population changes since the last Census. The population counts after year 2000 are estimates.
| Year | Population | Change |
| 2006 | 781,919 | +0.91% since 2005 |
| 2005 | 774,883 | +0.61% since 2004 |
| 2004 | 770,188 | +0.82% since 2003 |
| 2003 | 763,913 | +0.48% since 2002 |
| 2002 | 760,291 | +0.29% since 2001 |
| 2001 | 758,106 | +0.43% since 2000 |
| 2000 | 754,844 | Last Census Count |
Area:
The area of South Dakota is 77,116 square miles (199,729.52 km²).
This represents 2.03% of the national total.
South Dakota ranks as the 17th largest state.
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Density:
The population density of South Dakota is 10.30 people per square mile (3.98 people/km²).
South Dakota ranks 46th in population density.
Nicknames for South Dakota: "Mount Rushmore State"; "The Coyote State"
State Motto: "Under God the People Rule"
State Bird: Ring-Necked Pheasant (phasianus colchicus)
State Tree: Black Hills Spruce (picea glauca)
State Flower: Pasque Flower (pulsatilla hirsutissima)
State Song: "Hail, South Dakota"
Statehood:
South Dakota became the 40th state on Nov 2, 1889.
Useful State Links
The state website for South Dakota can be found at:
The portal for South Dakota tourism:
For information about South Dakota fishing regulations and licenses requirements:
For information about South Dakota hunting regulations and licenses requirements:
Communities Ranked by Population (Top-15)
 
| Rank | City | 2005
Population | National
Rank |
| 1 | Sioux Falls | 139,517 | 177 |
| 2 | Rapid City | 62,167 | |
| 3 | Aberdeen | 24,098 | |
| 4 | Watertown | 20,265 | |
| 5 | Brookings | 18,715 | |
| 6 | Mitchell | 14,696 | |
| 7 | Pierre | 14,052 | |
| 8 | Yankton | 13,716 | |
| 9 | Huron | 11,086 | |
| 10 | Vermillion | 9,964 | |
| 11 | Spearfish | 9,355 | |
| 13 | Madison | 6,223 | |
| 14 | Sturgis | 6,260 | |
| 15 | Brandon | 7,176 | |
Miscellaneous Information
| Census Region: 2 (Midwest) |
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| Census Division: 4 (West North-Central) |
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| State FIPS-55 Code: 46 |
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| Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Region VIII / Region 8 |
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| ISO-3166-2 Code: US-SD |
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