South Dakota became a state in 1889. It was the 40th state. It's initials are SD. The capital of South Dakota is Pierre. The largest cities are Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen. It is located in the midwest United States and it is surrounded by Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

South Dakota is the 17th largest state but has one of the smallest populations. It's population is 870,000. South Dakota is mostly plains.

South Dakota is famous for the Black Hills. Mount Rushmore is in the Black Hills. The Lakota Native Americans lived in the black hills. 

Gold was discovered there in 1871. Miners kicked out the Lakota people in order to mine gold. South Dakota was named by the Lakota people. "Dakota" means "allies" or "friends".

The state Animal of South Dakota is the Coyote. Some other animals are Antelope, Bison, Prairie Dogs.