North Dakota, state in the N central United States. It is bordered by Minnesota, across the Red River of the North (E), South Dakota (S), Montana (W), and the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (N). On the plateau cattle graze, finding shelter in the many ravines, and large ranges are an economic necessity. In the northwestern area of the state oil was discovered in 1951, and petroleum is now North Dakota's leading mineral product, ahead of sand and gravel, lime, and salt. There are also natural-gas fields. Underlying the western counties are lignite reserves; close to the lignite beds are deposits of clay of such varied types that they serve as both construction and pottery materials. The first cattle ranch in North Dakota was established in 1878. With the construction of railroads in the 1870s and 80s, thousands of European immigrants, principally Scandinavians, Germans, and Czechs, arrived. They worked the land on their own homesteads or on the large Eastern-financed bonanza wheat fields of the low central prairies. Borrowing the idea from Europe, they founded agricultural cooperatives. Local politics were rapidly reduced to a struggle between the agrarian groups and the corporate interests. Alexander McKenzie of the Northern Pacific was for many years the most important figure in the state. Republicans held the elective offices. Agrarian groups formed the Farmers' Alliance and in 1892, three years after North Dakota had achieved statehood, the Farmers' Alliance combined with the Democrats and Populists to elect Eli Shortridge, a Populist, as governor. Later, when the success of the La Follette Progressives in Wisconsin encouraged the growth of the Republican Progressive movement in North Dakota, a fusion with the Democrats elected “Honest John” Burke as governor for three terms (1906–12).

Agriculture which includes wheat, cattle and barley plays a large part in the economy. The state ranks first in production of wheat. The Garrison Dam on the Missouri River provides extensive irrigation and electricity for the Missouri Basin areas. Manufacturing industries include food processing and farm equipment. Oil and coal reserves are plentiful. Residents enjoy a low cost of living. The cities and towns are small and peaceful, and you can find apartment rentals to meet your budget.

North Dakota has wide-open spaces, rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, and has more national wildlife refuges than any other state. The state gets its name from the Sioux Indian tribe and it means allies. North Dakota farms cover more than 90% of the land which makes it the most rural of all the states. For those who enjoy wide-open spaces check out the apartment rentals in North Dakota.

Visitors enjoy the beautiful gardens, landscapes and wilderness areas of the 2,300 acre International Peace Garden. Beautiful and striking vistas are also seen in the Badlands. North Dakota is known for its waterfowl, grouse, pheasant, deer hunting and bass, trout and pike fishing. Take in a powwow, see a rodeo, or visit a western ranch and ride the trail. Avid golfers can enjoy excellent courses with very reasonable green fees. There are also winter sports to enjoy such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, sledding and skating. North Dakota is a great place to visit and a great place to live, so consider renting an apartment.

North Dakota has 11 public colleges and universities, five tribal community colleges and four private schools. The oldest and largest is the University of North Dakota which was founded six years before North Dakota became a state. North Dakota apartment rentals are very affordable and below the national average.