Each state in the United States of America is unique. The people and legislature of South Dakota have selected the following state symbols to represent their state's individual environment and culture.
![[Image of The South Dakota State Seal]](/media/graphics/state-seals/south-dakota-seal.png)
The symbols on the great seal of South Dakota represent the state's commerce, industry, and natural resources.
Under God, the People Rule (South Dakota's state motto) appears at the top of the inner circle, which has a background of sky and hills. In the foreground, a steam ship navigates a river running through agricultural and industrial land.
The outer circle of the seal bears the words State of South Dakota, and Great Seal 1889 (the year South Dakota became a state). The state seal also appears on South Dakota's state flag.
![[Image of The South Dakota State Flag]](/media/graphics/state-flags/south-dakota-flag.png)
The South Dakota flag features the state seal surrounded by a golden blazing sun in a field of sky blue. Letters reading "South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State", the official state nickname, are arranged in a circle around the sun.
