Oklahoma Information
Oklahoma, abbreviation OK, is a state in the southern United States of America. The state is nicknamed “the Sooner State” because of the settlers who claimed land in this state before its official opening date. The capital is Oklahoma City. Another major city is Tulsa. See all cities in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has a rapidly growing economy, partly because oil and gas is extracted on a large scale.
For many people, Oklahoma is a real state of Indians and cowboys. Originally Oklahoma was also an area where many Indians lived. Remains of this culture can still be found in Oklahoma.
Cherokee, for example, is another of the official languages of the State. If you are interested in this, it is best to visit Indian City, a museum complex in which villages of seven expelled tribes have been recreated. Here you can explore the way of life and culture of Indians to your heart’s content. Other tourist attractions are the Route 66 and the beautiful nature. Oklahoma, for example, is home to many lakes and the famous Glass Mountains.
Geography
Oklahoma is located on the Great Plains, and belongs to both the Midwest and the South of the United States. The state borders Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Oklahoma measures up to 750 kilometers from west to east, thanks in part to the “Oklahoma Panhandle,” a western strip that shapes the state like a saucepan. The state measures a maximum of 350 kilometers from north to south. The capital Oklahoma City is centrally located in the state, the second city Tulsa is in the northeast.
The Red River forms part of the border with Texas, while the Canadian River flows through the middle. The Arkansas River flows through the northeast. Although Oklahoma is often associated as a monotonous flat state, the state has a relatively diverse landscape. In the southeast are the Ouachita Mountains, a forested low mountain range with peaks up to about 700 meters that rise above the valleys. However, this is not the highest point in Oklahoma. The landscape is flatter to the west, and is relatively densely forested east of Oklahoma City, and more barren to the west. The Oklahoma Panhandle is located in the High Plains, a barren steppe. The highest point in the state is located here, the 1,516 meter high Black Mesa.
Economy
Oklahoma’s economy is based on energy, agriculture, and services. Most of the energy industry is located near Tulsa. Many oil pipelines converge near the town of Cushing, the price of oil in Cushing is the benchmark for the price of the West Texas Intermediate on the New York Stock Exchange. Government, education, and scientific institutions are important pillars of the Oklahoma City economy. Tinker Air Force Base in eastern Oklahoma City is the state’s largest single-location employer. The University of Oklahoma is located in Norman, just south of Oklahoma City. The National Weather Center is also located in Norman. Oklahoma is known for its tornadoes, so the Storm Prediction Center is located in Norman.
| Abbreviation: | OK |
| Nickname: | Sooner State |
| Joined the US as the 46th state on: | Nov 16, 1907 |
| Capital city: | Oklahoma City |
| Census: | 3,991,508 |
| Surface: | 181,196 km² |
| Geography: | Bordering Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado |
| Governor: | Kevin Stitt |
| State motto: | Labor conquers all things |
| California official website: | ok.gov |
