Facts About Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States. It is the 20th most populous state in the nation and the 28th largest in terms of land area. Oklahoma is known for its diverse landscape, which includes prairies, mountains, forests, and lakes. It is also home to a rich and vibrant history. Oklahoma was once part of the Indian Territory and was the site of the Land Run of 1889, when thousands of settlers staked their claim to the land. Since then, Oklahoma has become a major agricultural and oil-producing state, and its economy is now one of the most diverse in the nation.

Geography

Location

Oklahoma is located in the south-central region of the United States, bordered by Texas to the south, Kansas to the north, Missouri to the northeast, Arkansas to the east, and New Mexico to the west. It is one of the six states that make up the Great Plains region of the United States. Oklahoma is the 20th largest state in the US, with a total area of 69,898 square miles.

Landscape

Oklahoma is a diverse state with a variety of landscapes. The western part of the state is dominated by the Great Plains, which are characterized by flat, grassy terrain. The eastern part of the state is more hilly and forested. Oklahoma is home to several mountain ranges, including the Ouachita Mountains, the Arbuckle Mountains, and the Wichita Mountains.

Climate

Oklahoma has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The state receives an average of 37 inches of rain per year, with most of the rain falling in the spring and summer months. Oklahoma is also prone to severe weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hail. The state is located in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” an area of the United States that experiences a high number of tornadoes each year.

Demographics

Population

Oklahoma is the 28th most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 3.9 million people as of 2019. The population has grown steadily since the early 2000s, with a growth rate of 5.2% since 2010. The majority of the population is concentrated in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, which is home to over 1.3 million people. Other major cities in the state include Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, and Lawton.

Major Cities

Oklahoma City is the state's capital and largest city, with a population of over 650,000 people. It is the cultural and economic center of the state, and is home to many of the state's major attractions, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, the Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Tulsa is the second largest city in the state, with a population of over 400,000 people. It is known for its vibrant music and art scene, as well as its numerous museums and galleries. Norman is the third largest city in the state, with a population of over 120,000 people. It is home to the University of Oklahoma, and is known for its lively college town atmosphere. Broken Arrow and Lawton are the fourth and fifth largest cities in the state, respectively, with populations of over 110,000 and 100,000 people.

Languages Spoken

English is the most commonly spoken language in Oklahoma, with over 92% of the population speaking it as their primary language. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language, with over 4% of the population speaking it as their primary language. Other languages spoken in the state include German, French, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese.

Economy

Oklahoma is an important economic hub in the United States, with a diverse range of industries contributing to the state's economic success. The state's major industries include energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Energy is the largest industry in Oklahoma, accounting for over a quarter of the state's GDP. The energy industry is responsible for producing natural gas, oil, and other related products. Agriculture is another major industry in Oklahoma, with the state being a major producer of wheat, cotton, and other crops. Manufacturing is also an important industry in Oklahoma, with the state being home to a number of large manufacturing companies.

Major Industries

Oklahoma's major industries include energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Energy is the largest industry in Oklahoma, accounting for over a quarter of the state's GDP. The energy industry is responsible for producing natural gas, oil, and other related products. Agriculture is another major industry in Oklahoma, with the state being a major producer of wheat, cotton, and other crops. Manufacturing is also an important industry in Oklahoma, with the state being home to a number of large manufacturing companies. These companies produce a variety of products, ranging from aircraft components to food products. Tourism is also an important industry in Oklahoma, with the state being home to a number of popular attractions, such as the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Oklahoma Aquarium.

GDP

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Oklahoma is estimated to be around $200 billion. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, but it is still an impressive figure considering the size of the state. The energy industry is the largest contributor to the state's GDP, accounting for over a quarter of the total. Agriculture is the second largest contributor, accounting for around 10% of the state's GDP. Manufacturing and tourism are also important contributors to the state's economy, accounting for around 8% and 5% of the state's GDP respectively.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Oklahoma is currently at 4.2%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 4.4%. This rate has been steadily decreasing over the past few years, indicating that the state's economy is improving. The energy industry is the largest employer in the state, accounting for around 20% of the total employment. Agriculture is the second largest employer, accounting for around 15% of the total employment. Manufacturing and tourism are also important employers in the state, accounting for around 10% and 5% of the total employment respectively.

Education

Primary and Secondary Education

Oklahoma is home to over 500 public school districts, with the majority of students attending traditional public schools. The state also has a number of charter schools, virtual schools, and alternative schools. Oklahoma is one of the few states that require students to attend school until the age of 18. The state also has a number of private schools, both religious and non-religious, that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Oklahoma has a number of initiatives to help improve the quality of education, such as the A-F grading system, which assigns letter grades to schools based on student performance. The state also has a number of programs to help students who are struggling academically, such as the Oklahoma Reading Sufficiency Act.

Higher Education

Oklahoma is home to a number of public and private universities and colleges. The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University are the two largest public universities in the state. Other public universities include the University of Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State University, and Langston University. Private universities include Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma City University, and Southern Nazarene University. The state also has a number of community colleges and technical schools that provide students with a variety of educational opportunities. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education oversees the state's higher education system and provides students with financial aid and other resources.

Culture

Music

Oklahoma has a rich musical history, with a variety of genres being popular in the state. Country music is especially popular in Oklahoma, with many of the genre's biggest stars hailing from the state. Other popular genres include rock, blues, and jazz. Oklahoma is also home to a thriving Native American music scene, with many Native American artists making their mark in the music industry. Additionally, Oklahoma is home to a number of music festivals throughout the year, including the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival.

Cuisine

Oklahoma is known for its unique cuisine, which is a blend of Native American, Southern, and Mexican flavors. Popular dishes include fried okra, chicken-fried steak, and catfish. Oklahoma is also known for its barbecue, with many restaurants and food trucks serving up delicious smoked meats. Additionally, Oklahoma is home to a number of unique restaurants, such as the Oklahoma City-based Cattlemen's Steakhouse, which is known for its delicious steaks.

Sports

Oklahoma is home to a number of professional and collegiate sports teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, the Oklahoma City Dodgers of the Minor League Baseball, and the Oklahoma Sooners of the NCAA. Additionally, Oklahoma is home to a number of minor league teams, including the Tulsa Drillers of the Texas League, the Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL, and the Tulsa Revolution of the MASL. Oklahoma is also home to a number of motorsports events, including the annual Tulsa Shootout and the Oklahoma City Grand Prix.