Arkansans

Arkansans are residents or natives of Arkansas, a state in the southern United States. The term covers people born there as well as those who have established long-term residence in the state. Arkansas features diverse geography, including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the Mississippi Delta. The state capital is Little Rock, and the largest urban centers include Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Jonesboro.

As of the 2020 census, Arkansans number about three million. The population is racially and ethnically diverse: non-Hispanic Whites form a plurality, with sizable African American communities in the Delta and growing Hispanic and Latino populations statewide. English is the predominant language; Spanish is the largest minority language. The state contains rural areas and urban centers with regional variation in culture and economy.

Economy and regions: Northwest Arkansas is a major growth corridor anchored by Walmart in Bentonville and Tyson Foods in Springdale, with technology and logistics firms expanding there. Central Arkansas centers on Little Rock, the state capital, with government, healthcare, and higher education institutions. The Mississippi Delta region emphasizes agriculture, poultry, and manufacturing.

Culture and identity: Arkansans reflect a blend of Southern, Ozark, and Delta influences, with distinctive culinary and musical traditions. Notable institutions and attractions include Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Sports, especially college football and basketball, play a prominent role in local communities.

History and symbols: Arkansas became the 25th state on June 15, 1836. The state motto Regnat Populus ("The People Rule") and the nickname The Natural State are part of its identity.