Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a state in the Southern Plains and South Central United States. It is bordered by Kansas to the north, Missouri to the northeast, Arkansas to the east, Texas to the south and west, and the Colorado and New Mexico panhandles to the northwest. The state features diverse landscapes, including eastern forests, central plains, and the Wichita Mountains in the southwest, with the Red River forming much of the southern boundary.

Oklahoma was admitted to the Union in 1907, merging Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory. The state has a deep Indigenous heritage and a large number of federally recognized tribes. Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city, followed by Tulsa. The state’s history includes frontier settlement, agricultural development, oil booms, the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

The economy is diverse, with energy (oil and natural gas), agriculture (cattle and wheat), aerospace, manufacturing, and services playing major roles. Transportation infrastructure includes Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and Tulsa International Airport, with major highways such as I-35, I-40, and I-44. Oklahoma lies in Tornado Alley and experiences a variable climate with hot summers and frequent severe spring storms.

Culturally, Oklahoma reflects a blend of Native American and Western heritage and hosts a range of museums, festivals, and educational institutions. The state is home to prominent universities, including the University of Oklahoma in Norman and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.