Oklahoma | Capital, Map, Population, & Facts

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data-icon="toc"></em> <a class="font-serif font-weight-bold text-black link-blue" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state">Oklahoma</a> </div> <button aria-label="Close" class="js-sections-close-button btn-link btn-sm btn d-lg-none position-absolute top-0 p-10 right-0" > <em class="material-icons font-26" data-icon="close"></em> </button> </div> <div class="section-content pl-10 pr-20 pl-sm-50 pr-sm-60 pl-lg-5 pr-lg-10 pt-10 pt-lg-0 bg-gray-50 clear-catfish-ad"> <div class="toc mb-20"> <div class="font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-15 mb-15 mt-20"> Table of Contents </div> <ul class="list-unstyled my-0" data-level="h1"><li data-target="#ref1"><div class="pl-25"><a class="link-gray-900 w-100" href="/place/Oklahoma-state">Introduction & Quick Facts</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref79006"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state#ref79006">Land</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280844"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state#ref280844">Relief</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280845"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state#ref280845">Drainage</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79008"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Climate">Climate</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79009"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Climate#ref79009">Plant and animal life</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref79011"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Climate#ref79011">People</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280846"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Climate#ref280846">Population composition</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79010"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Climate#ref79010">Settlement patterns</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref79012"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Economy">Economy</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79013"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Economy#ref79013">Agriculture and forestry</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280847"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Economy#ref280847">Resources and power</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79014"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Economy#ref79014">Manufacturing</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280848"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Economy#ref280848">Services, labour, and taxation</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79015"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Economy#ref79015">Transportation</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref79016"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Government-and-society">Government and society</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79017"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Government-and-society#ref79017">Constitutional framework</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79018"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Government-and-society#ref79018">Education</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79019"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Government-and-society#ref79019">Health and welfare</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref79020"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Cultural-life">Cultural life</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280849"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Cultural-life#ref280849">The arts</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280850"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Cultural-life#ref280850">Sports and recreation</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref280851"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/Cultural-life#ref280851">Media and publishing</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref79021"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/History">History</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79022"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/History#ref79022">Early habitation and European exploration</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79023"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/History#ref79023">American dominion</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref79024"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Oklahoma-state/United-States-settlement-and-statehood">United States settlement and statehood</a></li></ul></div></li></ul> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state/additional-info">References & Edit History</a> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="/facts/Oklahoma-state">Facts & Stats</a> </div> <div class="tlr-media-slider pb-10 mb-30"> <a class="section-header link-gray-900 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mb-10 mx-10" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state/images-videos">Images, Videos & Interactives</a> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 "> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex overflow-hidden text-nowrap ml-15"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/14/3214-050-2C7A767C/star-flag-field-Oklahoma-contest-color-sky-1941.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/61622" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/14/3214-004-BEE9E2B9/star-flag-field-Oklahoma-contest-color-sky-1941.jpg" alt="Oklahoma: flag" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/3216-004-B82BFA0F/state-seal-Indian-design-Oklahoma-Sequoyah-republics-1907.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/61624" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/3216-004-B82BFA0F/state-seal-Indian-design-Oklahoma-Sequoyah-republics-1907.jpg" alt="state seal of Oklahoma" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/64123-004-0A495989/state-bird-Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/53759" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/64123-004-0A495989/state-bird-Oklahoma.jpg" alt="scissor-tailed flycatcher" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/24/64124-004-CECFFDF5/Mistletoe-Oklahoma-state-flower.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/53758" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/24/64124-004-CECFFDF5/Mistletoe-Oklahoma-state-flower.jpg" alt="mistletoe" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/15/3215-050-028DE938/Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/61623" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/15/3215-004-7298E922/Oklahoma.jpg" alt="map of Oklahoma" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/59/60559-050-0A27796B/Oil-rig-wheat-field-Okmulgee-Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/118236" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/59/60559-004-C1D8ADF9/Oil-rig-wheat-field-Okmulgee-Oklahoma.jpg" alt="Oil rig in a wheat field" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/27/20627-050-6D6C48D9/Oklahoma-map-counties-MAP-locator-cities-boundaries.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/64125" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/27/20627-004-5480AC6D/Oklahoma-map-counties-MAP-locator-cities-boundaries.jpg" alt="map of Oklahoma" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/40/4840-050-99D33895/Southwest.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/3825" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/40/4840-004-ECA37449/Southwest.jpg" alt="United States: Southwest" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/28/20628-050-4A5FB831/Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/64126" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/28/20628-004-C524D589/Oklahoma.jpg" alt="Oklahoma features" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/123252-050-A653A57F/Mesas-Gloss-Mountain-State-Park-Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/116905" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/123252-004-D5E56E94/Mesas-Gloss-Mountain-State-Park-Oklahoma.jpg" alt="mesa" height="50" /> </a> </div> <button disabled class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-blue " aria-label="Previous"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span> </button> <button disabled class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-blue " aria-label="Next"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span> </button> </div> </div> <div class="mb-30 tlr-student-links"> <div class="text-gray-900 p-5 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-10 mb-10"> For Students </div> <div class="imagelink-with-image-on-the-side card card-horizontal tlr-img-with-side-link ml-15 link-gray-900 mb-10" > <div class="position-relative card-media" style="flex: 0;"> <a class="ilf-image position-relative" href="/summary/Oklahoma-state"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/86/121786-050-94E3C5F7/University-of-Oklahoma-Donald-W-Reynolds-Performing.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop" alt="University of Oklahoma" width="200" height="200" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-body ilf-content"> <a class="font-weight-semi-bold d-block mb-5 font-16 ilf-title" href="/summary/Oklahoma-state" >Oklahoma summary</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="mb-30 tlr-related-quizzes"> <div class="text-gray-900 p-5 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-10 mb-10"> Quizzes </div> <div class="imagelink-with-image-on-the-side card card-horizontal tlr-img-with-side-link ml-15 link-gray-900 mb-10" > <div class="position-relative card-media" style="flex: 0;"> <a class="ilf-image position-relative" href="/quiz/us-state-capitals-quiz"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/90/217490-131-CEE12385/Texas-state-capitol-building-Austin-Texas.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop" alt="Texas State Capitol building in Austin, Texas. 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Ezell, Gregory Lewis McNamee" data-title="Oklahoma" data-published-date="23 Nov. 2024" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state" > <div class="citation-text"></div> </div> <button class="js-copy-citation-button mt-20 btn btn-xs btn-outline-blue border shadow-sm pr-10" > <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 my-n5 mr-5" data-icon="file_copy"></em> <span class="js-citation-status-text">Copy Citation</span> </button> </div> </div> </div> <div> <button class="js-share-modal-button js-modal btn btn-sm btn-link gtm-topic-tool font-weight-bold btn-link" data-modal="[data-topic-id=426523] .md-share-modal"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="share"></em> Share </button> <div class="md-share-modal size-lg d-none qa-share-modal"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif d-flex align-items-center pb-15 border-bottom"> <em class="material-icons text-blue mr-10" data-icon="share"></em> Share </div> <div class="label my-20">Share to social media</div> <div class="md-social-toolbar-circle d-flex align-items-start inverted" data-value="share" title="Oklahoma" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state" > <a class="social-icon facebook justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Facebook</span></a> <a class="social-icon x justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="x" href="https://x.com/britannica" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>X</span></a> </div> <div class="label pt-20 mt-20 mb-5 border-top">URL</div> <a class="font-serif text-truncate d-inline-block" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state">https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <button class="js-feedback-modal-button js-modal btn btn-sm btn-link gtm-topic-tool font-weight-bold btn-link" data-modal=".md-feedback-modal"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="message"></em> Feedback </button> </div> <div> <button class="qa-external-website-modal-button js-modal btn btn-sm btn-link gtm-topic-tool font-weight-bold btn-link" data-modal="[data-topic-id=426523] .md-websites-modal"> <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 mr-5" data-icon="link"></em> External Websites </button> </div> </div> <div class="md-feedback-modal size-lg d-none"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif pb-15 border-bottom"> Feedback </div> <form method="post" action="/submission/feedback/426523"> <div class="my-20"> Corrections? 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Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). </div> <div class="type-menu"> <label for="feedback-type" class="label mb-10">Feedback Type</label> <select id="feedback-type" class="form-select mb-30" name="feedbackTypeId" required> <option value="" selected="selected">Select a type (Required)</option> <option value="1">Factual Correction</option> <option value="2">Spelling/Grammar Correction</option> <option value="3">Link Correction</option> <option value="4">Additional Information</option> <option value="5">Other</option> </select> </div> <label for="feedback" class="label mb-10">Your Feedback</label> <textarea id="feedback" class="form-control mb-30" name="feedback" maxlength="3000" rows="7" required></textarea> <button class="btn btn-blue" type="submit">Submit Feedback</button> </form> <div class="success-messaging d-none mt-30"> <div class="title">Thank you for your feedback</div> <p>Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md-websites-modal size-lg d-none"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif pb-15 border-bottom font-weight-bold"> External Websites </div> <div class="pb-20"> <ul class="list-unstyled mt-20 lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.travelok.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Official Tourism Site of Oklahoma, United States</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://oklahoma.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Official Site of the Government of Oklahoma, United States</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/oklahoma-jewish-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Jewish Virtual Library - Oklahoma, United States</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ok_intro.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">NETSTATE - Oklahoma, United States</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.okc.gov/government/archives-records/oklahoma-city-history/founding-of-oklahoma-city" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">City of Oklahoma - Founding of Oklahoma City</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-ok.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">CRW Flags - Flag of Oklahoma</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-title">Britannica Websites</div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-subtitle">Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.</div> <ul class="list-unstyled bps-topic-web-sites lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Oklahoma/345514" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oklahoma - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Oklahoma/276174" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oklahoma - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="toc-header-marker"></div> <button class="ai-ask-button btn border-2 js-header-ai-ask-button d-none btn-sm btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 mr-0 mr-lg-10 ml-5 ml-sm-10 ml-lg-0 p-10"> Ask the Chatbot a Question </button> <div class="caption alternate-titles">Also known as: Sooner State</div> <div class="md-byline module-spacing "> <div class="font-serif font-12"> <span class="written-by text-gray-700"> Written by </span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/contributor/John-S-Ezell/886" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">John S. Ezell</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">David Ross Boyd Professor Emeritus of History, University of Oklahoma, Norman. Author of <i>The South Since 1865.</i></div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> John S. Ezell</span>, <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/editor/Gregory-Lewis-McNamee/4763" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">Gregory Lewis McNamee</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">Contributing Editor, Encyclopædia Britannica<em>.</em><em></em></div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> Gregory Lewis McNamee</span><span class="text-gray-700 mx-5">•</span><a class="see-all border-gray-700 gtm-byline" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state/additional-info#contributors">All</a> </div> <div class="font-serif font-12 text-gray-700"> <span class="qa-fact-checked-by">Fact-checked by</span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 font-12" href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 text-black">Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link font-12 "> The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</span></div> <div class="last-updated font-12 font-serif"> <span class="text-gray-700"> Last Updated: <time datetime="2024-11-23T00:00:00CST" >Nov 23, 2024</time> •</span> <a class="byline-edit-history" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state/additional-info#history" rel="nofollow">Article History</a> </div></div> </div> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button d-none d-sm-block js-sections-inline-button module-spacing btn d-lg-none"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <div class="d-flex d-sm-none flex-row"> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button js-sections-inline-button module-spacing"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <button class="ai-ask-button btn border-2 ai-ask-button btn border-2 module-spacing btn-sm js-inline-ai-ask-button btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 p-10 ml-5"> Ask the Chatbot a Question </button> </div> <div class="bg-gray-50 p-15 rounded module-spacing recent-news d-flex flex-column float-false"> <div> <h2 class="font-weight-bold font-14 m-0 d-inline"> News <span class="text-gray-600">•</span> </h2> <div class="recent-news-item first-recent-news-item d-inline"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/426523/050915dd5f06f9394e826a400a813e8d" rel="nofollow">Arnold, Robinson run for more than 100 yards as Oklahoma stuns No. 7 Alabama 24-3</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 23, 2024, 11:15 PM ET (AP) <button class="btn btn-link d-inline p-0 font-12 js-toggle-recent-news"> <span class="text-gray-500">...</span><span>(Show more)</span> </button> </span> </div> </div> <div class="rest-of-recent-news-items"> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/426523/b439a6bf41806c898ed0e08abf2bc748" rel="nofollow">Fred Harris, former US senator from Oklahoma and presidential hopeful, dies at 94</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 23, 2024, 9:26 PM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/426523/52b74577982b34ce2607b693bd51cae7" rel="nofollow">Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 22, 2024, 5:39 PM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/426523/afa35fd2b82b9ef545cd8290dadc16e6" rel="nofollow">New study shows voting for Native Americans is harder than ever</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 21, 2024, 5:26 PM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/426523/e00fdcd3253cc11169cc6857d8e8e9de" rel="nofollow">Oklahoma schools superintendent mandates students watch announcement of new religious department</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 15, 2024, 3:56 PM ET (AP) </span> </div> <button class="js-toggle-recent-news d-flex btn btn-unstyled font-14 pr-10 rounded-sm mt-10" aria-label="Toggle additional news items"> Show less <em class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_less"></em> </button> </div> </div><span class="marker before-article"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref1"><span class="marker PREMOD1 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies multiple medialist slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100" data-type="other"><div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex"><div class="rw-track d-flex align-items-center"><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="118236" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/59/60559-050-0A27796B/Oil-rig-wheat-field-Okmulgee-Oklahoma.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/426523/118236"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/59/60559-050-0A27796B/Oil-rig-wheat-field-Okmulgee-Oklahoma.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/59/60559-050-0A27796B/Oil-rig-wheat-field-Okmulgee-Oklahoma.jpg?w=300" alt="Oil rig in a wheat field" data-width="1600" data-height="1075" loading="eager"></picture><div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg">1 of 2</div><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/59/60559-050-0A27796B/Oil-rig-wheat-field-Okmulgee-Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/118236">Oil rig in a wheat field</a><span>Oil rig in a wheat field near Okmulgee, east-central Oklahoma.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="64125" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/27/20627-050-6D6C48D9/Oklahoma-map-counties-MAP-locator-cities-boundaries.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/426523/64125"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/27/20627-050-6D6C48D9/Oklahoma-map-counties-MAP-locator-cities-boundaries.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/27/20627-050-6D6C48D9/Oklahoma-map-counties-MAP-locator-cities-boundaries.jpg?w=300" alt="map of Oklahoma" data-width="1600" data-height="1135" loading="eager"></picture><div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg">2 of 2</div><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/27/20627-050-6D6C48D9/Oklahoma-map-counties-MAP-locator-cities-boundaries.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/64125">map of Oklahoma</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div><button disabled="true" class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span></button><button disabled="true" class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span></button></div><p class="topic-paragraph"><strong><span id="ref614399"></span>Oklahoma</strong>, <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="constituent" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituent" data-type="MW">constituent</a> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/state-United-States-political-subdivision" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">state</a> of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">United States of America</a>. It borders <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Colorado-state" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Colorado</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Kansas" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Kansas</a> to the north, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Missouri-state" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Missouri</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Arkansas-state" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Arkansas</a> to the east, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Texas-state" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Texas</a> to the south and west, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Mexico" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">New Mexico</a> to the west of its Panhandle region. In its land and its people, Oklahoma is a state of contrast and of the unexpected. The terrain varies from the rolling, timbered hills of the east to the treeless high plains that extend from the Panhandle region into Texas and New Mexico. Oklahoma’s east-central region is dominated by the lowlands of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Arkansas-River" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Arkansas River</a>, sweeping in from Colorado and Kansas, and by the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Red-River" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Red River</a>, which forms nearly all of its southern border with Texas. The capital is <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-City" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Oklahoma City</a>, near the centre of the state.</p><span class="marker MOD1 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD2 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The word Oklahoma is derived from two <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Choctaw" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Choctaw</a> words: <em>okla</em>, “people,” and <em>humma</em>, “red.” During the 19th century the future state was a symbol of one of the least glorious chapters in American history, becoming known as <span id="ref614400"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Indian-Territory" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Indian Territory</a>, the dumping ground for eastern <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Native-American" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Native American</a> tribes displaced by settlers’ ever-increasing hunger for land. Since its admission in 1907 as the 46th state of the union, however, Oklahoma has achieved an <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="integration" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integration" data-type="MW">integration</a> of its Native American citizens into modern economic and social life that probably is unmatched by any other state. There is no reservation in the usual sense for the Native American population. Though poverty is <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="endemic" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endemic" data-type="MW">endemic</a> among them, many Oklahoma Indians have risen to positions of distinction, and tribal revenue distributions have enabled many more to share in the great wealth that <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/petroleum" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">petroleum</a> resources have brought to the state.</p><div class="js-qf-module qf-module px-40 px-sm-20 py-15 mx-auto module-spacing font-14 bg-gray-50 rounded"> <div class="qf-title font-weight-bold font-14 mb-10 text-center"> Quick Facts</div> <div class="m-n10 "> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 media-slider card-snap-slider col-100"> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex col-100"> <div class="rw-track w-100"> <div class="pt-10 d-inline-flex col-100"> <div class="w-100"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/14/3214-050-2C7A767C/star-flag-field-Oklahoma-contest-color-sky-1941.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/61622" class="media-overlay-link card-media d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center px-20" > <div class="position-relative"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/14/3214-050-2C7A767C/star-flag-field-Oklahoma-contest-color-sky-1941.jpg" alt="Oklahoma: flag" class="cropped-false w-100 media-slide-img" /> <em class="material-icons qf-zoom" data-icon="zoom_in"></em> <div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg"> 1 of 4</div> </div> </a> <div class="card-body text-center pt-5 pb-10 font-14"> <span>See article: <a href="/topic/flag-of-Oklahoma">flag of Oklahoma</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-10 d-inline-flex col-100"> <div class="w-100"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/3216-004-B82BFA0F/state-seal-Indian-design-Oklahoma-Sequoyah-republics-1907.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/61624" class="media-overlay-link card-media d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center px-20" > <div class="position-relative"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/3216-004-B82BFA0F/state-seal-Indian-design-Oklahoma-Sequoyah-republics-1907.jpg" alt="state seal of Oklahoma" class="cropped-false w-100 media-slide-img" /> <em class="material-icons qf-zoom" data-icon="zoom_in"></em> <div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg"> 2 of 4</div> </div> </a> <div class="card-body text-center pt-5 pb-10 font-14"> Seal of Oklahoma</div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-10 d-inline-flex col-100"> <div class="w-100"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/64123-004-0A495989/state-bird-Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/53759" class="media-overlay-link card-media d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center px-20" > <div class="position-relative"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/64123-004-0A495989/state-bird-Oklahoma.jpg" alt="scissor-tailed flycatcher" class="cropped-false w-100 media-slide-img" /> <em class="material-icons qf-zoom" data-icon="zoom_in"></em> <div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg"> 3 of 4</div> </div> </a> <div class="card-body text-center pt-5 pb-10 font-14"> scissor-tailed flycatcher</div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-10 d-inline-flex col-100"> <div class="w-100"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/24/64124-004-CECFFDF5/Mistletoe-Oklahoma-state-flower.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/53758" class="media-overlay-link card-media d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center px-20" > <div class="position-relative"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/24/64124-004-CECFFDF5/Mistletoe-Oklahoma-state-flower.jpg" alt="mistletoe" class="cropped-false w-100 media-slide-img" /> <em class="material-icons qf-zoom" data-icon="zoom_in"></em> <div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg"> 4 of 4</div> </div> </a> <div class="card-body text-center pt-5 pb-10 font-14"> mistletoe</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button disabled class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Previous"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span> </button> <button disabled class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Next"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-list mt-10"> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Also Known As: </dt> <dd>Sooner State</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Capital: </dt> <dd><a href="/place/Oklahoma-City">Oklahoma City</a></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population<Sup>1</Sup>: </dt> <dd>(2020) 3,959,353; (2023 est.) 4,053,824</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Governor: </dt> <dd>Kevin Stitt (Republican)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Date Of Admission: </dt> <dd>November 16, 1907</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>U.S. Senators: </dt> <dd><a href="/biography/Jim-Inhofe">James M. Inhofe</a> (Republican)</dd> <dd><a href="/biography/James-Lankford">James Lankford</a> (Republican)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>State Nickname: </dt> <dd>Sooner State</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>State Motto: </dt> <dd>"Labor Omnia Vincit (Labor Conquers All Things)"</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>State Bird<Sup>2</Sup>: </dt> <dd>scissor-tailed flycatcher</dd> <dd>wild turkey</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>State Flower<Sup>3</Sup>: </dt> <dd>Oklahoma hybrid rose</dd> <dd>American mistletoe</dd> <dd>Indian blanket</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>State Song: </dt> <dd>“Oklahoma!”</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Seats In U.S. House Of Representatives: </dt> <dd>5 (of 435)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Time Zone: </dt> <dd>Central (GMT − 6 hours)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Km): </dt> <dd>181,037</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Mi): </dt> <dd>69,899</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> <div class="footnotes mb-15"> <ol> <li>Excluding military abroad.</li> <li>The wild turkey is the state gamebird.</li> <li>The Indian blanket is the state wildflower.</li> </ol> </div> <div class="text-center"> <a class="btn btn-sm btn-link p-0" href="/facts/Oklahoma-state"> See all related content </a> </div> </div> </div> <button class="facts-list-show-more-btn mt-15 p-0 mx-auto btn font-14 d-block font-weight-normal"> <span class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_more"></span> <span class="show-more-label">Show More</span> </button> </div><span class="marker MOD2 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD3 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Once basically agricultural—and the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Dust-Bowl" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Dust Bowl</a> locale of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Steinbeck" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">John Steinbeck</a>’s novel <em>The Grapes of Wrath</em>—Oklahoma now has hundreds of lakes, many of them man-made, and an increasingly diversified economy in which tourism is ever more important. The customs of the Deep South are maintained in the habits and attitudes of southern Oklahoma—“Little Dixie”—despite the decline in cotton production. The customs of the wheat growers in the north, however, reflect their largely Kansan origins. Area 69,899 square miles (181,037 square km). Population (2020) 3,959,353; (2023 est.) 4,053,824.</p><span class="marker MOD3 mod-inline"></span></section> <span class="marker h2"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref79006"><h2 class="h1"><span id="ref614401"></span>Land</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD4 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies multiple medialist slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100" data-type="other"><div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex"><div class="rw-track d-flex align-items-center"><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="3825" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/40/4840-050-99D33895/Southwest.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/426523/3825"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/40/4840-050-99D33895/Southwest.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/40/4840-050-99D33895/Southwest.jpg?w=300" alt="United States: Southwest" data-width="2000" data-height="1348" loading="eager"></picture><div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg">1 of 2</div><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/40/4840-050-99D33895/Southwest.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/3825">United States: Southwest</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="64126" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/28/20628-050-4A5FB831/Oklahoma.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/426523/64126"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/28/20628-050-4A5FB831/Oklahoma.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/28/20628-050-4A5FB831/Oklahoma.jpg?w=300" alt="Oklahoma features" data-width="1600" data-height="1135" loading="eager"></picture><div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg">2 of 2</div><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/28/20628-050-4A5FB831/Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/64126">Oklahoma features</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div><button disabled="true" class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span></button><button disabled="true" class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span></button></div><p class="topic-paragraph">Lying in a transitional zone in <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="topography" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topography" data-type="MW">topography</a>, climate, and other features, both east to west and north to south, Oklahoma <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="comprises" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprises" data-type="MW">comprises</a> a number of environments—from mountainous to plains, semiarid to humid, and grassland to forest.</p><span class="marker MOD4 mod-inline"></span> <section data-level="2" id="ref280844"><h2 class="h2">Relief</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD5 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="116905" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/123252-050-A653A57F/Mesas-Gloss-Mountain-State-Park-Oklahoma.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/426523/116905"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/123252-050-A653A57F/Mesas-Gloss-Mountain-State-Park-Oklahoma.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/123252-050-A653A57F/Mesas-Gloss-Mountain-State-Park-Oklahoma.jpg?w=300" alt="mesa" data-width="1600" data-height="1063" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/123252-050-A653A57F/Mesas-Gloss-Mountain-State-Park-Oklahoma.jpg" data-href="/media/1/426523/116905">mesa</a><span>Mesas in Gloss Mountain State Park, western Oklahoma.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">Three of the country’s large physiographic regions extend into or across the state. The Interior Highlands (Ozark Plateaus and Ouachita provinces) cover part of eastern Oklahoma; the Atlantic Plain (Coastal Plain provinces), extending through Texas to the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Gulf-of-Mexico" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Gulf of Mexico</a>, is in the southeast; and the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Interior-Lowlands-region-North-America" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Interior Plains</a>, including the Central Lowland and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Great-Plains" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Great Plains</a> provinces, cover the remainder. Ten subregions lie within Oklahoma. Three are mountainous and in the south—the <span id="ref614402"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Ouachita-Mountains" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Ouachita</a>, Arbuckle, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Wichita-people" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Wichita</a> mountains—and are characterized by rough topography and thin soils; lumbering, grazing, some farming, and mining are their principal economic activities, although these are being <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="surpassed" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/surpassed" data-type="EB">surpassed</a> by recreation and tourism. The northeastern <span id="ref614403"></span>Ozark Plateaus province, most of which lies in Missouri and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Quapaw-people" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Arkansas</a>, has rough terrain and small fields devoted primarily to growing fruits and vegetables. Once important as a lead and zinc producer, the plateau region has a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cherokee-people" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Cherokee</a> heritage and beautiful rivers that make it a major recreation and tourist attraction.</p><a class="link-module shadow-sm d-block qa-quiz-module" href="/quiz/50-states-50-fun-facts-quiz" data-link-module-iframe-link=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/41/257741-131-8B99D74E/USA-United-States-watercolor-map-illustration.jpg" alt="USA, United States watercolor map Illustration in rainbow colors" class="rounded-sm mr-15" width="70" /> <div class="line-clamp clamp-5"> <div class="module-title bg-green">Britannica Quiz</div> <div class="font-weight-semi-bold mt-5">50 States, 50 Fun Facts Quiz</div> </div> </a><span class="marker MOD5 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD6 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The <span id="ref614404"></span>Sandstone Hills, a wide band stretching through the east-central portion of the state between the Red River and the Kansas border, lacks timber and is a poor site for agriculture but is important for its oil, gas, and coal deposits. The region is sprinkled with deserted or dying oil-boom towns, with <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Tulsa" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Tulsa</a> a prosperous exception. The sparsely populated Gypsum Hills section of western Oklahoma is devoted largely to <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="grazing" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/grazing" data-type="EB">grazing</a> and farming, with large wheat acreages in the north and smaller cotton farms in the south.</p><span class="marker MOD6 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD7 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The remaining four subregions are flat to rolling and are agricultural. The <span id="ref614405"></span>Red River Plains, once the area of the best farmlands in the state, has been depleted by cotton cultivation. Its agriculture has been diversified by the addition of peanuts (groundnuts), melons, and vegetables grown on medium-sized plots. Its population is relatively dense, with many small towns serving as trade centres. The <span id="ref614406"></span>Prairie Plains region in the northeast is marked by grazing in its rougher portions and vegetable farms in the river valleys. Oil and gas fields are common, as is strip-mining for coal. It contains a number of middle-sized towns, some of which have small <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/manufacturing" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">manufacturing</a> plants. The <span id="ref614407"></span>Red Beds Plains <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="constitute" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitute" data-type="MW">constitute</a> the largest of Oklahoma’s 10 subregions, running through the middle of the state. Both Oklahoma’s greatest population density and most of its larger towns are located there; oil provides much of the income. Although cotton rules in the south and wheat in the north, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/corn-plant" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">corn</a> (maize), watermelons, sorghum, alfalfa, vegetables, and livestock are common. The sparsely populated <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/High-Plains" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">High Plains</a> region, <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="encompassing" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompassing" data-type="MW">encompassing</a> the Panhandle and a small <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="adjacent" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adjacent" data-type="MW">adjacent</a> portion of northwestern Oklahoma, offers a marked contrast. With the highest elevation and the least moisture, the eastern portion of this region is dominated by wheat and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/natural-gas" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">natural gas</a> production and the western by grazing.</p><div class="module-spacing"> <DIV class="marketing-INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION marketing-content" data-marketing-id="INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION"><style> .student-promo-banner-wrapper { container-type: inline-size; margin-bottom: 15px; } @container (min-width: 475px) { .student-promo-banner { flex-direction: row; } .student-promo-banner-img-wrapper { margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 10px; justify-content: flex-start; } .student-promo-banner-text-wrapper { text-align: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; } .student-promo-banner-button-wrapper { margin-right: 0; } }</style> <div class="student-promo-banner-wrapper"> <div class="student-promo-banner d-flex flex-column align-items-center bg-blue rounded p-20"> <div class="student-promo-banner-img-wrapper mb-20 mr-0 d-flex justify-content-center"> <img class="rounded" style="max-width: 100px; min-width: 80px" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/BlueThistle.webp" /> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-text-wrapper ml-0 mb-10 text-center text-white"> <div class="h2 mb-10">Get Unlimited Access</div> <div class="h4 font-weight-semi-bold">Try Britannica Premium for free and discover more.</div> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-button-wrapper d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center ml-auto mr-auto"> <a class="btn btn-m btn-orange" href="https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=black-friday-2024">Subscribe</a> </div> </div> </div> </DIV></div><div class="one-good-fact-module"> </div><span class="marker MOD7 mod-inline"></span></section> <section data-level="2" id="ref280845"><h2 class="h2">Drainage</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD8 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Oklahoma’s drainage pattern, consisting of the Arkansas and Red rivers and their tributaries, slopes from an elevation of 4,973 feet (1,516 metres) at Black Mesa in the northwest to about 300 feet (90 metres) on the Red River in the southeast. Most of Oklahoma’s lakes and reservoirs are man-made, having been created through the <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="damming" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/damming" data-type="EB">damming</a> of rivers and streams for the purposes of flood control, the generation of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/hydroelectric-power" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">hydroelectric power</a>, or the creation of recreational opportunities. The largest body of water in the state in terms of volume is Lake Texoma, on the Texas-Oklahoma border. It is impounded by a dam (completed 1944) on the Red River near Denison, Texas. Dams on tributaries of the Red River and on streams belonging to the Arkansas River system have similarly impounded many man-made lakes. Generally, the only natural lakes in Oklahoma are <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/oxbow-lake" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">oxbow lakes</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/playa" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">playas</a>, which usually evaporate for at least a portion of the year.</p><span class="marker MOD8 mod-inline"></span></section> </section><span class="marker end-of-content"></span><span class="marker after-article"></span></div> <div id="chatbot-root"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ai-dialog-placeholder"></div> </div> </div> <aside class="col-md-da-320"></aside> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div></div> </div> </main> <div id="md-footer"></div> <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5W6NC8" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <script type="text/javascript" id="_informizely_script_tag"> var IzWidget = IzWidget || {}; (function (d) { var scriptElement = d.createElement('script'); scriptElement.type = 'text/javascript'; scriptElement.async = true; scriptElement.src = "https://insitez.blob.core.windows.net/site/f780f33e-a610-4ac2-af81-3eb184037547.js"; var node = d.getElementById('_informizely_script_tag'); node.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, node); } )(document); </script>  <script> window.ap3c = window.ap3c || {}; var ap3c = window.ap3c; ap3c.cmd = ap3c.cmd || []; ap3c.cmd.push(function() { ap3c.init('ZO4siT4cLwnykPnzZWJtd3Byb2Q', 'https://engage.email.britannica.com/'); ap3c.track({v: 0}); }); ap3c.activity = function(act) { ap3c.act = (ap3c.act || []); ap3c.act.push(act); }; var s, t; s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.src = "https://engage.email.britannica.com/app.js"; t = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); </script> <script class="marketing-page-info" type="application/json"> {"pageType":"Topic","templateName":"DESKTOP","pageNumber":1,"pagesTotal":7,"pageId":426523,"pageLength":1043,"initialLoad":true,"lastPageOfScroll":false} </script> <script class="marketing-content-info" type="application/json"> [] </script> <script src="https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/js/libs/jquery-3.5.0.min.js?v=3.130.14"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-type="Init Mendel Code Splitting"> (function() { $.ajax({ dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: 'https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/dist/topic-page.js?v=3.130.14' }); })(); </script> <script class="analytics-metadata" type="application/json"> {"leg":"D","adLeg":"D","userType":"ANONYMOUS","pageType":"Topic","pageSubtype":null,"articleTemplateType":"STATE_PAGINATED","gisted":false,"pageNumber":1,"hasSummarizeButton":false,"hasAskButton":false} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> EBStat={accountId:-1,hostnameOverride:'webstats.eb.com',domain:'www.britannica.com', json:''}; </script> <script type="text/javascript"> ( function() { $.ajax( { dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: '//www.britannica.com/webstats/mendelstats.js?v=1' } ) .done( function() { try {writeStat(null,EBStat);} catch(err){} } ); })(); </script> <div id="bc-fixed-dialogue"></div> </body> </html>

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Oklahoma | Capital, Map, Population, & Facts | Britannica