States and Territories
Oklahoma, the "Sooner State"
Abbreviation: OK
The name Oklahoma comes from two Choctaw Indian words, okla, which means "people", and "humma", which means "red." In 1889, Congress opened up 2 million acres for white settlement (it was previously open only to Native Americans who were forced to leave their homelands), and the first of a number of land runs began. Some of the state's settlers were called "Sooners" because they had already staked their land claims before the land was officially opened for settlement. In 1907, Oklahoma became the 47th state in the Union. Oklahoma is a major fuel and food-producing state. Thousands of oil and natural gas wells dot the Oklahoma landscape. Millions of white-faced beef cattle graze on Oklahoma's flat plain and low hills. Fertile fields produce vast crops of wheat. Will Rogers, the famous Oklahoma cowboy humorist, once said, "There ought to be a law against anybody going to Europe until they have seen the things we have in this country". He may have been thinking of some of the scenic spots in his home state. The range of Oklahoma's attractions include beautiful natural settings, Indian villages and striking modern buildings.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Oklahoma City
Governor: Brad Henry, D (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: James Inhofe, R (to Jan. 2009); Tom Coburn, R (to Jan. 2011)
House of Representatives: 5 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 3,450,654; National Rank: 27; Percent change since 1990: 9.7%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 26
Land Area: 68,679 sq mi. (177,877 sq km); National Rank: 20
10 largest cities (2000): Oklahoma City, 506,132; Tulsa, 393,049; Norman, 95,694; Lawton, 92,757; Broken Arrow, 74,859; Edmond, 68,315; Midwest City, 54,088; Enid, 47,045; Moore, 41,138; Stillwater, 39,065
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 93,855; National rank: 29; Percent change since 1990: 38%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 44 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $24,945; National Rank: 39 (82% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 2,443; National Rank: 37
Agriculture: Cattle, wheat, milk, poultry, cotton.
Industry: Transportation equipment, machinery, electric products, rubber and plastic products, food processing.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information
Statistics
- Oklahoma Profile - Fedstats
- Census 2000 Data for the State of Oklahoma
- Census State Data Centers: Oklahoma
Background
Travel
- State Tourist Office
- Map
- Oklahoma Historical Society - Sites and Museums
- Oklahoma Parks, Resorts & Golf
For Kids
Teacher Resources