Capital City: Oklahoma City
Population: 3,579,212
Top Industry: Energy
Total Area: 68,667 square miles
Oklahoma Metropolitan Areas
Oklahoma is home to three cities with populations over 100,000 and 40 with populations exceeding 10,000. Approximately 58% of all Oklahoma residents live within designated large metropolitan areas.
Oklahoma City – Not only is this city the capital, but it also the largest city in the state in terms of population and land area. Oklahoma City has a population of nearly 540,000 and a metro area with more than 1.1 million people. The city is well-known for its energy industry and large government sector.
Tulsa – The city of Tulsa has a population just under 400,000 and a metropolitan with nearly 900,000 residents, which is projected to grow to more than one million in the next five years. Tulsa is also one of the most important centers for the American oil industry.
Norman – Located just 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City, Norman has just over 100,000 full-time residents and is the location of the University of Oklahoma, which has more than 35,000 full-time students.
Oklahoma Transportation
Two of the most important interstate highways in the United States pass through Oklahoma: Interstate 35 and Interstate 40.
Interstate 35 is a major interstate that runs north and south through the middle of the United States. It extends from northern Minnesota down to Laredo, Texas on the Mexico border. In Oklahoma, the interstate passes through a number of Oklahoma’s major cities including Oklahoma City and Norman.
Interstate 40 is a major east and west interstate that stretches from North Carolina on the east coast to southern California in the west. The interstate passes through the heart of the state for a total length of 532 miles.
Oklahoma Industries
One of Oklahoma’s most important industries is energy; the state is a leading producer of natural gas, crude oil, wind energy, and drilling rigs and home to numerous major oil corporations.
Aerospace is another top industry, primarily in Tulsa. The city is home to a massive airline maintenance center (the largest in the world) and the global headquarters of the well-known carrier, American Airlines.
Agriculture plays a major role in Oklahoma’s economy. Products produced by the state include cattle, vegetables, and dairy products.