Oklahoma: Sooner State

Oklahoma, in the South Central region, has Native American heritage (39 tribes), oil industry, tornado alley weather, and college football passion. The "Sooner State" nickname references the 1889 land rush when some settlers jumped the gun.

Oklahoma features diverse geography from High Plains in the Panhandle to Ozark foothills. Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city, experienced oil boom and 1995 bombing. Tulsa was once "Oil Capital of the World" with Art Deco architecture. Route 66 crosses the state. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s devastated Oklahoma, inspiring "Grapes of Wrath." Tornado season brings severe weather.

Oklahoma's economy includes oil and gas, agriculture, aviation, and biotechnology. The state has the second-largest Native American population. Red dirt and cowboy culture are part of identity. Oklahoma has conservative politics and strong evangelical Christian presence. University of Oklahoma football is hugely popular. Will Rogers, Woody Guthrie, and Carrie Underwood are from Oklahoma. Despite challenges, Oklahomans maintain frontier resilience and hospitality.