What are the Key Facts of Arkansas?

State	Arkansas
State Capital	Little Rock
Largest City	Little Rock
Coordinates	34.8°N 92.2°W
Nickname(s)	The Natural State (current), The Bear State (former)
Postal Abbreviation	AR
Area	53,180 sq. mi (137,733 sq. km)
Highest Point	Mount Magazine, 2,753 ft (839 m)
Neighboring States	Missouri, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma
Number of Counties	75
Population	3,013,825 (2018)
Date of Entering the Union	June 15, 1836
State Anthem	“Arkansas”, “Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)”, “Oh, Arkansas”, and “The Arkansas Traveler”
Governor	Asa Hutchinson (Republican)
Lieutenant Governor	Tim Griffin (Republican)
U.S. Senators	John Boozman (Republican), Tom Cotton (Republican)
U.S. House Delegation	4 Republicans
GDP (Millions of Dollars)	1,28,419
Demonym	Arkansan, Arkansawyer, Arkanite
Time Zones	UTC-06:00 (Central), Summer (DST) UTC-05:00 (CDT)

Where is Arkansas?

Arkansas, the 25th state of the USA, is located in the southeastern part of the country. Texas borders it to the southwest, Louisiana to the south, Oklahoma to the west, Mississippi to the east, Tennessee to the east, and Missouri to the north.

What is the Geography of Arkansas?

This state is spread across a total area of 53,180 sq. mi (137,733 sq. km), out of which 52,035 sq. mi (134,771 sq. km) is land area and 1,143 sq. mi (2,961 sq. km) is water area.

Almost half of the state is around 500 ft (152 m) above sea level. Signal Hill on Mount Magazine (located in the northwest part of Arkansas) above sea level is the highest elevation point of the state at 2,753 ft (839 m). The Ouachita River on the border of Union and Ashley Counties is the lowest elevation point at 55 ft (17 m) above sea level.

Some of the major mountains in this state are Mount Magazine, Rich Mountain, Poteau Mountain and Black Fork Mountain. The longest rivers in the state are Mississippi River, Arkansas River, Red River, Ouachita River and White River. Some of the major lakes are Ouachita, Millwood, Bull Shoals, and Beaver.

The landform in this state changes dramatically from northwest to southeast. A part of the Ozark Plateau is found in the state. This lowland consists of heavily forested low mountains or hills and deep valleys. Multiple small rivers and streams are found in these landscapes. 

The Arkansas River is located south of the Ozarks. The Ozarks Valley, along with the river, cut a dramatic path across this state. The highest elevation point in the Magazine Mountain is located in this landform. In the eastern ridges and valleys of the Ouachita Mountains, hot springs are found. The largest spring in this state, Mammoth Spring, is located in the far northern part of the state. Nine million gallons of water per hour flows through this National Natural Landmark, thereby forming a scenic 10-acre lake.

On the fringes of the Ouachitas and Ozarks, the Mississippi Delta Region’s almost flat landscape dominate the eastern and far-southern areas of Arkansas. Mississippi River is the most important river in the country flowing from northwestern Minnesota towards the south to the Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi River, along with its major tributaries such as the Ohio River and the Missouri River form the third largest river system in the world, whose length is 2,339 mi (3,765 km).

What is the Climate of Arkansas?

The climate in Arkansas is primarily humid subtropical in nature, characterized by hot or humid summers and mild or cold winters.

During summer, the climate remains warm and humid. The average high temperature of this state during July (the warmest month of summer) revolves around 33.9°C (93°F). However, the temperature can go up to 37.8°C (100°F) or sometimes even 43.3°C (110°F) in the southern part of this state.

During winter, the high temperature in January can go down to 10.6°C (51°F) and even to 0°C (32°F) in some places. The spring season is comfortable, but frost and freezes can take place occasionally. In the east and southern parts, the weather remains mild and sunny during autumn. While the weather stays the driest during autumn, it remains the wettest during winter in Arkansas.

The rainfall level varies from one region to the other. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains gets more rainfall than the rest. The average annual rainfall ranges within 40 inches (1016 mm) and 60 inches (1524mm). The fall season is the best time to visit Arkansas.

What is the Economy of Arkansas?

The total Gross Domestic Product of this state was US$ 128,418.9 million in 2018, a significant increase from US$ 97,058.9 million in 2009. This state exported $6,447,011,932 value of items and imported $11,523,361,409 value of items, resulting in a negative balance of trade of -$5,076,349,477.

The major export items of Arkansas are aircraft, industrial machinery, arms and ammunition, electrical machinery, cereals, organic chemicals, etc. The major import items are industrial machinery, aircraft, electrical machinery, footwear, toys and sports equipment, etc. This state was the 37th largest exporter state in the US in 2018. The value of export increased at a rate of 12% during 2008-2018 (from US$671 million in 2008 to US$6.4 billion in 2018).

The unemployment rate has dropped significantly in the last decade. The unemployment rate peaked at 8.5% during Jan-May 2011. However, it came down to 3.5% in October 2019 (lower than the national average of 3.6%). The maximum number of unemployed was 115,811 in March 2011. However, it has now come down to 47,794 in October 2019. The poverty rate in Arkansas was 16.4% (478,365 in absolute numbers) in 2018.

What is the Transportation System of Arkansas?

The transport system in this state is mainly dependent upon roadways and airways, followed by the railways. There are 16,442.90 miles (26,462.28 km) long Interstates, US Highways, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation maintains state Highways in the state and them.

While US Route 67 is the longest (296.95 miles or 477.89 km) from Texarkana to Missouri, Arkansas Highway 806 and Arkansas Highway 885 are the shortest (0.09 miles or 0.14 km) routes.

There are mainly six types of railways available in the state: Class I Railroads, Regional Railroads, Shortline and Terminal Railroads, Commuter Railroads, Heritage and Scenic Railroads, and Industrial Rail Operations.

The major airports of this state are Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (in Fayetteville), Fort Smith Regional Airport (in Fort Smith), Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (in Little Rock), Texarkana Regional Airport (in Texarkana), etc.

What are the nicknames of Arkansas? Why is it called “The Natural State”?

The official nickname of Arkansas is “The Natural State”. The nickname was officially adopted in 1995 by the legislature to highlight the abundance of natural beauty including picturesque mountains, dense woodland, valleys, fertile plains, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. The adoption of this new name is intended to promote tourism here in this state.

Other nicknames of this state were Land of Opportunity, The Wonder State, The Razorback State, The Hot Springs State, The Bowie State, The Bear State, and The Toothpick State.

What are the Popular Tourist Attractions in Arkansas?

Most popular tourist spots in this state are Hot Springs National Park, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Buffalo National River, Arkansas Air Museum, Mammoth Spring State Park, Crater of Diamonds State Park, Thorncrown Chapel, Mount Magazine State Park, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Blanchard Springs Caverns, etc.

Facts About Arkansas

1. Altitudes in Arkansas vary from 2,753 feet above sea level at Mount Magazine to 54 feet above sea level in the distant southeastern end of the state. Mount Magazine is the tallest peak of the state.
2. One of the biggest municipal parks in the country is situated at North Little Rock.
3. The society of Mountain View is nicknamed the Folk Capital of America. The small township maintains the innovative lifestyle and exhibits it for tourists from March through October at the Ozark Folk Center State Park.
4. The path to the White House for U.S. President William Jefferson Clinton started in Hope. Subsequently, he toured Hot Springs, Fayetteville, and Little Rock.
5. The state houses more than 600,000 acres of lagoons and 9,700 miles of watercourses and streams.
6. Arkansas is home to six national parks, seven national scenic trails, 2.5 million acres of national forests, 50 state parks, and three state scenic byroads.
7. The Quapaw Quarter is one of the best renovation ventures in the United States. It boasts some of oldest constructions in Little Rock such as Victorian and non-modern residences, MacArthur Park, cathedrals, and the Old Arsenal.
8. Mountain View houses one of the biggest producers of hand-crafted stringed instruments in the world.
9. From the 1830s, luminaries as varied as Babe Ruth, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Al Capone have taken a bath at the place currently named as Hot Springs National Park. The park is fully encircled by the Hot Springs City, which was the childhood residence of U.S. President Bill Clinton.
10. Crater of Diamonds State Park is situated just away from Murfreesboro. It permits enthusiastic miners to look for valuable stones such as amethyst, diamonds, jasper, garnet, quartz, and agate.
11. The official state bird is the mockingbird. It was adopted in 1929.
12. Clark Bluff looks over the St. Francis River. The area is a major resource of calcium carbonate and delivered the country for an extensive period.
13. Kingsland is the hometown of the notable artist Johnny Cash.
14. The official state flower is the apple blossom and it was adopted in 1901.
15. The Magnet Cove area houses around 102 types of minerals.
16. Every year, the Championship Duck Calling Contest of the World takes place in Stuttgart.
17. Sam Walton established his Wal-Mart outlets in Bentonville.
18. Mount Ida is nicknamed the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World.
19. On June 15, 1836, Arkansas was admitted to the Union as the 25th state.
20. The official state tree is the pine tree. It was adopted in 1939.
21. Pine Bluff is noted for being the global hub for archery bow manufacturing.
22. Camden is the place where the Battle of Poison Springs and Fort Lookout Conflict took place.
23. The official state mineral is Bauxite, which was adopted in 1967.
24. Alma is nicknamed the Spinach Capital of the World.
25. Little River County Federal Court is renowned all over the world for its Christmas lights show.
26. Little Rock is the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, fighter and national leader. He was born here in 1880.
27. Arkansas Post was set up in close proximity to the mouth of the Arkansas River in 1686. It was the oldest long-term white colony in the state.
28. The geographical core of Arkansas lies in Pulaski, which is located 12 miles northwest to Little Rock.
29. Fairfield Bay City is located on the northern coast of Greers Ferry Lake, a mountainous lagoon of dazzling waters in the heart of Arkansas, which spans 40,000 acres.
30. In 1907, the University of Central Arkansas was established in Conway.
31. In the month of January, the average temperature is 39.5 degrees, and in July, it is 81.4 degrees. The yearly average temperature is 61.7 degrees. The average snowfall is 5.2 inches and the average precipitation is 48.52 inches.
32. Texarkana is the birthplace of Scott Joplin, the famous singer and songwriter.
33. The official state gemstone is the diamond. It was adopted in 1967.
34. Arkansas is nicknamed The Natural State.
35. The most extensive river to run into the Mississippi-Missouri river network is the Arkansas River. The river is 1,450 miles long.
36. The official state fruit is the South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink Tomato. It was adopted in 1987.
37. The official state drink is milk. It was adopted in 1985.
38. The biggest self-supporting stony structure situated in Eureka Springs has a perimeter of approximately 10 inches at its foundation. The pinnacle of the structure gauges about 10 feet from corner to corner.
39. The official state flower is the apple blossom. It was adopted in 1901.
40. The oldest national forest in the Southern United States is the Ouachita National Forest.
41. The lowest point in Arkansas is situated beside the Ouachita River.
42. The name of the state was derived from French explanation of Acansa, a Sioux term, which stands for downriver site.
43. The demonym of Arkansas is Arkansan.
44. The official state insect is the honeybee. It was adopted in 1973.
45. The Colbert Raid took place at Arkansas Post in 1783. The event was the sole Revolutionary War encounter in the state.
46. The Buffalo River is one of the limited numbers of uncontaminated, free-running torrents in the lower 48 states of the U.S.
47. The official state musical instrument is the fiddle. It was adopted in 1985.
48. 47 Fountains run from the southwestern incline of Hot Springs Mountain and its average temperature is 143˚ F.
49. The Ozark National Forest encompasses over one million acres.
50. The official state rock is the quartz crystal. It was adopted in 1967.

Related Links:

• Popular Places to Visit in Arkansas

• What is Arkansas Known for?
• Arkansas Map
• Arkansas Zip Code Map