Arkansas
The Natural State
Quick Stats
Map
Seal & Motto
"Regnat Populus"
Additional Information
Latin for "The People Rule."
Adopted 1864/1907.
Population Growth
Overview
Arkansas, celebrated as "The Natural State," is a gem of the South-Central U.S., defined by its diverse geography of rugged mountains, dense forests, and the fertile Mississippi Delta. From its world-class hot springs to its rolling river valleys, the state offers a rich tapestry of outdoor adventure and a deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Historical Significance
Arkansas officially joined the Union on June 15, 1836, as the 25th state. A pivotal region in the expansion of the American frontier, it later became a central focus of the Civil Rights Movement, most famously during the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957, an event that became a landmark in the struggle for American equality.
Top Cities & Hubs
Little Rock
Population: ~200,000The state capital and cultural heartbeat of Arkansas, located on the banks of the Arkansas River and home to major historical sites and a vibrant downtown River Market district.
Fayetteville
Population: ~95,000A booming city in the Ozark Mountains and home to the University of Arkansas, widely recognized for its high quality of life, arts scene, and innovative business climate.
Fort Smith
Population: ~90,000A historic frontier town that served as a gateway to the American West, now a regional manufacturing leader known for its preservation of Old West history and architecture.
Springdale
Population: ~85,000Often called the "Poultry Capital of the World," it is a major industrial hub and the headquarters for Tyson Foods, driving the region's agricultural and transit economies.
Jonesboro
Population: ~80,000The largest city in Northeast Arkansas, serving as a significant regional center for healthcare, education, and commerce in the fertile Mississippi Delta region.
Key Landmarks & Economy
Did You Know?
- Arkansas is home to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds at their source.
- The state is a major agricultural force, producing nearly half of all the rice grown in the entire United States.
- The Ozark National Forest covers over 1 million acres and features the highest mountain in the state, Mount Magazine.