# Arkansas

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q1612](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1612)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkansas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arkansas

## Summary
Arkansas is a state located in the South Central United States, specifically within the West South Central states and the contiguous United States. Admitted to the Union on June 15, 1836, it succeeded the Arkansas Territory and designates Little Rock as its capital and largest city. Known by the nickname "The Natural State" and the motto "Regnat populus" (The People Rule), it is a constituent political entity of the United States with an official language of English.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Admitted to the United States on June 15, 1836.
- **Capital**: Little Rock (also the largest city).
- **Country**: United States of America.
- **Region**: Part of the West South Central states and the contiguous United States.
- **Nickname**: The Natural State.
- **Motto**: Regnat populus.
- **Official Language**: English.
- **Population**: 3,011,524 (latest estimate provided).
- **Area**: 137,733 km².
- **Highest Elevation**: 198 m.
- **Coordinates**: 34.8°N, 92.2°W.
- **FIPS Code**: 05.
- **ISO Code**: US-AR.
- **Postal Abbreviation**: AR.
- **Demonym**: Arkansan (also Arkansawyer, Arkanite, Arkie).
- **Website**: https://portal.arkansas.gov/.
- **Preceded by**: Arkansas Territory.
- **Named After**: Entity Q1268882.
- **Sitelink Count**: 221.

## FAQs
**What is the capital and largest city of Arkansas?**
Little Rock serves as both the seat of Pulaski County and the capital and largest city of Arkansas.

**When did Arkansas become a state?**
Arkansas was admitted to the United States on June 15, 1836, succeeding the Arkansas Territory which existed from 1819 to 1836.

**What are the state's nickname and motto?**
The state is nicknamed "The Natural State" and its motto is "Regnat populus," which translates to "The People Rule."

**What geographic regions is Arkansas part of?**
Arkansas is located in the West South Central states and the contiguous United States. It is also part of the Ark-La-Tex region and the Rice Belt.

**What are the major universities in Arkansas?**
Notable institutions include Arkansas State University (located in Jonesboro) and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.

**What is the population of Arkansas?**
According to the provided data, the population estimates range from 1,574,449 to 3,011,524, with the latest figure being 3,011,524.

## Why It Matters
Arkansas holds significance as a key state in the South Central United States, contributing to the cultural and geographic identity of the West South Central region. Its transition from the Arkansas Territory to statehood in 1836 marks an important phase in American westward expansion. The state is notable for its rich natural resources, encapsulated by its nickname "The Natural State," featuring diverse geography that includes the Ozarks, Ouachita Mountains, and major river systems like the Arkansas and White Rivers. It serves as an educational hub through institutions like Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. Historically, it has been the site of significant events such as the Red River campaign during the Civil War and the Jerome War Relocation Center during World War II.

## Notable For
- **Crater of Diamonds State Park**: A public diamond mine located in the state.
- **Geography**: Home to the Ouachita National Forest, Ozark–St. Francis National Forest, and Buffalo National River.
- **Tallest Building**: The Metropolitan National Bank Tower is the tallest skyscraper in the state.
- **Higher Education**: Hosts Arkansas State University (flagship of the Arkansas State University System) and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
- **Music**: The rock band Evanescence originated here.
- **Historical Sites**: Features the Arkansas State Capitol, Cathedral of St. Andrew, and Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel.
- **Military History**: Home to the USS Razorback (a 1944 Balao-class submarine) and associated with the USS Arkansas (1911 Wyoming-class battleship).
- **Transportation**: Served by Interstate Highways 30, 40, 49, and 55, as well as the Texas Eagle Amtrak line.
- **Theme Parks**: Formerly home to Dogpatch USA and currently hosts Magic Springs and Crystal Falls.
- **Sports**: Hosts the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and the Little Rock Challenger tennis tournament.

## Body

### Geography and Natural Features
Arkansas is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes highland regions, river systems, and forests. It is part of the contiguous United States and the West South Central states. The state contains the Ouachita Mountains and the Ozarks, specifically the Boston Mountains mountain range and ecoregion. Major rivers flowing through the state include the Arkansas River (a major tributary of the Mississippi River), the White River, the Red River, the St. Francis River, the Ouachita River, the Little Missouri River, the Caddo River, the Sulphur River, the Poteau River, the Black River, Bayou Bartholomew, and Bayou des Arc.

Significant protected areas include the Ouachita National Forest (spanning Arkansas and Oklahoma), the Ozark–St. Francis National Forest, and the Buffalo National River. The state is also home to Crater of Diamonds State Park, a public diamond mine, and unique geological features like Magnet Cove. The highest elevation in the state is 198 meters.

### Government and Administration
The capital of Arkansas is Little Rock, which is also the seat of Pulaski County. The state's government operates under the motto "Regnat populus" and uses the nickname "The Natural State." English is the official language. The state is administratively divided into numerous counties, including Arkansas County, Ashley County, Baxter County, Benton County, Boone County, Bradley County, Calhoun County, Carroll County, Chicot County, Clark County, Clay County, Cleburne County, Cleveland County, Columbia County, Conway County, Craighead County, Crawford County, Crittenden County, Cross County, Dallas County, Desha County, Drew County, Faulkner County, Franklin County, Fulton County, Garland County, Grant County, Greene County, Hempstead County, Hot Spring County, Howard County, Independence County, Izard County, Jackson County, Jefferson County, Johnson County, Lafayette County, Lawrence County, Lee County, Lincoln County, Little River County, Logan County, Lonoke County, Madison County, Marion County, Miller County, Mississippi County, Montgomery County, Monroe County, Montgomery County, Nevada County, Newton County, Ouachita County, Perry County, Phillips County, Pike County, Polk County, Pope County, Poinsett County, Prairie County, Pulaski County, Randolph County, Saline County, Scott County, Searcy County, Sebastian County, Sevier County, Sharp County, St. Francis County, Stone County, Union County, Van Buren County, Washington County, White County, Woodruff County, and Yell County.

### Transportation Infrastructure
Arkansas has an extensive transportation network comprising interstate highways, U.S. routes, state highways, airports, and rail lines.
- **Interstate Highways**: I-30, I-40, I-49, I-55.
- **U.S. Routes**: U.S. Route 65, U.S. Route 82, U.S. Route 425.
- **State Highways**: Arkansas Highway 12, Arkansas Highway 23.
- **Airports**: The state hosts numerous airports including Arkansas International Airport, Batesville Regional Airport, Bentonville Municipal Airport, Blytheville Municipal Airport, Boone County Airport, Booneville Municipal Airport, Carroll County Airport, Clarksville Municipal Airport, Clinton Municipal Airport, Craighead County Airport (Jonesboro Municipal), Crawford County Airport (Van Buren), Dennis F. Cantrell Field, Dexter B. Florence Memorial Field, Drake Field, Forrest City Municipal Airport, Fort Smith Regional Airport, Harrell Field, Hazen Municipal Airport, Heber Springs Municipal Airport, J. Lynn Helms Sevier County Airport, Kirk Field, Little Rock Air Force Base (implied by presence, but specifically Memorial Field Airport is listed), Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport, Memphis Memorial Airport (Millington), Monticello Municipal Airport, Monroe County Airport, Ozark Regional Airport, Pine Bluff (Grider Field), Razorback Stadium (not an airport, but listed in context), Rogers Municipal Airport, Russellville Regional Airport, Saline County Regional Airport, Searcy Municipal Airport, Sharkey Airport (Mississippi, but listed in context), Sharp County Regional Airport, Smith Field, Springdale Municipal Airport, Stuttgart Municipal Airport, Sulphur Springs Airport, Texarkana Regional Airport, Thompson-Robbins Airport, Walnut Ridge Regional Airport, West Memphis Municipal Airport, and Woodruff County Airport.
- **Rail**: The Texas Eagle passenger rail service runs through the state. Historically, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad operated in the region.
- **Bridges**: Notable bridges include the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge.

### Education
Arkansas is home to several higher education institutions.
- **Arkansas State University**: Located in Jonesboro, this public university was founded in 1909. It is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System and classified among "Master's Colleges and Universities: Larger Programs." It enrolls approximately 13,106 students and employs 1,947 staff.
- **University of Arkansas-Fort Smith**: A public university founded in 1928, part of the University of Arkansas System. It has an enrollment of around 6,265 students and is a member of the Lone Star Conference.

### Culture, History, and Landmarks
The state has a rich cultural and historical heritage.
- **Historical Events**: Arkansas was the site of the Red River campaign (1864) during the American Civil War. During World War II, the Jerome War Relocation Center, a Japanese American internment camp, was located there. The crash of American Airlines Flight 1420 occurred in Little Rock in June 1999.
- **Native American Heritage**: The state is named after the Quapaw people and is associated with the Ark-La-Tex region.
- **Religious Sites**: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock is headquartered in the state. Notable churches include the Cathedral of St. Andrew and the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel.
- **Architecture and Structures**: The Arkansas State Capitol (inception 1900) is the seat of government. The Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (inception 1938) is a major sports venue. The Metropolitan National Bank Tower is the tallest skyscraper in the state.
- **Entertainment and Recreation**: Former attractions include Dogpatch USA. Current attractions include Magic Springs and Crystal Falls amusement park. The Ozark Medieval Fortress is an unfinished reconstruction project.
- **Sports**: The state hosts the Little Rock Challenger tennis tournament.
- **Music**: The American rock band Evanescence is associated with the state.
- **Military Vessels**: The USS Arkansas (1911 Wyoming-class battleship) and the USS Razorback (1944 Balao-class submarine) are named after the state.

### Metropolitan Areas and Regions
Arkansas contains several significant metropolitan areas and regions.
- **Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway metropolitan area**: A major metropolitan area centered on the capital.
- **Northwest Arkansas**: A metropolitan area and region in the northern part of the state.
- **Ark-La-Tex**: A region consisting of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.
- **Rice Belt**: An agricultural area including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

### Cities and Communities
In addition to Little Rock, the state includes various cities and communities such as Elm Springs, Horseshoe Bend, Tillar, and Hensley. It is also home to unincorporated communities like Monroe and Eunice.

## References

1. Arkansas statutes, 1947 : comprising statutes of a general and permanent nature ... Arkansas
2. System for Award Management
3. Open ISNI for Organizations
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. CiNii Research
7. MusicBrainz
8. [Source](https://digitalheritage.arkansas.gov/constitutions/2/)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. FIPS 10-4
11. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
12. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
13. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
14. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
15. GeoNames
16. BBC Things
17. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
18. [Source](https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/state-abbreviations.htm)
19. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
20. United States Summary: 2010, Population and Housing Unit Counts, 2000 Census of Population and Housing
21. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28925-Arkansas-Vacations.html)
22. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/arkansas)
23. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
24. Google Maps
25. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
26. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
27. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
28. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Arkansas;3871106.html)
29. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
30. Golden
31. KBpedia
32. [Source](https://github.com/opencivicdata/ocd-division-ids/blob/1be9a1a8e83af5274515fca52cc7875d75174129/identifiers/country-us/states.csv)
33. museum-digital