(State of Oklahoma)

General Information:

Location: South-central United States
Capital: Oklahoma City
Language(s): English
Population: 3,956,971
Total Area: 181,195 sq km
Curious Alcohol Fact: There is a version of the Oktoberfest in Tulsa.
Most Popular Drink(s): Wines, beers – best enjoyed with our Oklahoma souvenirs!
Nickname(s): The Sooner State
What You Must Do in Oklahoma: Attend at least one pow wow.

Oklahoma Travel Video

Video Courtesy: US Historians

The State

The state of Oklahoma is shaped like a perfect rectangle but for a small panhandle on its northwestern corner. The name of the state was derived from two Choctaw Indian words: okla, which means ‘people’, and humma, which means ‘red’.

Thus, the state can be said to mean the red ‘people’. On the northern side, the state is bounded by Kansas and Colorado and to the east, you have Missouri and Arkansas. On the western side of the state is Texas and New Mexico is adjacent to the state’s Panhandle.

In 1907, the state was admitted into the Union as the 46th state and because of the fact that the state is a blend of American Indian and part of the former Oklahoma territory; you will see features of the Native Indians in the state, especially with the naming of settlements in the state.

Geographers have divided the state into three regions: Interior Plains (including the Central Plains), Coastal Plain and Interior Highlands. Rainfall is moderate all over the state but the Panhandle is considerably drier than other parts. The capital and largest city is Oklahoma City.

The People

Around 75% of the people living in the state are Whites while the other ethnic groups in the country include Blacks (African Americans), American Indians, Asians, Hispanics (Latinos), Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

But, there is also a considerable number of residents with a mixed ancestry. The percentage of American Indians in the state of Oklahoma is one of the largest in the country.

In addition, the predominant religion in the state is Christianity and the most popular denominations are the Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church (United Methodists) and the Southern Baptist Church. The religious fervor of the state is palpable and the state is seen as part of the ‘Bible Belt’.

Eating

The Sooner State is one fantastic place to exercise your sense of taste. The local and typical dishes in the state include the following: chicken fried steak, barbequed pork, sausage, cornbread, corn, biscuits and gravy and grits.

Certainly, you will surely agree that a state that has as much meals as these to offer you is a place that one must visit. And for lovers of anything made from pecans, Oklahoma is should be your destination as the state is known for offering some of the finest pecan pies, pecan brownies and pecan cookies!

However, some other dishes that you must ensure that you taste before jetting out of Oklahoma City include onion burgers (very tasty) and turnips roasted with honey and wine (you will be delighted!). These are just a few of the superb meals awaiting you in the state.

Drinking

The state of Oklahoma is not known for good foods only; it is also the place for fine wines. There are lovely wineries in various locations. But, if you really want to tour the state, it is better for you to start from the vineyards. Beers and other alcoholic drinks are also available.

Sports

Staying in Oklahoma is also tantamount to enjoying all the sports that America has to offer. These include hockey, racing, wrestling, basketball and arena football. However, other sporting activities include baseball and swimming.

Interesting Facts

Residents of the state are known as Okies!
The name of the state can be translated to mean ‘Red People’.
The Black Mesa is the highest point in the state.
The state is one of the few in the country with a panhandle.
Mesas are familiar features in various parts of Oklahoma.
However, the state is also one of the largest producers of crude oil in the United States.

Oklahoma souvenirs

In addition, this state, with its multitude of iconic symbols and landmarks, has always been and remains one of the most popular places to purchase souvenirs. Among the many options of Oklahoma-themed souvenirs, shot glasses are considered particularly and intriguing items for collecting or gifting.

Story By World By Shotglass
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Special thanks to our contributors:
Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).