Arkansas
Arkansas Facts Maps
Photo: Arkansas
The panoramic view from Petit Jean Mountain encompasses the Arkansas River. Legend says that the summit is the resting place of Petit Jean—a faithful fiancée who accompanied her explorer beau to the New World in the guise of a man.
Photograph by Ryan/Beyer/Getty Images
Enlarge
Arkansas Information and History

Migrants from the southern Appalachians settled the forested Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains in the early 19th century. Meanwhile, rich black soils along the Mississippi River attracted cotton planters to the east and south. Arkansas now leads the nation in rice, ranks third in turkeys, and places high in soybeans and sorghum. No other place in the world produces more bromine. Hot Springs National Park and the scenic Ozarks attract a growing number of visitors.

ECONOMY

Industry: services, food processing, paper products, transportation, metal products, machinery, electronics.
Agriculture: poultry and eggs, rice, soybeans, cotton, wheat.

Text source: National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004
Arkansas Flag and Fast Facts
Flag of Arkansas
Area
137,732 square kilometers
(53,179 square miles)
Population
2,725,714
Capital
Little Rock; 184,055
Per Capita Income
U.S. $23,417
Date Statehood Achieved
June 15, 1836
Arkansas Features
Photo: Arkansas, bluegrass band
Join The Turners, a gospel bluegrass band, for some banjo pickin' at the local tax assessor's office.
Map: Arkansas
State: Arkansas
Country: United States
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Photo: Puerto Escondido
Find unusual vacation spots and take a visual journey through Mexico.
Photo: Road sign
Take a tour of the world's quirkiest signs and spread the laughs.
Photos, Maps, and More
Book: Our Fifty States
Shop our acclaimed atlases, photography collections, guidebooks, and more.
Our Fifty States
Photo of Day Gallery
Download fresh wallpaper every day.
Xpeditions Atlas
Use our crisp, clean black-and-white maps—perfect for reports and other projects
National Geographic Store
Photo: March of the Penguins DVD
Save up to 70% on hundreds of unique gifts and help support the National Geographic mission.
Music Videos and Downloads
Photo: young man listening to music
Listen to the World
Nat Geo Music connects you with hundreds of artists of different styles from around the globe.
National Geographic Expeditions
Photo: Greek ruins
Travel with some of the most prominent specialists in the world.