Arkansas, located in the south-central region of the United States, is known for its diverse geography, rich natural resources, and deep-rooted Southern culture. The state is nicknamed “The Natural State” due to its scenic beauty—featuring mountains, forests, rivers, and hot springs.
Capital: Little Rock
Largest City: Little Rock
Population: ~3 million (as of 2024)
Area: 53,179 square miles
Statehood: Became the 25th U.S. state on June 15, 1836
Borders: Missouri (north), Tennessee and Mississippi (east), Louisiana (south), Texas (southwest), and Oklahoma (west)
Geography & Nature
Arkansas is geographically diverse:
- Ozark Mountains in the north
- Ouachita Mountains in the west
- Mississippi Alluvial Plain (Delta) in the east
- Hot Springs and caves add to its geological richness
The state is abundant in state parks, forests, lakes, and rivers, making it ideal for hiking, fishing, and boating.
Climate
Type: Humid subtropical
Summers: Hot and humid
Winters: Mild to cool
Natural Hazards: Occasional tornadoes and flooding
Major Cities of Arkansas
Little Rock – Capital and largest city; center for government, business, and culture
Fort Smith – Historic city on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border
Fayetteville – Home to the University of Arkansas; vibrant college town
Springdale – Major industrial city; headquarters of Tyson Foods
Jonesboro – Education and agricultural hub in northeastern Arkansas
North Little Rock – Part of the Little Rock metropolitan area; sports and entertainment venues
Conway – Known as “The City of Colleges”; home to UCA and Hendrix College
Rogers – Fast-growing city in northwest Arkansas
Bentonville – Home of Walmart’s world headquarters and Crystal Bridges Museum
Pine Bluff – Historic city with an industrial past
Hot Springs – Famous for thermal springs and historic bathhouses
Texarkana – Twin city straddling the Arkansas–Texas border
Russellville – Home to Arkansas Tech University
Bella Vista – Retirement and recreational community in northwest Arkansas
Searcy – Home to Harding University
Paragould – Manufacturing and industrial city in the northeast
El Dorado – Known for oil industry history and arts scene
Blytheville – Located in the Mississippi Delta; industrial center
Cabot – Suburban city near Little Rock
Sherwood – Part of the Little Rock metro area
Top Universities in Arkansas
University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
Arkansas State University (Jonesboro)
University of Central Arkansas (Conway)
Harding University (Searcy)
Hendrix College (Conway)
Southern Arkansas University (Magnolia)
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Little Rock)
Ouachita Baptist University (Arkadelphia)
Arkansas Tech University (Russellville)
Famous Personalities of Arkansas
Famous Politicians from Arkansas
- Bill Clinton
– 42nd President of the United States (1993–2001)
– Former Governor of Arkansas
– Born in Hope, Arkansas - Hillary Clinton
– Former U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and First Lady
– Lived in Arkansas as First Lady while Bill Clinton was Governor
– Taught law at the University of Arkansas - Dale Bumpers
– U.S. Senator (1975–1999) and former Governor of Arkansas
– Known for his integrity and advocacy for education - J. William Fulbright
– U.S. Senator and founder of the Fulbright Program (international education exchange)
– Prominent foreign policy leader - Tom Cotton
– Current U.S. Senator (Republican)
– Veteran and strong voice in national defense and foreign affairs - Mike Huckabee
– Former Governor of Arkansas (1996–2007)
– 2008 U.S. Presidential candidate and TV host
– Father of current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders - Sarah Huckabee Sanders
– Current Governor of Arkansas (since 2023)
– Former White House Press Secretary under Donald Trump
Famous Scientists and Innovators from Arkansas
- Joycelyn Elders
– Physician and former U.S. Surgeon General (first African American to hold the position)
– Known for public health advocacy and sexual health education
– Born in Schaal, Arkansas - Douglas MacArthur (Military Strategist)
– Although best known as a WWII General, he was born in Little Rock, Arkansas
– Not a scientist by profession, but a historical figure known for strategic innovations in military science - Samuel Massie
– Chemist and educator
– Worked on the Manhattan Project
– First African-American professor at the U.S. Naval Academy
– Born in Little Rock, Arkansas - Mary Lowe Good
– Renowned chemist and former Under Secretary for Technology in the U.S. Department of Commerce
– Chair of the National Science Board
– Born in Grapevine, Arkansas
