USA Oklahoma | North America

Oklahoma is located in the South Central United States, bordering Kansas to the north, Missouri and Arkansas to the east, Texas to the south and west, and New Mexico and Colorado to the northwest. The state’s geography transitions from the High Plains in the panhandle to the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains in the east. The capital city is Oklahoma City.

History & Culture

Oklahoma was admitted to the Union in 1907 as the 46th state. Its history is defined by the Forced Removal of Native American tribes (the "Trail of Tears") and the subsequent Land Runs of the late 19th century. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (66%) and Catholic (7%). Independence Day (July 4) is the primary national holiday. Social etiquette emphasizes a blend of Midwestern pragmatism and Southern hospitality, with a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

The official language is English. English proficiency is universal. Spanish is the second most common language (approx. 10%). Oklahoma has the second-highest number of indigenous languages spoken in the U.S., with over 25 Native American languages actively used, including Cherokee, Choctaw, and Muscogee.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 4.1 million, with 66% urban and 34% rural distribution. Top export commodities are aircraft engines/parts, motor vehicles, and machinery. GDP per capita is approximately $52,000 USD. The economy is driven by energy (oil and natural gas), aerospace and defense (Tinker AFB), and agriculture (wheat, cattle, and swine). 2026 economic data highlights Oklahoma City as one of the fastest-growing and most affordable major urban areas in the nation.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries to enhance security vetting. Citizens of most EU nations and the UK still require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) is strict regarding agricultural products.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal in urban areas. Cash is primarily used at rural livestock auctions, smaller diners, and for small tips. ATM availability is high, with dense networks in convenience store chains like OnCue and QuikTrip.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the Interstate Highway System (I-35, I-40, I-44). Amtrak provides rail service via the "Heartland Flyer" (Oklahoma City to Fort Worth). Domestic and international aviation is anchored by Will Rogers World (OKC) and Tulsa International (TUL). Long-distance bus transit is provided by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas. By the end of 2026, the state is on pace to achieve 95% broadband connectivity through $655 million in targeted rural infrastructure projects. Signal strength remains inconsistent in the rugged Wichita and Ouachita mountain ranges.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is predominantly humid subtropical in the east and semi-arid in the west. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cool with variable snowfall. Oklahoma is a central node in "Tornado Alley," with peak severe weather occurring from March to June. For the 2025–2026 winter, weak La Niña conditions have resulted in below-average precipitation and warmer-than-average temperatures in the southern and western regions.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include severe thunderstorms/tornadoes, flash flooding, and extreme summer heat. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Central Oklahoma (Aerospace/Energy/Gov): Hub city is Oklahoma City.

Northeast Oklahoma (Logistics/Finance/Art): Hub city is Tulsa.

The Panhandle (Agriculture/Energy): Hub city is Guymon.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.10 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $5.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $40.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Oklahoma is the birthplace of Route 66 and the first state to install a parking meter (1935). A prominent local legend is the "Oklahoma Octopus," a purported giant freshwater cephalopod inhabiting Lake Thunderbird and Lake Tenkiller. Additionally, the "Black Dog of Hanging Rock" is a ghost legend in the Cherokee Nation concerning a spectral hound that allegedly haunts the site of a 19th-century execution.