9781422286067

Arkansas

I n 1995 the state of Arkansas adopted the nickname “the Natural State,” to reflect its amazing natural resources: tall mountains, deep valleys, flowing rivers, dense woodlands, and fertile plains. Arkansas’s scenic beauty and abundant wildlife help to make tourism one of the state’s most important indus- tries. But it is also a hub of industry and commerce, home to America’s largest business as well as several other Fortune 500 companies. Geography Located in the southeastern United States, Arkansas covers an area of 53,179 square miles (137,733 square kilometers). It is the 29th largest state by area. Arkansas borders six other states. To the north is Missouri. The Mississippi River forms Arkansas’s eastern border, separating it from Tennessee and Mississippi. Louisiana is located to the south. Oklahoma is located to the west, while Texas is to the southwest. The geography of Arkansas varies widely. The state is covered by mountains, river valleys, forests, lakes, and bayous. Arkansas can be divided into three geographic regions: the northwest, the

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