Destination Oklahoma

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Oklahoma, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

The Sooner State, known for its frontier spirit, a land of pioneers and entrepreneurs: this is Oklahoma, whose state motto "Labor conquers all things" celebrates its hard-working mentality and promise for the future.

Industry Snapshot

Oklahoma boasts an impressive biotechnology and life sciences industry. Numerous resources aid further development of the industry, through academia, industry, organizations, and institutions. Oklahoma’s future in the life science industry sector shows great promise.

Economy/Cost of Living

With just over 3.5 million people, Oklahoma ranks 28th in population among the United States. The largest cities in the Sooner State are Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Lawton, Broken Arrow, Edmond, Midwest City, Enid, Moore, and Stillwater.

Education

Oklahoma provides impressive educational opportunities for all ages. School-age children have the option to attend public, private, or home schools. The Sooner State offers higher education institutions in the form of public universities, private colleges, and community colleges.

Recreation & Entertainment

Oklahoma offers a rich array of recreational and entertainment opportunities throughout the state. From enjoying the performing arts, to learning about historical sites and museums, to exploring the state’s outdoor resources, the Sooner State offers something for everyone.

Transportation

Oklahoma’s Midwestern and Southwestern location places it among several transportation routes. Oklahoma City marks the convergence of three Interstate highways: I-40 and I-44, running east to west, and I-35, running north to south. Famed Route 66, the "Mother Road", passes through the state.

Geography & Climate

Oklahoma is located in the Midwestern and Southwestern regions of the United States, and ranks as the 20th largest state in total area by covering 69,903 square miles. Oklahoma is bordered to the north by Kansas and Colorado, to the south by Texas, to the east by Missouri and Arkansas, and to the west by New Mexico and Texas.

History

The land now known as Oklahoma was once inhabited by many native peoples prior to European exploration and settlement. Among the dominant tribes of the Plains peoples were the Osage, Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache, with the Wichita and other tribes settled in the eastern part of the state. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers such as Francisco Coronado and Juan de Onate passed through the region, followed by traders from both Spain and France.

Suggested Reading List

A list of select guides and reference books about Oklahoma.