Introduction: Arkansas Download PDF
Arkansas is located near the geographical and population center of the United States. It is often classified in different regions because the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast all converge in Arkansas. This has given the state a diverse geographical makeup featuring timberland, mountains, plains and the alluvial valleys of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers.
Agriculture continues to be the leading industry in Arkansas, commanding more than 25% of the state’s economy. It leads the United States in rice production, is ranked second in poultry, and third in catfish. However, the state is slowly moving away from its dependency on primary products. Manufacturing now accounts for 18 percent of GDP, and there has also been strong growth in services. One of the key industries for the growth of manufacturing is the aerospace industry. Exports in this industry increased 65% in 2005, following a 35% increase in 2004.
Government
Symbols
State Seal: |
State Quarter: |
Time Zones:
| Standard Time | GMT-6 | |
| Daylight-Saving Time | GMT-5 | |
Statistics
- Per Capita Real GDP :
- $27,781
- Population:
- 2,855,390
- Percent of People Under Poverty Level:
- 17.2%
- Per Capita Personal Income:
- $27,935
- Percent of Population with a Bachelor's Degree:
- 12.4%
- Total Exports:
- $4,880,220,000
Top 5 Export Partner Countries
Canada
Mexico
France
United Kingdom
China
Top 5 Export Merchandise
Transportation Equipment Sales
Primary Metals Sales
Chemicals Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
Major Cities
Fort Smith, Little Rock, North Little Rock
Major Airports
| Airport Name | City | |
| LIT | Adams Field | Little Rock |
Main Ports:
Helena
Corporations
| Company | Fortune 1000 Rank: | Revenues ($millions) | Headquarter City |
| Wal-Mart Stores | 1 | 351,139 | Bentonville |
| Tyson Foods | 86 | 25,559 | Springdale |
| Murphy Oil | 169 | 14,307 | El Dorado |
| Alltel | 256 | 9,723 | Little Rock |
| Dillard's | 307 | 7,849 | Little Rock |