Oklahoma City

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Capital of Oklahoma, USA, on the North Canadian River; population (2000 est) 506,100. Situated in Oklahoma County, it is a major commercial, service, and distribution centre for a rich oil-producing and agricultural area; its cattle markets are among the largest and busiest in the world. Industries include oil-refining, food-processing (meat and cereals), and the manufacture of iron, steel, machinery, cars, tyres, aircraft, electronic equipment, and cotton. Manufacturing makes up more than 10% of employment in the region, and the health sector is also a significant employer.

On 22 April 1889, a tent city of nearly 10,000 inhabitants appeared overnight when the area was opened to settlement. It became state capital in 1910 (the town of Guthrie was the first state capital). Oil was discovered in 1928, and derricks are situated even on the State Capitol grounds. A General Motors car plant was established in 1979. Several military installations are located within the area. These include the Tinker airforce base, which employs almost 8,000 military personnel and 13,500 civilians (1999). In April 1995, a right-wing terrorist bomb attack killed 168 people.

White represents the snow on Monte Titano and the clouds above. Blue stands for the sky. Effective date: 6 April 1862. >>