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Known as the Pelican State, Louisiana is located in the southern region of the United States. It was admitted as the 18th state to join the Union in 1812. The capital city is Baton Rouge and the largest city is New Orleans. The official nickname for Louisiana is the Pelican State and the official state bird is the brown pelican. The state motto is "Union, Justice, and Confidence".

History

Louisiana has a rich history and culture rooted in its French, Spanish, Native American, and African heritage. It was colonized by France in 1682 and named after King Louis XIV. New Orleans, founded in 1718, became a major port city along the Mississippi River. Louisiana was ceded to Spain in 1763 before being returned to France in 1800. In 1803, the United States acquired Louisiana as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Louisiana became a state in 1812. The state played a significant role in the Civil War, when it seceded from the Union in 1861 to join the Confederate States. The famous Battle of New Orleans in 1815 was a decisive victory by the U.S. over the British during the War of 1812. Jazz music originated in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage along the Gulf coast in 2005. For more on Louisiana's history, visit the Louisiana State Museum.

Geography and Climate

Louisiana is located in the southern United States along the Gulf of Mexico. It covers 51,843 square miles, making it the 31st largest state by area. Louisiana is bordered by Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and Texas to the west. The Sabine River forms Louisiana's western border and separates it from Texas. The climate of Louisiana is humid subtropical with high temperatures and humidity in the summer and mild winters. The southern part of the state near the Gulf of Mexico is characterized as a tropical climate. Louisiana does experience occasional extreme weather events like hurricanes. Flooding is also a risk in Louisiana due to its low elevations.

Regions of Louisiana

Louisiana can be divided into several distinct regions:

The Florida Parishes - Located in southeastern Louisiana near the Mississippi border.
Acadiana - Also known as Cajun Country, located in south-central Louisiana. Home to French-Acadian culture.
Greater New Orleans - Encompasses New Orleans and surrounding areas.
River Parishes - Located along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Northshore - The suburbs of New Orleans located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
Central Louisiana - Located in the central part of the state around Alexandria.
Sportsman's Paradise - Located in southeastern Louisiana and includes wetlands and bayous.
Northwest Louisiana - Located near the borders of Texas and Arkansas.

Major Cities

Some of the largest cities in Louisiana include:

New Orleans - The largest city in Louisiana with a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million. Known for its French/Spanish architecture, jazz music, Creole cuisine and Mardi Gras celebrations. New Orleans Facebook page.
Baton Rouge - The capital and second largest city in Louisiana with a population of over 220,000. Home to Louisiana State University.
Shreveport - Located in northern Louisiana near the Texas border. Third largest city in the state.
Lafayette - Located in Cajun Country. Known as the heart of Acadiana culture.
Lake Charles - Located near the Texas border, known for its large petrochemical industry.
Kenner - Located in the New Orleans metropolitan area near the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Population

The current population of Louisiana is approximately 4.66 million. The largest ancestry groups in the state include African American (32%), French (7%), American (7%), German (5%), and Irish (5%). Louisiana has one of the largest populations of black Americans of any state. There is also a sizable Cajun population concentrated in southern Louisiana.

Economy

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Louisiana was $251 billion in 2020, accounting for 1.2% of total U.S. GDP. The state's economy relies heavily on petroleum and natural gas extraction, petroleum refining, and pipeline transport of oil and gas. Other major industries include chemical manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and port cargo. Some of the largest employers in the state are:

Ochsner Health - Healthcare
Walmart - Retail stores
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System - Hospitals
Turner Industries - Industrial contracting/manufacturing
AT&T - Telecommunications
CenturyLink - Telecommunications
L'Oreal - Beauty/cosmetics manufacturing
Georg Fischer Harvel Plastics - Plastics manufacturing
CGI - Information technology
Delgado Community College - Higher education

Major ports located along the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico also play a significant role in the state's economy. The Louisiana Economic Development department provides resources and incentives for businesses in the state.

Attractions and Tourism

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Louisiana include:

French Quarter - Historic neighborhood in New Orleans known for its French architecture, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Bourbon Street - Famous street in New Orleans' French Quarter known for jazz clubs, Cajun restaurants, and bars.
Mardi Gras - Carnival celebration held in February/March, centered in New Orleans and Lafayette.
Louisiana State Capitol - 34-story art deco skyscraper in Baton Rouge completed in 1932.
Audubon Zoo - Zoo located in New Orleans dedicated to conservation and research.
Frenchman Street - Street in New Orleans known for its live music scene.
Lake Pontchartrain - Large brackish estuary located just north of New Orleans.
Cajun Country Swamp Tours - Boat tours of the Atchafalaya Basin swampland and bayous.
National WWII Museum - Museum in New Orleans focused on the contribution of America's armed forces in World War II.

The tourism industry in Louisiana is centered around festivals, food, music, and historic attractions. Popular activities include swamp tours, paddleboarding, boating, fishing and exploring Louisiana's unique culture and heritage. Louisiana Travel provides additional tourism resources.

Transportation

Louisiana has six major interstate highways providing accessibility and linking its major cities and metropolitan areas. The main interstates are I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49, I-55, and I-59. In addition, the state maintains over 16,000 miles of roadways and highways. The Louisiana Department of Transportation manages transportation infrastructure. The cities of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette operate local public transportation systems providing bus services. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority runs streetcars, buses and ferries in the Greater New Orleans region. Louisiana has six commercial airports including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Shreveport Regional Airport, Lafayette Regional Airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport, and Alexandria International Airport. The Port of New Orleans, Port of Baton Rouge, Port of Lake Charles and other ports along the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast facilitate waterborne trade and cargo shipments. The ports connect Louisiana commerce to global markets.

Education

Louisiana has over 1,400 public schools spread across 70 school districts. The three largest school districts are:

Jefferson Parish Public School System - Largest district serving Jefferson Parish with over 48,000 students.
East Baton Rouge Parish School System - Second largest district serving East Baton Rouge Parish with over 40,000 students.
Caddo Parish Public Schools - Third largest district serving Caddo Parish based in Shreveport with over 38,000 students.

In addition, Louisiana has several notable institutions of higher education, including:

Louisiana State University (LSU) - Flagship state university in Baton Rouge and land-, sea- and space-grant institution.
Tulane University - Private research university located in New Orleans.
University of Louisiana Lafayette - Public research university in Lafayette.
Grambling State University - Public, historically black university in Grambling.
Xavier University of Louisiana - Private Catholic historically black university in New Orleans.

The Louisiana Board of Regents coordinates and oversees higher education in the state. The Louisiana Department of Education provides additional details on K-12 education.

Sports Teams

Louisiana is home to professional sports teams from the major leagues as well as college teams. Popular sports teams include:

New Orleans Pelicans - NBA basketball team
New Orleans Saints - NFL football team
New Orleans Baby Cakes - Minor league baseball team
LSU Tigers - Louisiana State University NCAA football, basketball and other sports teams in Baton Rouge
New Orleans Privateers - University of New Orleans NCAA sports teams
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs - Louisiana Tech University NCAA sports teams in Ruston

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame located in Natchitoches honors athletes, coaches, and other sports contributors from the state.

Counties

Louisiana is divided into 64 parishes which are the equivalent to counties in other states. The largest parish by population is East Baton Rouge Parish while the largest by land area is Cameron Parish. The parish seat or capital of East Baton Rouge Parish is Baton Rouge.

State Government

The government of Louisiana is divided into executive, legislative and judicial branches based on the Louisiana Constitution. The governor serves as the chief executive and head of the executive branch. The Louisiana State Legislature is made up of the Senate and House of Representatives. The Supreme Court of Louisiana heads the judicial branch and state court system. Some key state government resources include:

The State Capitol building is located at 900 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 and the phone number is (225) 342-6945.

State Symbols

Louisiana has officially designated emblems and symbols that represent the state's culture and heritage. These include:

State mammal - Louisiana black bear
State bird - Brown pelican
State flower - Louisiana iris
State tree - Bald cypress
State insect - Honeybee
State drink - Milk
State gemstone - Freshwater pearl
State music - "You Are My Sunshine" by Jimmie Davis
State slogan - Sportsman's Paradise

Famous Louisianans

Notable people from Louisiana include:

Louis Armstrong - Jazz musician
Ellen DeGeneres - Comedian and TV host
Lil Wayne - Rapper
Reese Witherspoon - Actress
Britney Spears - Pop singer
Terry Bradshaw - NFL quarterback
Peyton Manning - NFL quarterback
The Manning Family - NFL players

Landmarks

Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Louisiana:

French Quarter - New Orleans. 29°57'32.0"N 90°03'54.2"W
St. Louis Cathedral - 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116. 29°57'30.5"N 90°04'00.0"W
Louisiana State Capitol - 900 N 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. 30°27'10.8"N 91°11'06.3"W

This map shows the state of Louisiana and major cities.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources for Louisiana residents:

New Orleans Public Library
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
Shreve Memorial Library (Shreveport)
Lafayette Public Library
Louisiana Festival Guide
Louisiana State Museum - The Cabildo (New Orleans)
New Orleans Regional Transit Authority
Capital Area Transit System (Baton Rouge)

Top 10 Most Populated Cities in Louisiana

1. New Orleans

New Orleans is the most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 343,829 as of the 2020 census. Known for its distinct French Creole architecture, multicultural heritage, and lively nightlife, New Orleans is a major tourist destination and port city located along the Mississippi River. The city is a hub for music, cuisine, and culture with world-famous events like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. New Orleans City Government Website: https://www.nola.gov/ New Orleans Tourism Website: https://www.neworleans.com/ New Orleans Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/neworleans/

2. Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is the capital and second-most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 221,599 as of the 2020 census. Located along the Mississippi River in the southeastern part of the state, it is Louisiana's political hub and home to Louisiana State University. With a diverse economy centered around petrochemicals, healthcare, education and government, Baton Rouge offers a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor recreation. Baton Rouge City Government Website: https://www.brla.gov/ Baton Rouge Tourism Website: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/ Baton Rouge Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/VisitBatonRouge/

3. Shreveport

Shreveport is the third most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 192,036 as of the 2020 census. Located in the northwestern corner of the state along the Red River, it is a cultural, economic and educational center. Home to Louisiana State Fair and Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport has a diverse economy focused on healthcare, military, and energy industries. Shreveport City Government Website: https://www.shreveportla.gov/ Shreveport Tourism Website: https://www.shreveport-bossier.org/ Shreveport Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/shreveportla/

4. Lafayette

Lafayette is the fourth most populated city in Louisiana, with a population of 126,334 as of the 2020 census. Located in the south-central part of the state, it is considered the cultural capital of Cajun Country. Home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette has a diverse economy focused on energy, healthcare, tourism, and technology. Lafayette City Government Website: https://www.lafayettela.gov/ Lafayette Tourism Website: https://www.lafayettetravel.com/ Lafayette Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/VisitLafayetteLA/

5. Lake Charles

Lake Charles is the fifth most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 78,477 as of the 2020 census. Located in the southwestern part of the state along Interstate 10, Lake Charles is a hub for petrochemical and gaming industries. Home to McNeese State University, it offers a mix of Cajun culture, outdoor activities, and historic attractions. Lake Charles City Government Website: https://www.cityoflc.us/ Lake Charles Tourism Website: https://www.visitlakecharles.org/ Lake Charles Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/visitlakecharles/

6. Kenner

Kenner is the sixth most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 66,974 as of the 2020 census. Located in the New Orleans metropolitan area along the Mississippi River, it serves as a major suburb with close proximity to the New Orleans International Airport. With a diverse economy and family-friendly attractions, Kenner offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and shopping destinations. Kenner City Government Website: https://www.kenner.la.us/ Kenner Tourism Website: https://www.visitkenner.com/ Kenner Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofKennerGovernment/

7. Bossier City

Bossier City is the seventh most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 66,333 as of the 2020 census. Located on the eastern bank of the Red River across from Shreveport, it serves as a suburb and commercial hub for the Shreveport-Bossier metro area. With a strong economy centered on casinos, manufacturing, and the military, Bossier City offers family attractions and outdoor recreation. Bossier City Government Website: https://www.bossiercity.org/ Bossier City Tourism Website: https://www.shreveport-bossier.org/ Bossier City Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BossierCity/

8. Monroe

Monroe is the eighth most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 48,821 as of the 2020 census. Located in the northern part of the state along the Ouachita River, it serves as a commercial and cultural hub for northeast Louisiana. Home to University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe has a diverse economy focused on healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture and more. Monroe City Government Website: https://www.monroela.us/ Monroe Tourism Website: https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/ Monroe Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofMonroe/

9. Alexandria

Alexandria is the ninth most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 46,773 as of the 2020 census. Centrally located along the Red River in the heart of the state, Alexandria serves as a hub for government, healthcare and education. Home to Louisiana State University of Alexandria, the city has a diverse economy focused on wood products, manufacturing and technology. Alexandria City Government Website: https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/ Alexandria Tourism Website: https://www.alexandriapineville.com/ Alexandria Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alexandriala/

10. Hammond

Hammond is the tenth most populated city in Louisiana with a population of 20,019 as of the 2020 census. Located in southeastern Louisiana along I-12, it serves as a hub between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Home to Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond has a diverse economy focused on education, manufacturing, healthcare and retail. Hammond City Government Website: https://www.hammond.org/ Hammond Tourism Website: https://www.hammond.org/live/getting-around/visiting Hammond Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hammondlouisiana
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