States and Territories
Louisiana, the "Pelican State"
Abbreviation: LA
Louisiana, named in honor of the French King Louis XIV, has a colorful history. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with Napoleon. It was admitted to the Union as the 18th state in 1812. A strong French influence is still evident throughout the state. Situated in the Deep South, Louisiana lies where the mighty Mississippi empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Water routes link the state with both the heart of America and lands across the sea. The life of Louisiana is based on a mixture of many peoples, cultures and customs. Tourists visit New Orleans for the city's festive Mardi Gras, the old French Quarter and the city's jazz clubs. Other attractions include Acadiana, the homeland of the Cajuns, and magnificent old plantation homes.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Baton Rouge
Governor: Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, D (seat up 2007)
Senators: David Vitter, R (to Jan. 2011); Mary Landrieu, D (to Jan. 2009)
House of Representatives: 6 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 4,468,976; National Rank: 22; Percent change since 1990: 5.9%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 40
Land Area: 43,566 sq mi. (112,836 sq km); National Rank: 31
10 largest cities (2000): New Orleans, 484,674; Baton Rouge, 227,818; Shreveport, 200,145; Lafayette, 110,257; Lake Charles, 71,757; Kenner, 70,517; Bossier City, 56,461; Monroe, 53,107; Alexandria, 46,342; New Iberia, 32,623
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 148,697; National rank: 24; Percent change since 1990: 36%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 47 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $24,452; National Rank: 44 (80% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 17,566; National Rank: 9
Agriculture: Seafood, cotton, soybeans, cattle, sugarcane, poultry and eggs ,dairy products, rice.
Industry: Chemical products, petroleum and coal products, food processing, transportation equipment, paper products, tourism.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information
Statistics
- Louisiana Profile - Fedstats
- Census 2000 Data for the State of Louisiana
- Census State Data Centers: Louisiana
Background
- Encyclopedia of Cajun Culture
- Explore the States (Library of Congress)
- 50States.com
- Stately Knowledge