States and Territories
Mississippi, the "Magnolia State"
Abbreviation: MS
The name "Mississippi" comes from an Indian word meaning "great waters" or "father of waters". In 1817, Mississippi was admited as the 20th state to the Union. Mississippi is a state that is going through great changes. Part of the Deep South, it was once a land of farmers and quiet towns. It is becoming a state of factory workers and busy cities. But tradition plays an important part in Mississippi life. The state retains many reminders of the Old South. Stately mansions bring back memories of Mississippi plantation life before the Civil War. The large, sunny beaches and fine hotels of the Mississippi Gulf Coast are popular vacation destinations.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Jackson
Governor: Haley R. Barbour, R (seat up 2007)
Senators: Thad Cochran, R (to Jan. 2009); Trent Lott, R (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 4 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 2,844,658; National Rank: 31; Percent change since 1990: 10.5%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 24
Land Area: 46,914 sq mi. (121,506 sq km); National Rank: 32
10 largest cities (2000): Jackson, 184,256; Gulfport, 71,127; Biloxi, 50,644; Hattiesburg, 44,779; Greenville, 41,663; Meridian, 39,968; Tupelo, 34,211; Southaven, 28,977; Vicksburg, 26,407; Pascagoula, 26,200
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 67,125; National rank: 35; Percent change since 1990: 42%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 27 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $21,653; National Rank: 50 (71% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 3,058; National Rank: 32
Agriculture: Cotton, poultry, cattle, catfish, soybeans, dairy products, rice.
Industry: Apparel, furniture, lumber and wood products, food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information
Statistics
- Mississippi Profile - Fedstats
- Census 2000 Data for the State of Mississippi
- Census State Data Centers: Mississippi
Background
- Explore the States (Library of Congress)
- 50States.com
- InfoPlease
- Mississippi Photo Tour
- Stately Knowledge
- State Symbols
Travel
For Kids
- Mississippi Student Research