Louisiana

The Pelican State
State flag of Louisiana featuring a white pelican mother feeding her three young in a nest atop a blue field
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Quick Stats
4.6M Population
#25 Rank
1812 Joined
52.4k Area (mi²)
Map
Geographical map showing the layout of Louisiana, identifying its boot-like shape bordering the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River

Seal and Motto
Official seal of Louisiana featuring a brown pelican and her young, symbolizing self-sacrifice and devotion
"Union, Justice, Confidence"
Additional Information
Abbreviation LA
Motto Origin

Reflects the values of the early state constitution.

Adopted 1812.

Official Website Louisiana.gov
Population Growth
Overview

Louisiana, the "Pelican State," is a mesmerizing cultural melting pot where French, Spanish, African, and Native American heritages collide. Famed for its unique Creole soul and Cajun heart, it is a global leader in energy production, world-class shipping, and its legendary musical and culinary traditions today.

Historical Significance

Louisiana officially joined the Union on April 30, 1812, as the 18th state. As the crown jewel of the massive 1803 Louisiana Purchase, it transformed American history, serving as the pivotal gateway to the Mississippi River and the site of the legendary Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

Top Cities & Hubs
1

New Orleans

Population: ~385,000

The "Big Easy," a world-renowned global destination famed for its historic French Quarter, legendary jazz heritage, and its status as one of the world's most vital and busiest international shipping ports.

2

Baton Rouge

Population: ~225,000

The state capital and a major industrial hub on the Mississippi River, hosting the nation's fourth-largest refinery and serving as a massive center for research, technology, and higher education.

3

Shreveport

Population: ~185,000

A thriving commercial and cultural center in northwest Louisiana, famed for its riverfront entertainment, historic charm, and its role as a significant hub for healthcare and the natural gas industry.

4

Lafayette

Population: ~125,000

The undisputed "Heart of Acadiana," this vibrant city is the global epicenter of Cajun culture, celebrate for its incredible music scene, festivals, and a fast-growing high-tech and medical sector.

5

Lake Charles

Population: ~80,000

A significant industrial and tourism hub in southwest Louisiana, renowned for its extensive petrochemical facilities, vibrant casino resorts, and its status as a gateway to the state's lush coastal wetlands.

Neighbors
Arkansas Mississippi Texas

Region: South

Key Landmarks & Economy
French Quarter: The oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, a world-famous National Historic Landmark defined by its iron-wrought balconies and vibrant nightlife.
Jean Lafitte Preserve: A massive National Historical Park protecting the state's iconic bayous, swamps, and marshes while preserving its unique delta history.
Energy & Port Titan: Louisiana is a massive global producer of natural gas and home to the Port of South Louisiana, the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere.
Did You Know?
  • Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. whose legal system is derived from the Napoleonic Code of France, rather than English Common Law.
  • The state is home to the world's longest bridge over water, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, stretching over 23.8 miles.
  • Louisiana does not have counties; instead, it is divided into 64 parishes, a unique terminology dating back to its French and Spanish colonial heritage.
Demographics