Louisiana is a Gulf Coast state defined by the Mississippi River delta, French and Creole heritage, the city of New Orleans, Cajun culture, and the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.
Geography & climate
Louisiana lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 31°N, 92°W and falling within a warm temperate climate band. The state covers around 135,659 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Louisiana all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is New Orleans, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 4.6M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Louisiana was admitted to the Union in 1812 as the 18th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Louisiana is nicknamed “The Pelican State”, with the state motto Union, justice, and confidence. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Louisiana is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Louisiana.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Louisiana offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Louisiana can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | LA | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Baton Rouge | — |
| Largest city | New Orleans | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 4.6M | people |
| Area | 135,659 | km² |
| Statehood | 1812 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 18 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Pelican State | — |
| Motto | Union, justice, and confidence | — |
| Latitude | 31 | degrees |
| Longitude | -92 | degrees |
Did you know?
Louisiana is the only US state organised into parishes rather than counties — a legacy of its French and Spanish colonial heritage.
