Mississippi is a Deep South state on the Gulf of Mexico, named for the great river that forms its western border, with deep ties to blues music born in the Mississippi Delta.
Geography & climate
Mississippi lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 32.7°N, 89.6°W and falling within a warm temperate climate band. The state covers around 125,443 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 Mississippi all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Mississippi is Jackson, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Jackson, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 3M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Mississippi was admitted to the Union in 1817 as the 20th 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
Mississippi is nicknamed “The Magnolia State”, with the state motto Virtute et armis (By valour and arms). 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Mississippi 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 Mississippi can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MS | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Jackson | — |
| Largest city | Jackson | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 3M | people |
| Area | 125,443 | km² |
| Statehood | 1817 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 20 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Magnolia State | — |
| Motto | Virtute et armis (By valour and arms) | — |
| Latitude | 32.7 | degrees |
| Longitude | -89.6 | degrees |
Did you know?
The Mississippi Delta is widely considered the birthplace of the blues — musicians like Robert Johnson and B.B. King grew up there.
