Louisiana

Louisiana is a Gulf Coast state shaped by French, Spanish, African and Creole heritage, unique among U.S. states for its civil-law-based parish system instead of counties. Its economy revolves around oil and gas, petrochemicals, the Port of South Louisiana and a globally famous culture of music, food and festivals centered on New Orleans. The state faces persistent challenges from hurricanes, coastal erosion and some of the highest poverty rates in the country.

Capital: Baton RougeLargest city: New OrleansNickname: The Pelican StateStatehood: 1812
4.57 M
Population
25th in the U.S.
$57,852
Median household income
48th in the U.S.
$296 B
GDP
26th in the U.S.
135,659 km²
Area
31st in the U.S.

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