Louisiana

The Pelican State Established 1812, 18th State

Climate

Average Seasonal High and Low Temperatures • Spring: 77/57°F • Summer: 91/73°F • Fall: 79/59°F • Winter: 62/42°F

Geography

The Mississippi River deposits sediment (particles of earth) as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico, forming a delta (a triangle-shaped piece of land). This delta has the richest soil in the state and makes up one-fourth of the state's area. All of Louisiana's rivers eventually drain into the Gulf. Wetlands cover about one-third of the state. Along the western coast are barrier beaches (low sand ridges). To the north are marshes and then rolling hills. Louisiana is one of the three lowest states in the country.

Resources and Economy

Cotton, rice, sugarcane, and soybeans began Louisiana's economic boom and are still important agricultural products in the state. Livestock farmers raise young chickens (broilers) and beef and dairy cattle. Fish farms also breed catfish and crayfish. Louisiana is the leading U.S. shrimp producer. But the biggest part of the state's wealth comes from petroleum and natural gas fields. The manufacturing of chemicals (for such products as medicine, fertilizer, and paint), food, paper, and transportation equipment also contribute to Louisiana's economy. Tourists bring the state millions of dollars each year, especially during festivals.

Population

4,293,204

Government

Capital:
State Abbreviation: LA
Governor: Bobby Jindal (Republican)
U.S. Senators: 2
Mary Landrieu (Democrat)
David Vitter (Republican
U.S. Representatives: 7
    Republicans: 5
    Democrats 2
State Senators: 39
State Representatives: 105
Counties: 64

Fun Facts

• Edmund McIlhenny developed Tabasco Pepper Sauce on Avery Island in 1868. • Gonzales is known as the Jambalaya Capital of the World (jambalaya is a type of Cajun rice dish). • Louisiana has the tallest state capitol building in the United States. The building is 450 feet (137 m) tall and has 34 floors. • One of the state songs is `You Are My Sunshine.` • The name Cajun comes from the word Acadian, which refers to French settlers in Canada and Maine who were forced from their land by the British in 1755. Many of these settlers ended up in Louisiana. • Louisiana was named for King Louis XIV of France. • Rayne is known as the Frog Capital of the World. • Louisiana was the first state to make English the official language, in 1811. •In the 1960s, a Louisiana company made the rockets that got Apollo 11 to the moon. • White alligators are found only in Louisiana. • The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest bridge built entirely over water in the world. The Causeway is 24 miles (38 km) long.