Louisiana

Information and Tourism

Louisiana is a state of two halves. The north shares a border with Arkansas and is a place of hills and pine forests, where people live life at a fairly sedate pace. In the south, with a coastline that opens onto the Gulf of Mexico, it is an altogether different picture. This is the home of the New Orleans jazz joint, a land of sultry summer nights.

The state grew up as a real cultural and lingual mix. Originally home to groups of Native Americans, it has also served time as a French and then a Spanish colony. Thousands of African slaves also arrived and worked here in the 18th century, throwing West African traditions into the melting pot. Every year, New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, a tradition that originated in southern Europe and now has a distinctive Louisiana flavor.

Louisiana is a place that's rich in natural resources. Its swamps are inhabited by many rare plants and animals, including alligators. Unfortunately, the state's southern coast is in crisis. It is estimated that more than 40 football fields a day are being lost, with wetlands replaced by expanses of open water due to attempts to block the annual springtime flooding. Artificial embankments and canals have been built, with terrible consequences for Louisiana's natural bayous, marshes and swamps. Flooding isn't the only natural disaster to strike Louisiana.

Tropical cyclones and hurricanes strike on a regular basis. In 2005, Louisiana was struck by Katrina, a Category 3 hurricane, which devastated New Orleans. A month later, Rita hit land, destroying large parts of the southwest of Louisiana.

Louisiana Information and Fast Facts

• Country: USA
• Population: approximately 4.5 million
• Capital city: Baton Rouge
• Biggest city: New Orleans
• Biggest urban area: Greater New Orleans
• Language: American English
• Area: 51,850 square miles / 135,380 square kilometers

	WORLD GUIDES TO LOUISIANA
	World Guide to Baton Rouge, LA, USA Baton Rouge, capita of Louisiana (LA), is full of history, being founded in the early 18th century. Standing along the banks of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge features an important port, two large universities and lively districts.
	World Guide to New Orleans, LA, USA Often referred to as the 'Big Easy', New Orleans is a seductive city in the state of Louisiana (LA). Located between to the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans features many major entertainment venues.

Map of Louisiana