Louisiana facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Louisiana Louisiane  (French) Luisiana  (Spanish) Lwizyàn  (Louisiana Creole)
State
State of Louisiana État de Louisiane  (French) Estado de Luisiana  (Spanish) Létat de Lalwizyàn  (Louisiana Creole)
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  Pelican State (official) Bayou State Creole State Sportsman's Paradise The Boot
Motto(s):  Union, Justice, Confidence
Anthem: "Give Me Louisiana" "You Are My Sunshine" State march song: "You Are My Sunshine" Environmental song: "Gifts of the Earth"
Location of Louisiana within the United States
Country	United States
Before statehood	Territory of Orleans and Louisiana Purchase
Admitted to the Union	April 30, 1812; 213 years ago (1812-04-30) (18th)
Capital	Baton Rouge
Largest city	New Orleans
Largest county or equivalent	East Baton Rouge Parish
Largest metro and urban areas	Greater New Orleans
Legislature	Legislature
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	House of Representatives
Judiciary	Louisiana Supreme Court
U.S. senators	Bill Cassidy (R) John Kennedy (R)
U.S. House delegation	4 Republicans 2 Democrats (list)
Area
• Total	52,124 sq mi (135,000 km2)
• Land	43,204 sq mi (111,898 km2)
• Water	8,920 sq mi (23,102 km2)  15%
Area rank	31st
Dimensions
• Length	379 mi (610 km)
• Width	130 mi (231 km)
Elevation	100 ft (30 m)
Highest elevation (Driskill Mountain)	535 ft (163 m)
Lowest elevation (New Orleans)	−8 ft (−2.5 m)
Population  (2024)
• Total	4,597,740
• Rank	25th
• Density	106.9/sq mi (41.3/km2)
• Density rank	26th
• Median household income	$58,200 (2023)
• Income rank	47th
Demonym(s)	Louisianian Louisianais (Cajun or Creole heritage) Luisiano (Spanish descendants during rule of New Spain)
Language
• Official language	None constitutionally specified; Louisiana French (special status under CODOFIL)
• Spoken language	As of 2010 English 91.26% French 3.45% (incl. Cajun and Creole) Spanish 3.30%
Time zone	UTC−06:00 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−05:00 (CDT)
USPS abbreviation	LA
ISO 3166 code	US-LA
Traditional abbreviation	La.
Latitude	28° 56′ N to 33° 01′ N
Longitude	88° 49′ W to 94° 03′ W

Louisiana entrance sign off Interstate 20 in Madison Parish east of Tallulah

Louisiana (pronounced loo-EE-zee-AN-uh) is a state located in the southern part of the United States. It shares borders with Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, and Mississippi to the east. Louisiana is the 25th most populated state in the U.S., with about 4.6 million people.

What makes Louisiana special is its strong French heritage. It's the only U.S. state that uses "parishes" instead of "counties" for its local government areas. Baton Rouge is the state's capital, and New Orleans is its largest city. The state also has a long coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, and the mighty Mississippi River forms a large part of its eastern border.

Much of Louisiana's land was created by sediment carried down the Mississippi River. This created huge deltas, marshes, and swamps. These areas are home to many unique animals and plants. You can find birds like ibises and egrets, different kinds of tree frogs (like the state's own American green tree frog), and fish such as sturgeon. Higher areas in the north have different environments, including grasslands and longleaf pine forests. These areas have many plant species, including orchids and carnivorous plants. More than half of Louisiana is covered by forests.

Louisiana's location, where the Mississippi River system meets the Gulf of Mexico, attracted many Native American groups thousands of years ago. Today, Louisiana has eighteen Native American tribes. The French claimed this land in 1682, and it became a major center for their colony of New France. From 1762 to 1801, Spain ruled Louisiana. Then, Napoleon briefly took it back for France before selling it to the U.S. in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Louisiana officially became the 18th U.S. state in 1812.

After becoming a state, many new settlers came to Louisiana from other parts of the U.S. and from places like the West Indies, Germany, and Ireland. Farming grew quickly, especially for cotton and sugarcane, which were mostly grown by enslaved people from Africa. Because it was a state that allowed slavery, Louisiana joined the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.

Louisiana's unique French background is seen in its place names, languages, traditions, and even its laws. Compared to other southern U.S. states, Louisiana is very diverse in its languages and cultures. This mix comes from French (Cajun, Creole), Spanish, Acadian, Native American, and West African cultures. Even though English became the main language in schools for a while, Louisiana has never had an official language, and its constitution protects the right for people to keep their historic languages and cultures alive.

The Name of Louisiana

Louisiana was named to honor King Louis XIV of France. He was the King of France from 1643 to 1715.

Louisiana's Past: A Journey Through Time

Early History and Native Americans

Louisiana regions

Long before Europeans arrived, Native Americans lived in Louisiana for thousands of years. One of the oldest and most complex building sites in North America, Watson Brake, is found in Louisiana. It's a group of 11 mounds built around 3500 BCE. Other ancient sites show that early hunter-gatherers worked together to build large structures.

Many of the names we use today in Louisiana, like Atchafalaya, Natchitoches, Caddo, and Houma, come from Native American languages.

European Explorers Arrive

The first European explorers in Louisiana were Spanish in 1528, led by Pánfilo de Narváez. They found the mouth of the Mississippi River. Later, in 1542, Hernando de Soto's group explored areas north and west of the state.

In 1682, the French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle claimed the region for France. He named it Louisiana to honor King Louis XIV. French settlements grew along the Mississippi River, stretching all the way north to the Illinois Country.

French Acadians, known as Cajuns, settled in the swamps of southern Louisiana, especially in the Atchafalaya Basin.

In the 1720s, German families also settled along the Mississippi River in an area called the German Coast. After France lost the Seven Years' War in 1763, it gave up most of its land east of the Mississippi to Great Britain. The rest of Louisiana, including New Orleans, became a Spanish colony in 1762.

In 1800, Napoleon secretly took Louisiana back from Spain.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Map of Louisiana in 1800

Napoleon had big plans for Louisiana, hoping to create a new empire. But when his army faced problems, he decided to sell the territory. Thomas Jefferson, the U.S. President, wanted to buy New Orleans and parts of the Mississippi River's east bank to ensure trade.

On April 30, 1803, the U.S. bought the entire Louisiana territory for about $15 million. This purchase, for less than 3 cents an acre, doubled the size of the United States without a war. It opened the way for the U.S. to expand across the continent.

Louisiana Purchase, 1803

After the purchase, the area was divided into two parts: the Territory of Orleans to the south and the District of Louisiana to the north.

Becoming a State (1812)

Louisiana officially became the 18th U.S. state on April 30, 1812. The Territory of Orleans became the State of Louisiana. Soon after, more land known as the Florida Parishes was added to the state.

By 1840, New Orleans had become one of the wealthiest and largest cities in the nation. It was a major center for the trade of enslaved people. Many enslaved African Americans were forced to move from the Upper South to the Deep South, often sold to traders and transported to New Orleans.

The Civil War and Beyond (1860–1865)

'Signing the Ordinance of Secession of Louisiana, January 26, 1861', oil on canvas painting, 1861

In 1860, nearly half of Louisiana's population was enslaved. Because of this, Louisiana decided to leave the Union in 1861 after Abraham Lincoln was elected president. It joined the Confederate States of America.

Capture of New Orleans; April 1862

However, the Union quickly captured New Orleans in April 1862. The Union government then allowed parts of Louisiana under its control to act as a state within the Union.

After the Civil War, formerly enslaved African Americans began to gain more rights and opportunities. However, some white groups tried to stop these changes. In the early 1900s, many African Americans left Louisiana in the Great Migration to northern cities, seeking better jobs and education.

World War II brought new jobs to the state. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused huge damage to New Orleans and other low-lying areas, leading to widespread flooding. In August 2016, another storm caused major flooding across southern Louisiana, damaging many homes.

Louisiana's Geography and Climate

Land and Water Features

Map of Louisiana

Louisiana is bordered by Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and the Gulf of Mexico. The state has two main types of land: the higher "uplands" in the north and the "alluvial" lands along the coast.

The alluvial region includes low swamps, coastal marshes, and beaches. This area is mostly along the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River flows through the state for about 600 miles (1,000 km) and empties into the Gulf. Other important rivers include the Red River and the Ouachita River. Many smaller streams are called "bayous."

Aerial view of Louisiana wetland habitats.

The Mississippi River flows along a natural ridge it has built up, called a levee. From this ridge, the land slopes away. The higher lands in the north and northwest cover more than 25,000 square miles (65,000 km2). These areas have prairies and woodlands. The highest point in Louisiana is Driskill Mountain, which is only 535 feet (163 m) above sea level.

Louisiana has many navigable waterways, totaling over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long. These include the Sabine, Pearl, Calcasieu, and Atchafalaya rivers, among others.

Unfortunately, the southern coast of Louisiana is losing land very quickly. This is largely due to human activities that have stopped the Mississippi River from adding new sediment to the marshes during floods.

Louisiana's Climate

Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana

Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The nearby Gulf of Mexico greatly influences the state's weather.

It rains often throughout the year, with summers being a bit wetter. In summer, temperatures can reach over 95°F (35°C) in the south and even over 105°F (41°C) in northern Louisiana. Winters are generally mild in the south and cool in the north.

Louisiana is often hit by tropical cyclones and is very open to major hurricanes, especially the lowlands around New Orleans. The state's unique geography, with its many bayous and marshes, means that hurricanes can cause widespread water damage. The area also has frequent thunderstorms, especially in the summer. Louisiana averages over 60 thunderstorm days a year, more than almost any other state. The state also experiences about 27 tornadoes each year.

Government and Administration

The Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, the tallest state capitol building in the United States

In 1849, the state capital moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. The Louisiana State Capitol building and the Louisiana Governor's Mansion are both in Baton Rouge. However, the Louisiana Supreme Court is still located in New Orleans.

Louisiana is divided into 64 "parishes," which are like counties in other states. Most parishes have an elected government called the Police Jury. Its members, called Jurors, are elected by the people and choose a president to lead them. Some parishes have different types of local government.

People and Cultures of Louisiana

Population and Diversity

Louisiana's population density

Most of Louisiana's population lives in the southern part of the state, especially around New Orleans and Lafayette. While the state's population grew for a long time, it has recently seen a slight decrease in some areas.

In 2019, about 4.2% of people in Louisiana were immigrants. Most immigrants came from Honduras, Mexico, and Vietnam. New Orleans is known as a "sanctuary city," which means it has policies to protect undocumented immigrants.

Different Cultures in Louisiana

Louisiana is known for its many different cultures. The most famous are the Louisiana Creoles and Cajuns, who are descendants of early French and Spanish settlers.

African Culture

When the French first settled Louisiana, they brought many enslaved people from West Africa. These individuals kept their cultural traditions alive, leading to a unique Afro-Creole culture. Later, many refugees from the Haitian Revolution came to New Orleans, bringing more African cultural influences, especially in dance, music, and religious practices.

Creole Culture

Typical dishes of Louisiana Creole cuisine

Creole culture is a mix of French, African, Spanish, and Native American traditions. The word "Creole" originally referred to Europeans born in the New World. Over time, it also came to describe a group of mixed-race people, often of African and French descent, who were free even before the Civil War. These "Creoles of Color" often spoke French, were Roman Catholic, and became skilled workers and property owners. They created a vibrant culture, especially in New Orleans.

Acadian (Cajun) Culture

The ancestors of the Cajuns came from a French colony in Canada called Acadia. After the British took over Acadia in 1763, many Acadians were forced to leave. Many of them settled in southern Louisiana, especially around Lafayette. Here, they developed their own unique rural culture, including Cajun music and cuisine.

Isleño Culture

El Museo de los Isleños (Isleño Museum) in Saint Bernard

Another distinct culture in Louisiana is that of the Isleños. These are descendants of colonists from the Canary Islands who settled in Spanish Louisiana between 1778 and 1783. They mixed with other groups like the French and Acadians. While some of their communities became more French, the community in Saint Bernard kept much of its unique culture and language for a long time. Today, there are groups that work to preserve the Isleño heritage.

Religion in Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the most Christian states in the U.S. In 2020, about 76.5% of adults were Christian.

In the northern part of the state, most people belong to various Protestant churches. In southern Louisiana and the New Orleans area, many people are Catholic due to the French and Spanish heritage. This strong Catholic presence makes Louisiana different from many other Southern states.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in New Orleans

Jewish communities are found in Louisiana's larger cities, especially New Orleans. Other religions like Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are also present, mainly in the metropolitan areas.

Louisiana's Economy

Cargo ship at the Port of New Orleans

Louisiana's economy is growing and becoming more diverse. It benefits from its population, farm products, and lots of oil and natural gas. The state is known for being friendly to small businesses.

Louisiana is the world's biggest producer of crawfish, supplying about 90% of them! Other important farm products include cotton, soybeans, cattle, sugarcane, poultry, and rice. The state also has strong industries in chemical products, petroleum, and paper. Tourism and gaming are also very important, especially in New Orleans.

The Port of South Louisiana, located on the Mississippi River, is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It handles a huge amount of cargo.

Tabasco varieties produced in Louisiana

New Orleans, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge are home to a growing film industry, earning Louisiana the nickname "Hollywood South." This is partly due to state financial support. Tabasco sauce, a famous hot sauce, was created on Avery Island in Louisiana.

In 2020, Louisiana's total economic output was $253.3 billion, which was the 26th highest in the U.S.

Education in Louisiana

Aerial view of Louisiana State University's flagship campus

Louisiana has over 40 public and private colleges and universities. Some of the major ones include:

• Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, which is the largest university in the state.
• Louisiana Tech University in Ruston.
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette, the second largest by enrollment.
• Tulane University in New Orleans, a major private research university known for its academics.

Louisiana also has two of the oldest and largest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Southern University in Baton Rouge and Grambling State University in Grambling. These two schools have a big football game called the Bayou Classic every year.

In 2008, Louisiana passed a law called the Louisiana Science Education Act. This law allowed public school teachers to use extra materials in science classes that question established science topics like evolution and global warming.

Many parents in Louisiana choose private schools for their children. The state also has a school voucher program, which helps students pay for private school tuition.

Getting Around Louisiana: Transportation

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development manages the state's public transportation, roads, bridges, and airports.

Roads

Louisiana has a network of Interstate Highways and U.S. Highways that help people travel across the state.

Rail Travel

Six major freight railroads operate in Louisiana. For passengers, Amtrak runs three long-distance train routes through the state, all starting from New Orleans. These trains connect Louisiana to cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Public Transit

A streetcar on the St. Charles Avenue Line in New Orleans

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is the largest public transportation agency in Louisiana. Other cities like Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport also have their own transit systems.

Airports

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the busiest airport in Louisiana. There are also six other main airports in the state, including those in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. In total, Louisiana has 69 public-use airports.

Waterways

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near New Orleans

The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is very important for moving goods like petroleum, farm products, and building materials.

Sports in Louisiana

Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Louisiana is unique because it's the least populated state with more than one major professional sports team. These include the National Basketball Association's New Orleans Pelicans and the National Football League's New Orleans Saints.

The state also has 12 college NCAA Division I sports programs. The LSU Tigers football team has won many championships. New Orleans hosts several big college football games each year, like the Bayou Classic and the New Orleans Bowl. The city has also hosted the Super Bowl a record eleven times!

Louisiana is known for producing many talented athletes. For several years, it has been the birthplace of the most NFL players per person in the country.

Famous People from Louisiana

Images for kids

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  Entrance to the Bald Eagle Nest Trail at South Toledo Bend State Park

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  Bogue Chitto State Park

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  A field of yellow wildflowers in Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana

See also

In Spanish: Luisiana para niños