Guide Note

Louisiana is the 31st largest state in the United States. It is bordered by Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana is the 25th highest populated state. It has 64 parishes (equivalent to counties), the largest in population being Jefferson Parish as it is comprised of New Orleans suburbs.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Baton Rouge
2. Governor: Bobby Jindal
3. Population: 4,287,768 (2006)
4. Founded: April 30, 1812
5. Time zones: Central
6. Major cities: New Orleans, Shreveport, Bossier City, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles
7. Official state items: Magnolia blossom (flower), bald cypress (tree), white perch (fish), Eastern brown pelican (bird), honeybee (insect)
8. Nicknames: Sportsman's Paradise, Bayou State, Pelican State

In 1528 European explorers discovered Louisiana, a land inhabited by Native Americans. In 1682 French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle named the region after King Louis XIV and the first permanent settlement was in 1699.

Originally, the Louisiana Territory was claimed as both sides of the Mississippi River and its northern border was Canada. All land east of the river was won by Great Britain in the French and Indian War ending in 1763 and the rest of the state was claimed by Spain.

After a deal between France and Spain, on April 30, 1803 the Louisiana Purchase was made, doubling the size of the country.