How many people live in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a population of approximately 4.6 million people, making it the 25th most populous state in the U.S.

When was Louisiana admitted to the Union?

Louisiana was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812, becoming the 18th state and the first carved out of the Louisiana Purchase territory of 1803.

What is Louisiana known for?

Louisiana is known for New Orleans' French Quarter, Mardi Gras, Cajun and Creole cuisine, jazz music, the Mississippi Delta, the largest U.S. port complex, and its unique system of parishes instead of counties.

Louisiana

Q: What is the capital of Louisiana?

The capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge, a major industrial hub on the Mississippi River and home to Louisiana State University.

The Pelican State

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Quick Stats

4.6MPopulation

#25Rank

1812Joined

52.4kArea (mi²)

Map

Seal & Motto

"Union, Justice, Confidence"

Additional Information

AbbreviationLA

Motto Origin

Reflects the values of the early state constitution.

Adopted 1812.

Official WebsiteLouisiana.gov

Population Growth

Overview

Louisiana, the 'Pelican State,' is a mesmerizing cultural melting pot where French, Spanish, African, and Native American heritages collide. Famed for its unique Creole soul and Cajun heart, it is a global leader in energy production, world-class shipping, and its legendary musical and culinary traditions today.

Historical Significance

Louisiana officially joined the Union on April 30, 1812, as the 18th state. As the crown jewel of the massive 1803 Louisiana Purchase, it transformed American history, serving as the pivotal gateway to the Mississippi River and the site of the legendary Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

Top Cities & Hubs

New Orleans

Population: ~385,000

The "Big Easy," a world-renowned global destination famed for its historic French Quarter, legendary jazz heritage, and its status as one of the world's most vital and busiest international shipping ports.

Baton Rouge

Population: ~225,000

The state capital and a major industrial hub on the Mississippi River, hosting the nation's fourth-largest oil refinery and serving as a massive center for research, technology, and higher education.

Shreveport

Population: ~185,000

A thriving commercial and cultural center in northwest Louisiana, famed for its riverfront entertainment, historic charm, and its role as a significant hub for healthcare and the natural gas industry.

Lafayette

Population: ~125,000

The undisputed "Heart of Acadiana" and the global epicenter of Cajun culture, celebrated for its incredible live music scene, festivals, and a fast-growing high-tech and medical sector.

Lake Charles

Population: ~80,000

A significant industrial and tourism hub in southwest Louisiana, renowned for its extensive petrochemical facilities, vibrant casino resorts, and its gateway to lush coastal wetlands.

Neighbors

Region: South

Capital: Baton Rouge

Key Landmarks & Economy

French Quarter: The oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and a world-famous National Historic Landmark, defined by its ornate iron-wrought balconies, vibrant street life, and legendary jazz clubs.

Jean Lafitte Preserve: A massive National Historical Park protecting the state's iconic bayous, swamps, and marshes while preserving its unique delta history and Creole heritage.

Energy & Port Titan: Louisiana is a massive global producer of natural gas and home to the Port of South Louisiana, the largest-tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere.

Did You Know?

Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. whose legal system is based on the Napoleonic Code of France, rather than English Common Law.
The state is home to the world's longest bridge over water, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, stretching over 23.8 miles across the lake.
Louisiana does not have counties; instead it is divided into 64 parishes, a unique terminology dating back to its French and Spanish colonial heritage.