Louisiana
The Pelican State
Quick Stats
Map
Seal & Motto
"Union, Justice, Confidence"
Enshrined in Louisiana's first state constitution upon its admission to the Union in 1812, this motto captured the aspirations of a young state born from the crossroads of French, Spanish, and American cultures. It called for a unified, just, and self-assured society rising from the bayous and delta marshes — a vision that persists today in the distinctive Creole and Cajun identity that makes Louisiana one of the most culturally rich states in the nation.
Flag Meaning
The flag of Louisiana features a pelican piercing her own breast to feed her young, an image known as 'The Pelican in Her Piety', on a field of blue, accompanied by the state motto.
- Azure Field — represents loyalty, truth, and justice.
- Pelican — the state bird, symbolizing self-sacrifice and care for its people.
- Blood Drops — three drops of blood on the pelican's breast emphasize historical ties to Catholicism and selflesness.
State Symbols
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.
Geographically, it shares borders with Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, forming a closely connected regional network.
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.
Famous Natives
Top Cities & Hubs
New Orleans
Population: ~385,000The "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: ~225,000The 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: ~185,000A 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: ~125,000The 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: ~80,000A significant industrial and tourism hub in southwest Louisiana, renowned for its extensive petrochemical facilities, vibrant casino resorts, and its gateway to lush coastal wetlands.
How Louisiana Ranks
Compared to all 50 states — bar shows relative standing
Neighbors
Additional Information
70001 (Metairie) → 71497 (Zwolle)
~518 ZIP codes statewide
Key Landmarks & Economy
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.
Demographics
Population Growth
You might also like
🧠 Louisiana Trivia
5 questions — how well do you know the Prairie State?
What is the famous historic neighborhood in New Orleans known for its architecture and jazz clubs?
Instead of counties, what are the local government districts called in Louisiana?
Louisiana is the top producer in the U.S. of which popular crustacean?
What famous bridge in Louisiana is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world?
What is the capital of Louisiana?