About the Universities in Louisiana There are a number of private and public colleges and universities in Louisiana. The University of Louisiana System, founded in 1974, is one of the twenty-largest public systems of higher education in the United States. It has eight universities throughout the state, enrolling about 83,000 students. The system offers over six hundred academic degree programs. The Louisiana State University System is another major institution of higher education in the state. Some of the major universities in Louisiana are : Tulane University, New Orleans: Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, Tulane University is a private, non-sectarian research university. It was founded in 1834 and has grown up to become one of the most prestigious private universities in the United States. The university offers courses in tropical medicine, social work, bio-engineering, biology, computer sciences, and architecture. Scott Cowen is the president. Louisiana State University: Established in 1860, Louisiana State University is the flagship university of Louisiana. It is one of the twenty-one universities in the United States supporting land, sea and space grant research. The university is formally called the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. A total of 28,871 students enroll in the university every year supported by a staff of 5,000 members. John V. Lombardi is the president. The university offers academic programs in engineering, veterinary medicine, architecture, library and information science, and social work. Louisiana Tech University: Located in Ruston, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech University, is a coeducational public research university. It was established in 1894 as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana. The various courses offered by the institution include natural and applied sciences, arts, business, engineering, and liberal arts. About 11,804 students enroll in the university every year supported by an academic staff of 504 members. The president of the university is Daniel D. Reneau.

Louisiana Flag The official Louisiana flag has a blue background and features a pelican raising a baby with its blood.

Map of Louisiana

Explore Louisiana's map; is located in the southern region of the United States of America. Out of the 50 states of the United States, Louisiana is the 31st largest State of the country. The country's 25th most populous state. Louisiana shares borders with the states of Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. The Gulf of Mexico is located south of Louisiana. Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and New Orleans is the state's largest city. Louisiana was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812.

History of Louisiana
Indigenous cultures such as Marksville, Fourche Maline, Po Poor Point, Baytown and Caddoan Mississippian thrived in the area in pre-Colombian times. Louisiana became a French colony in the 17th century. After the Seven Years' War, France ceded part of the area to Spain, but acquired it in 1800. In 1803, the United States acquired it from France at the Louisiana Purchase and annexed it as the eighteenth state in 1812.

Louisiana joined the Confederation of States in the Civil War. After the Civil War, the state witnessed the deprivation, division, and migration of American Americans. During the 1950s and 60s, it played an active role in the Civil Rights Movement. More recently, it was news when low-lying areas of the state were hit by the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

Geography of Louisiana
Louisiana is bordered by Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Louisiana has two distinct geographical features: the northern highlands and the alluvial coastal zone. The uplands in the north have steppe and forest trees while the alluvial zone consists of wetlands, coastal marshes and barrier islands. The state's major rivers are the Mississippi, the Red and the Ouachita Rivers.

To the south, Louisiana's coastal wetlands are among the fastest-disappearing regions in the world. Driskill Mountain, only 163 meters high, is the highest point in the state. Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

Tourist destinations in Louisiana
Tourism is an important industry in Louisiana, thanks to its beauty and vibrant culture. New Orleans is a crossroads of cultures and is famous for the French Quarter, Mardi Gras Parade, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Reserve, National World War II Museum, Jackson Square and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Baton Rouge is famous for its southern lifestyle and historic landmarks.

The Jean Lafitte Park offers a taste of the Cajun tradition and an insight into the state's history. Chicot State Park, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and Tickfaw State Park provide many opportunities for outdoor creativity. The Melrose Plantation in Natchitoches, the RW Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, Vermilionville in Lafayette, the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, and the Sci-Port Discovery Center are some of the most visited sites in Louisiana.

Transportation in Louisiana
By air - Louis Armstrong International Airport New Orleans (MSY) is the busiest airport in the state.
By Train - Amtrak operates Crescent, Sunset Limited and the City of New Orleans through the state.
Roads - I-10, I-12, and I-20 are the major interstate highways in the state.

Education in Louisiana
Each parish in Louisiana has a school district. Louisiana State University, Southern University and Louisiana State University are public institutions of higher education.

The facts about Louisiana
The state was named in honor of French King Louis XIV.
It has the tallest state capital building in the US, 450 feet high with 34 floors.
Mardi Gras is held annually in New Orleans.

Cities in Louisiana Nicknamed the 'Bayou State', Louisiana is located in southeastern United States. It is known for Creole and Cajun food, biological diversity, plantation homes, bayous, Mardi Gras celebrations, and Southern hospitality. New Orleans, referred as “The Crescent City”, is known as the birthplace of jazz and its annual celebrations and festivals dating to French colonial times. Notable tourist attractions in the city's historical French Quarter are include Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and a market. A veritable melting pot of different cultures, Baton Rouge is the state capital and the second-largest city in Louisiana. Shreveport is the commercial center of the Ark-La-Tex region, where the state boundaries of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas meet. Metairie, Lafayette, Monroe, and Alexandria are other cities in Louisiana worth visiting. Getting In and Around Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) are among the busiest airports in the state. Amtrak's City of New Orleans, Sunset Limited, and Crescent traverse the state. Interstate Highways (I-10, I-49, and I-20) U.S. Highways (US 190, US 167, US 71, and US 165) pass through the state.

Baton Rouge is the capital and the largest city of Louisiana, a U.S state. It is the second largest city in Louisiana. The English translation of 'Baton Rouge' is "Red Stick". Like other capital cities, its region is called the "Capital Area." Being the parish seat of East Baton Rouge Parish, the city is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is home to many universities like Louisiana State University and Southern University. The effect of hurricane Katrina that raged through the area in 2005 declined the population rate of New Orleans, making Baton Rouge, the largest city in Louisiana. The city has proven to be one of the fastest growing cities in the South in terms of technology. Rated as one of the largest mid-sized business cities, it is also one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas. Hotels: Some of the best hotels are : Restaurants: Some of the famous restaurants at Baton Rouge with mouth watering dishes include: Albasha Greek & Lebanese Mike Anderson's Seafood Restaurant DI Giulio Brothers George's - Original on Perkins Road Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro Economy: Having one of the nation's largest deep-water ports that are able to handle both ocean-going vessels and river barges, Baton Rouge develops into large industrial and chemical complexes in addition to agricultural enhancement. Forest and agricultural products, steel and pipe, ores, coal and petroleum products are the main cargoes shipped through the port. The natural resources basin that exists in the city helps the industries to access the natural resources such as gas, oil, water, timberland, sulphur, salt and other raw materials. Travel industry also contributes much to the economy of the city besides finance, insurance and health care. Petrochemicals, rubber, plastic, wood, paper products, food, concrete and scientific instruments are the notable productions in the city. Places to Visit: As a city with a number of tourist attractive sites, a visit to Louisiana gives pleasure to its visitors. Alex Box Stadium - Baseball stadium for LSU, Baton Rouge River Center - Entertainment complex, Baton Rouge Zoo with over 1,800 animals, Blue Bayou Waterpark, Dixie with over 20 water rides, Landin' Amusement Park are some places where people can enjoy themselves with their children. The Capitol Lakes and Huey Long Field House, which has a large swimming pool, helps people to chill and refresh themselves in summer. The Independence Park Botanic Gardens - that contain rose garden, crape myrtle garden, sensory garden, children's forest and Louisiana Iris garden gives a feast for the eyes. Louisiana Arts and Science Museum that contains art and science galleries, Louisiana Museum of Natural History that focuses on Textile and Natural Science and Louisiana State Capitol the tallest state capitol building in the United States are other points of interest that entice the tourists.

General Features :  Louisiana is a state situated in the western south-central United States. It is bordered on the north by Arkansas, on the east by Mississippi, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the west by Texas. The geographic center of the states is in Avoyelles Parish. The landscape of Louisiana is divided into three geographic land areas: East Gulf Coastal Plain : The region lying to the east of the Mississippi River is called the East Gulf Coastal Plain. The land is marshy and rises slightly in the north to rolling hills. Mississippi Alluvial Plain : Stretching along the Mississippi River from Arkansas in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south, the Mississippi Alluvial Plain consists of ridges and hollows. The Mississippi Delta lying at the mouth of the Mississippi River consists of silt deposited by the river and is the most fertile area of Louisiana. West Gulf Coastal Plain : The region towards the west of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain is known as the West Gulf Coastal Plain. The area towards the south, along the gulf, is composed of barrier beaches. The northern section comprises marshlands, known as the Louisiana Prairies. Driskill Mountain, the highest point in the state, lies just forty miles from the Arkansas state line. Geographical Facts About Louisiana Climate of Louisiana :  Louisiana is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. The highest temperature recorded in Louisiana is 46 °C; it was registered in Plain Dealing on August 10, 1936. The lowest temperature in the state -27°C, recorded on February 13, 1899 at Minden. There is occasional snowfall in the northern region of the state. During summers, tropical storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are frequent, especially along the coast. Tropical Storm Allison, the Audrey Hurricane, Hurricane Betsy, and Hurricane Andrew are some of the most devastating hurricanes that battered the state. Mountains :  Louisiana has many high mountain peaks and summits. Driskill Mountain is the highest mountain peak in the state followed by Gentry Hill, and Jordan Mountain. The other major mountain ranges in Louisiana include: Riveddens Hill :  There are a number of rivers and other smaller streams in Louisiana. The major rivers in the state are :  Lakes :  Constituting a natural system of navigable waterways in the state are the numerous lakes and reservoirs. The major lakes are :

Where is Louisiana ? Louisiana is a state situated in the western south-central United States. It is bordered on the north by Arkansas, on the east by Mississippi, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the west by Texas. What is the capital of Louisiana ? Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana. It is the second-largest city in the state. The city is well known as a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South. What is the largest city in Louisiana ? The largest city in Louisiana is New Orleans, covering a total area of 350.2 square miles. It is named after Philippe d'Orleans, Duke of Orleans, Regent of France. The city is famous for its French Creole architecture, cuisine, and the annual celebrations and festivals. How big is Louisiana ? With an area of 51,843 square miles, Louisiana is the thirty-first largest state in the United States. According to the 2010 US Census Bureau, the state has an estimated population of 4,533,372. Who are the political leaders of Louisiana ? Governor: Bobby Jindal Lieutenant Governor: Jay Dardenne When did Louisiana achieve statehood? Louisiana was a French crown colony in 1731. After the French and Indian Wars, it was ceded to Spain in 1763. But it again became a part of France in 1800 and was sold to the United States by Napoleon in 1803. The southern part, known as the territory of Orleans, became the state of Louisiana. It was admitted to the Union as the eighteenth US state on April 30, 1812. What is the economy of Louisiana like ? Agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries generate the maximum revenue in Louisiana. The principal agricultural products in the state include seafood, soybeans, cotton, sugarcane, cattle, poultry and eggs and other dairy products. Louisiana had the twenty-fourth highest GSP in the nation in 2010 ($213.6 billion); its per capita personal income is estimated at $30,952.Chemical products, petroleum and coal products, processed foods, transportation equipment, and paper products constitute the major industries. Tourism is also an important part of the state’s economy. What is the nickname of Louisiana ? Louisiana is nicknamed "The Pelican State." The name refers to the brown pelican, the state bird. What is the official language of Louisiana ? English is the official language of Louisiana, spoken by ninety percent of the population. French, German, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish are some of the minority languages spoken. Currently English and French are the "de facto administrative languages" of the Louisiana State Government. What are the religions practiced in Louisiana? Christianity is the official religion of Louisiana. The largest denominations include Roman Catholic Church, Southern Baptist Convention, and the United Methodist Church. Islam, Buddhism and Judaism are some of the other religions practiced. What are the state symbols of Louisiana ? State Tree : The bald cypress was designated the official state tree of Louisiana in 1963. It is deciduous and is found in swampy areas. State Flower : The magnolia blossom (Magnolia grandiflora) is the official state flower of Louisiana. It was adopted as the state flower in 1900. It is a hardwood tree that has large, fragrant white flowers and leathery evergreen leaves. State Bird : The brown pelican is the official state bird of Louisiana. It was adopted as the state bird in 1966. The state is nicknamed "The Pelican State" after the brown pelican. It is also found on the state seal. State Flag : The state flag of Louisiana was adopted in 1912. The flag has a blue background (symbolizing truth) displaying a white pelican feeding its chicks in a nest. The pelican stands for the state protecting the people and their land. There is a white ribbon below reading the motto of the state "Union, Justice, and Confidence."

The state of Louisiana has three major physical regions: Mississippi alluvial plain, East gulf coastal plain and West gulf coastal plain. The alluvial plain region stretches along the Mississippi river and the Gulf of Mexico from north to south. It features a terrain mostly made up of hollows and ridges. Cross Lake, Lake Claborne, Lake Bistineau are some of the notable lakes in the region. Low swamplands, coastal marshlands, and barrier islands cover roughly 20,000 square miles of an area in the region. The southern coast of the state, which comprises wetlands of Louisiana, is one of the fastest disappearing areas in the world. The east and west gulf coastal plains refer to the areas lying to either side of the Mississippi River. Acadiana region is composed of low gentle hills to the north and dry-land prairies and bayous to the south closer to the Gulf Coast. Extensive prairies, hill country with dense pine forests, and scattered swamplands make up the geography of Central Louisiana. Kisatchie National Forest, the state's only national forest, spans 600,000 acres of flatwoods in Central and North Louisiana. The higher and contiguous hills cover more than 25,000 square miles in north and northwestern region of the state. With an elevation of 163 meters, Driskill Mountain (or Mount Driskill) is the highest natural point in Louisiana. MOW.DT.12.26.16

The major attractions in Louisiana are :  Alexandria Museum of Art :  Located in central Louisiana, USA, the Alexandria Museum of Art was founded in 1977. However, it was opened to the public only in March 1998. The Museum houses an extensive collection of contemporary Louisiana art. The largest collection in Louisiana of North Louisiana Folk Art is also present in the museum. The grand foyer of the Alexandria Museum of Art with its exhibition spaces, education space and other public gathering areas is a great place to visit. Tickfaw State Park : One of the most popular state parks in Louisiana, Tickfaw State Park located west of Springfield, Louisiana. It was opened to the public in May 1999. The park is famous for its natural setting, hardwood forest, mixed pine hardwood forest and the Tickfaw River. The park offers recreation opportunities like canoeing, and boating. It has a rich natural habitat that includes American Alligators, Nine-banded Armadillos, White-tailed deer, Raccoons, North American Beavers, Virginia Opossums, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels. Longue Vue House and Gardens : One of the most famous historical sites in Louisiana, the Longue Vue House and Gardens draw a number of visitors. The streets of the French Quarter, great music and food, Mardi Gras in the place are world-famous. The architecture is more than sixty years old and is a perfect example of a beautiful Classical Revival styled home. In 2005, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. Holly Beach :  Also known as "The Cajun Riviera," the Holly Beach is one of the most pleasant beaches in the entire Pelican State. It provides ample opportunities for swimming, fishing and crabbing, sun bathing, bird watching and hunting. The place consisted of beach-front cabins known as "camps" which were re-built due to the threat of hurricanes. Louisiana State Capitol : Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana State Capitol is the capitol building of the state of Louisiana. It is the tallest capitol building in the United States and the seventh-tallest building in the state. The magnificent building houses the Louisiana State Legislature, the governor's office, and parts of the executive branch. It is a national historic landmark and depicts scenes from Louisiana and US history.

Highways In Louisiana This map highlights the state and national highways that join all the major cities in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the roads and highways. As of 2000, Louisiana had a total of 60,765 miles of road, 1,964,694 registered cars and 1,570,804 registered trucks. The northern part of Louisiana is easily accessible from the southern end by Interstate Highway 49 and Interstate 55. The eastern and western ends of Louisiana are connected by Interstate Highway 10, Interstate 12 and Interstate 20. Some of the prominent US Highways include road routes 167, 90, 190, 71, 171, 84, 165, 79, 80 and 61. Morgan City, Alexandria, Sulphur, Baton Rouge, Baker, Zachary, Opelousas, Crowley, Bogalusa, Houma, Pineville, De Ridder, Jennings, Lafayette, Thibodaux, Ruston, Monroe, Minden, Shreveport, Bastrop and Eunice are all connected by highways.