Louisiana Facts -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 4,496,334
Capital:: Baton Rouge; 225,702
Area:: 51,840 square miles (134,264 square kilometers)
Per Capita Income:: U.S. $25,370
Date Statehood Achieved:: April 30, 1812

Louisiana ranks fourth in the U.S. in crude-oil production and second in natural gas. Louisiana also ranks second nationally in crude-oil refining capacity. Petrochemical plants line the Mississippi River from New Orleans—the country's busiest port—to Baton Rouge, and the production of chemicals is the state's leading manufacturing activity. Tourism is the second most important industry. Vibrant New Orleans preserves its Creole heritage in the architecture and foods of the French Quarter. Lafayette, the heart of Cajun country, is home to descendants of the Acadians who were expelled from Canada in the mid-18th century.

ECONOMY

Industry: Chemicals, petroleum products, food processing, health services, tourism, oil and natural gas extraction, paper products
Agriculture: Forest products, poultry, marine fisheries, sugarcane, rice, dairy products, cotton, cattle, aquaculture

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