Given how many states were part of the United States at the time of the acquisition of Louisiana in 1812 (it became the eighteenth state in a row), we can safely say that this region had a significant impact on the further development of the entire country. The diversity of cultures of the colonists of various nations intertwined here.
Geography
The state has an area of 135 thousand square kilometers and is located in the southern part of the state. It borders Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and Texas to the west. The southern part of the region is washed by the Gulf of Mexico. In the northern part there are numerous hills with prairies and forests, including the highest point - Driskill Hill (163 meters above sea level). Approximately 1300 square kilometers of the territory are occupied by lakes and rivers. The lower part is characterized by great swampiness. Louisiana's largest cities are New Orleans, Bozhere City, Monroe, Lafayette, and Alexandria, with Baton Rouge as its capital.
A Brief History
The first Europeans who appeared here were the Spaniards. ATin particular, in 1539 these lands were discovered by an expedition led by Hernando de Soto. At that time, they were inhabited by numerous tribes of Indians. Active colonization of the region began in the seventeenth century, after the Mississippi River basin in 1682 proclaimed the property of France Cavalier de la Salle. This man was later appointed local governor. A few years later, the eastern part ended up under British ownership for a while. After the independence of the United States, in 1803, these lands, as part of a larger territory, were purchased from the French ruler Napoleon for the amount of fifteen million dollars. Nine years later, a separate administrative unit was formed - the state of Louisiana (USA), the capital of which the government chose the city of Baton Rouge.
Population
The population of the state is about 4.5 million people. According to this indicator, it is on the 22nd position in the country. If we talk about the ethnic composition, then white citizens account for about 63% of all residents, and African Americans - 32%. All other people here are Asians and representatives of other nationalities. English is the native language for 9 out of 10 local residents. In addition, French and Spanish are quite common here.
Economy
Louisiana is one of the country's most important mining centers. In particular, the bowels of the earth here are rich in natural gas, oil, s alt and sulfur. It should also be noted that in its territorythere are two large oil storage facilities (US reserve), as well as the headquarters of the leading companies in the industry, oil refineries and chemical plants. If we talk about agriculture, then the cultivation of sugar cane, rice, cotton, corn, beans and potatoes prevails here. Breeding on local farms of cattle, alligators, birds and crayfish is considered quite developed. Among other things, the state of Louisiana is an important center of water transport, because several million tons of cargo pass through local ports every day.
Climate
The region is dominated by a subtropical climate. Summers here are long and hot, while winters are short and relatively warm. During the period from June to September, the air temperature averages 32 degrees Celsius, and in winter it usually does not fall below 3 degrees. The region is not entirely favorable in terms of hurricanes that occur from time to time in the Gulf of Mexico. One of the strongest in history happened in August 2005. He is known as Katrina. As a result, 1836 people died, and almost all of New Orleans was flooded. The authorities estimated the total economic loss from the disaster at $125 billion.
Interesting facts
- The state of Louisiana, like all other regions of the United States, has its own symbol, which is a brown pelican. His image appears on the official local flag and seal.
- Local administrative units are usually called parishes.
- Gambling is legal onstate territory.
- More than half of all American matches are made here.
- The state of Louisiana got its name in honor of King Louis of France, better known as Louis XIV.
- The region contains about 41% of all American swamps.
- The famous American jazzman Louis Armstrong was born here, and the city of New Orleans is considered the birthplace of this musical direction.
- When buying the state from the French, the American government, in addition to Louisiana, received vast territories that now include Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota and Oklahoma.
- One of Louisiana's most popular tourist destinations is the Cajun Country, a huge swampy area that stretches as far south as the border with Texas. There are many birds, alligators and other representatives of the fauna here. In addition, there are numerous art galleries, museums and exhibitions in the region.
- There are several very interesting laws in the state. In particular, it is forbidden here to tie an alligator to a fire hydrant, gargle in public places and shoot a cashier with a water pistol during a bank robbery.
