Louisiana, named in honor of the French King Louis XIV, has a colorful history. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with Napoleon. It was admitted to the Union as the 18th state in 1812. A strong French influence is still evident throughout the state. Situated in the Deep South, Louisiana lies where the mighty Mississippi empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Water routes link the state with both the heart of America and lands across the sea. The life of Louisiana is based on a mixture of many peoples, cultures and customs. Tourists visit New Orleans for the city's festive Mardi Gras, the old French Quarter and the city's jazz clubs. Other attractions include Acadiana, the homeland of the Cajuns, and magnificent old plantation homes.

GOVERNMENT
Capital: Baton Rouge
Governor:>Murphy J. “Mike” Foster, R (to Jan. 2004)
Senators: John B. Breaux, D (to Jan. 2005); > Mary Landrieu, D (to Jan. 2009)
House of Representatives: 7 districts | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 128,959; National rank: 24; Percent change since 1990: 36%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 48 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $24,454; National Rank: 45 (80% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 16,587; National Rank: 13
Agriculture: Seafood, cotton, soybeans, cattle, sugarcane, poultry and eggs ,dairy products, rice.
Industry: Chemical products, petroleum and coal products, food processing, transportation equipment, paper products, tourism.