ABOUT LOUISIANA
State Founding Rank:
18th State of the Union (1812)
Nickname(s):
Bayou State • Creole State • Pelican
State Capital:
Baton Rouge
Governor:
John Bel Edwards (D)
Lt. Governor:
Billy Nungesser (R)
U.S. Senator (1):
Bill Cassidy (R)
U.S. Senator (2):
John Kennedy (R)
Largest City (by population):
New Orleans
Total Population:
4,659,978 (2018)
# of Parishes:
48
FUN FACT #1
Louisiana is named after King Louis XIV.
FUN FACT #2
New Orleans is known as the Jazz Capital of the world.
FUN FACT #3
The world famous “Mardi Gras” is celebrated in New Orleans. Mardi Gras is an ancient custom that originated in southern Europe. It celebrates food and fun just before the 40 days of Lent: a Catholic time of prayer and sacrifice.
