Capital: Baton Rouge State abbreviation/Postal code: La./LA Governor: Kathleen Blanco, D (to Jan. 2008) Lieut. Governor: Mitch Landrieu, D (to Jan. 2008) Senators: David Vitter, R (to Jan. 2011); Mary Landrieu, D (to Jan. 2009) U.S. Representatives: 7 Historical biographies of Congressional members Secy. of State: W. Fox McKeithen, R (to Jan. 2008) Treasurer: John Neely Kennedy, D (to Jan. 2008) Atty. General: Charles C. Foti, Jr., D (to Jan. 2008) Organized as territory: March 26, 1804 Entered Union (rank): April 30, 1812 (18) Present constitution adopted: 1974 Motto: Union, justice, and confidence State symbols: flower | magnolia (1900) | tree | bald cypress (1963) | bird | eastern brown pelican (1958) | songs | “Give Me Louisiana” and “You Are My Sunshine” |
Nickname: Pelican State Origin of name: In honor of Louis XIV of France 10 largest cities (2003 est.): New Orleans, 469,032; Baton Rouge, 225,090; Shreveport, 198,364; Lafayette, 111,667; Lake Charles, 70,735; Kenner, 70,202; Bossier City, 58,111; Monroe, 52,163; Alexandria, 45,649; New Iberia, 32,502 Land area: 43,562 sq mi. (112,826 sq km) Geographic center: In Avoyelles Parish, 3 mi. SE of Marksville Number of parishes (counties): 64 Largest parish by population and area: Orleans, 462,269 (2004); Vernon, 1,328 sq mi. State forests: 1 (8,000 ac.) State parks: 35 Residents: Louisianan, Louisianian 2004 resident population est.: 4,515,770 2000 resident census population (rank): 4,468,976 (22). Male: 2,162,903 (48.4%); Female: 2,306,073 (51.6%). White: 2,856,161 (63.9%); Black: 1,451,944 (32.5%); American Indian: 25,477 (0.6%); Asian: 54,758 (1.2%); Other race: 31,131 (0.7%); Two or more races: 48,265 (1.1%); Hispanic/Latino: 107,738 (2.4%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 72.7; 65 and over: 11.6; median age: 34.0. See additional census data Area codes Tourism office |