Louisiana has a languid, exotic charm which sets it apart from the other Southern states. Native Americans, French, Spanish, British, African-Americans and Caribbeans have all added to the cultural jambalaya, creating a unique blend of cultures evident in the food, architecture and music of Louisiana. Louisiana offers jazz, zydeco, Dixieland and blues, Cajun and Creole cuisine, cocktails, plantations, riverboats, swamps and bayous. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, it is bordered by the states of Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. The Mississippi River meanders lazily through the state into the swampy lowlands of the Mississippi delta. On its banks lies New Orleans, Louisiana's largest city and one of America's major tourist destinations. 60 miles (96.5km) upstream lies the state capital, Baton Rouge. Louisiana has a population of approximately 4,315,100 and with a total area of 48,523 miles², is the USA's 31st largest state.
Did you know?
- The films Easy Rider, Pelican Brief, The Big Easy, Angel Heart, The Cincinnati Kid, Prince of Tides and Interview with the Vampire were all filmed in Louisiana
- Jazz great Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong started his carreer in Storyteller, the red light district of New Orleans
|
