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The fragrant state of Mississippi is located in the southeastern United States, in the 'Deep South', on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It is situated between fellow southern states, Arkansas and Louisiana to the west, Alabama to the east, and Tennessee to the north. It covers an area of around 125,500km², making it the thirtysecond largest state in the United States.
Its geography is characterised by the long and meandering river after which it was named. The Mississippi River's tributaries have nurtured a landscape of lush greenery and sweetsmelling magnolias, that thrive in the warm, damp atmosphere of the riverbeds. Magnolia trees can be found throughout the state.
Mississippi's weather is moist and warm on average. Summer thundershowers and occasional autumn hurricanes from the coast, however, offer unexpected disturbances to the otherwise moderate climate.
Mississippi's people, like her weather, are very warm and welcoming, and continue a long tradition of 'Southern hospitality'.
The American English of the Southerners is often interspersed by colourful idioms. Although not always easy to grasp, this adds to the easygoing atmosphere of the state.
Did you know?
- Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, and lived there until he was two years old.
- The 'teddy bear' originated in Mississippi. It was named after US President, Theodore Roosevelt who refused to kill a bear while hunting in the state.
- Playwright, Tennessee Williams was born and raised in Mississippi, and wrote his greatest works here.
- William Faulkner, Nobel prize winner for literature in 1949, was born in Mississippi.
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