Louisiana, the Bayou State, is home to more than four and a half
million people. Located between Texas and Mississippi, Louisiana sits on
the Gulf of Mexico. The capital in Baton Rouge and the largest city is
New Orleans. The state was names after the king of France, Louis the
XIV. The United States acquired the land in the Louisiana Purchase.
The state has a humid climate with a typical year having long, humid
summer days and short, mild winters. The average temperatures range from
62 to 92 degrees within the year, and the state is frequented by
thunderstorms because of its location to the Gulf, home to beautiful
inlets and marshlands down around the New Orleans area.
Louisiana has one national forest, the Kisatchie National Forest, but
there are many protected areas so that the natural environment can
flourish. There are also a number of state parks for the nature
enthusiast.
The state prides itself in its richly diverse culture. The
Creole and Cajun population bring a long, rich heritage to the state.
The first state to begin drilling for oil on water, Louisiana was
also the first to adopt into law the option of a covenant marriage, which
waives the rights for the couple to declare "no-fault" for
divorce. If the couple wants to divorce, they must show valid cause.
Louisiana is also home to one of the biggest parties in the world:
Mardi Gras. Every year, people flock from all over the world to
experience this extravaganza, but New Orleans is not just a party
town. It has a deep history and culture that can only be
experienced when in the city. T he good nature of the people doesn’t
stay within New Orleans; good natured southerners are found throughout
the state in every city and town.
