Louisiana is bordered by Texas on the west, Arkansas on the north, and Mississippi on the east, and by the Gulf of Mexico on the south.
Louisiana is the 31st largest state by area, and with a population of approx. 4.5 million is the 22nd most populous state. Louisiana became the 18th state on April 30, 1812. Major industries of Louisiana include agriculture (rice, cotton, soybeans), salt production, oil and natural gas, and fishing (especially shellfish) . The nickname for Louisiana is Sportsman's Paradise (previously - Pelican State). Louisiana was named by the French explorer Sieur de La Salle in 1682 to honor King Louis XIV (14) of France.
Louisiana has several state taxes, including personal income tax, sales tax, and property taxes (collected at the local level).
State Capital: Baton Rouge State Motto: "Union, Justice, and Confidence " State Bird: Eastern Brown Pelican State Flower: Magnolia blossom State Song: "Give Me Louisiana" and "You Are My Sunshine" State Tree: Bald Cypress State Gem: Agate State Fish: White perch
In 2008, Coldwell Banker looked at the cost of a typical 2,200-square-foot house with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a family room and a two-car garage. The neighborhood - a more subjective measure - is one "typical for corporate middle-management transferees." The following is a sample of cities in the state:
