Quick Facts
Capital: Baton Rouge
Population: 4,287,768
Total Area: 51,885 square miles
Top Industry: Agriculture
The state of Louisiana is located in the southern region of the United States, between Texas and Mississippi. In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, one of the worst hurricanes the region had ever seen. New Orleans and other places around the state were nearly destroyed, especially those areas near the coastline. Today, New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana have recovered from the devastating effects of the hurricane and the state remains an important part of the economy of the southern region.
Louisiana Economy
Agriculture is one of Louisiana’s largest industries. The state’s largest agricultural product is seafood; in fact, Louisiana is the world’s largest producer of crayfish. Other major agricultural products include cattle, poultry and eggs, soybeans, and cotton.
Industrial manufacturing is also an important industry in Louisiana’s economy. The state produces chemical products, petroleum, transportation equipment (rail and auto), food processing products, and paper products.
The Port of South Louisiana (off the Gulf of Mexico) is the largest volume shipping port in the western hemisphere and the largest bulk cargo port in the world. Truck drivers are needed transport goods to and from this massive port.
One industry that is rapidly growing in the state is the movie and film industry. The city of Shreveport has been nicknamed “Hollywood South” since so many movies have been and are being filmed there. The state has offered financial incentives to help get the industry moving again, and as a result there is a new, innovative production facility and film training studio in the city of Treme.
Louisiana Interstates
Interstate 10 is an important interstate highway that spans the southern United States. It passes through Louisiana’s major cities, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Interstate 20 is a major east and west interstate that crosses Louisiana for approximately 189 miles.
Interstate 49 is an intrastate highway, which means it is located entirely within Louisiana. It spans 208 miles from northern Louisiana to the southern half of the state.