Capital: Baton Rouge

State abbreviation/Postal code: La./LA

Governor: Kathleen Blanco, D (to Jan. 2008)

Lieut. Governor: Mitch Landrieu, D (to Jan. 2008)

Senators: David Vitter, R (to Jan. 2011); Mary Landrieu, D (to Jan. 2009)

U.S. Representatives: 7

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of State: Jay Dardenne (to Jan. 2008)

Treasurer: John Neely Kennedy, D (to Jan. 2008)

Atty. General: Charles C. Foti, Jr., D (to Jan. 2008)

Organized as territory: March 26, 1804

Entered Union (rank): April 30, 1812 (18)

Present constitution adopted: 1974

Motto: Union, justice, and confidence

State symbols:

Nickname: Pelican State

Origin of name: In honor of Louis XIV of France

10 largest cities (2005 est.): New Orleans, 454,863; Baton Rouge, 222,064; Shreveport, 198,874; Lafayette, 112,030; Lake Charles, 70,555; Kenner, 69,911; Bossier City, 60,505; Monroe, 51,914; Alexandria, 45,693; New Iberia, 32,495

Land area: 43,562 sq mi. (112,826 sq km)

Geographic center: In Avoyelles Parish, 3 mi. SE of Marksville

Number of parishes (counties): 64

Largest parish by population and area: Orleans, 454,863 (2005); Vernon, 1,328 sq mi.

State forests: 1 (8,000 ac.)

State parks: 35

Residents: Louisianan, Louisianian

2005 resident population est.: 4,523,628

2000 resident census population (rank): 4,468,976 (22). Male: 2,162,903 (48.4%); Female: 2,306,073 (51.6%). White: 2,856,161 (63.9%); Black: 1,451,944 (32.5%); American Indian: 25,477 (0.6%); Asian: 54,758 (1.2%); Other race: 31,131 (0.7%); Two or more races: 48,265 (1.1%); Hispanic/Latino: 107,738 (2.4%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 72.7; 65 and over: 11.6; median age: 34.0.

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