Introduction: Louisiana Download PDF
The southern state of Louisiana lies north of the Gulf of Mexico and along the Mississippi River. Agriculture has been an important economic activity since the 18th century because of Louisiana’s semitropical climate and alluvial soil. In the early 20th century, petroleum and natural gas were discovered, fueling the development of an extraction industry. The industry grew rapidly until the mid 1980’s when prices fell significantly. Though not as prominent as it once was, energy is still a vital component of the state economy. Louisiana currently leads the nation in the production of sulfur and salt, and ranks high in crude petroleum, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production. Tourism is another important contributor to the state's economy; many visitors are drawn to the southern city of New Orleans because of its unique Cajun culture and famous Mardi Gras celebration.
Government
Symbols
State Seal: |
State Quarter: |
Time Zones:
| Standard Time | GMT-5 | |
| Daylight-Saving Time | GMT-4 | |
Statistics
- Per Capita Real GDP :
- $35,181
- Population:
- 4,410,800
- Percent of People Under Poverty Level:
- 19.8%
- Per Capita Personal Income:
- $30,952
- Percent of Population with a Bachelor's Degree:
- 13.3%
- Total Exports:
- $30,374,700,000
Top 5 Export Partner Countries
Japan
China
Mexico
Canada
Netherlands
Top 5 Export Merchandise
Petroleum and Coal Products Sales
Chemicals Sales
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
Computers and Electronic Products
Chemicals Manufacturing
Major Cities
Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport
Major Airports
| Airport Name | City | |
| BTR | Baton Rouge Metropolitan, Ryan Field | Baton Rouge |
| MSY | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International | New Orleans |
| SHV | Shreveport Regional | Shreveport |
Main Ports:
Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Plaquemines, South Louisiana
Corporations
| Company | Fortune 1000 Rank: | Revenues ($millions) | Headquarter City |
| Entergy | 225 | 11,067 | New Orleans |
| Freeport-McMoRan Cpr. & Gld | 398 | 5,791 | New Orleans |
| Shaw Group | 464 | 4,781 | Baton Rouge |
| CenturyTel | 757 | 2,448 | Monroe |
| Pool | 882 | 1,910 | Covington |