Louisiana Facts & Symbols
Abbreviation |
LA |
Admitted to Union |
April 30, 1812 (18th state in the Union) |
Capital |
Baton Rouge |
Climate |
Subtropical |
Flag |  Louisiana's flag, though used since the 1800s, was not officially adopted until 1912. The design consists of the pelican group from the state seal, in white and gold, and a white ribbon bearing the state motto, on a field of a solid blue. |
State Seal |
 The state seal was adopted in 1902 and features a pelican tearing flesh from its own breast to feed its young. The pelican and its three young are surrounded by the Louisiana motto, "Union, Justice, Confidence." |
Federal Delegation |
2 members of the U.S. Senate Mary Landrieu David Vitter 7 members of the U.S. House of Representatives 1st District: Bobby Jindal 2nd District: William Jefferson 3rd District: Charlie Melancon 4th District: Jim McCrery 5th District: Rodney Alexander 6th District: Richard Baker 7th District: Charles Boustany 9 electoral votes |
Government |
State Constitution of 1974 provides for 3 branches of government: Executive, Judicial, Legislative. The Executive Branch is headed by the governor who is elected for a four year term. The Judicial branch is headed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Legislative branch consists of 39 State Senators and 105 State Representatives. All are elected for four year terms. |
Motto |
Union, Justice, Confidence |
Major Metropolitan Areas |
From the 2000 U.S. Census: Metro Name City Metro Area Rank ------------- ------ ---------- ---- New Orleans 484,674 1,337,726 34 Baton Rouge 227,818 602,894 69 Shreveport 200,145 392,302 104 Lafayette 110,257 385,647 105 Lake Charles 71,757 183,577 171 Monroe- 53,107 147,250 206 West Monroe 13,250 Alexandria 46,342 126,337 227 |
Nickname |
Pelican State |
Political Subdivisions |
64 parishes (analogous to counties in other states) |
Population |
4,465,430 (2000 Census) |
State Bird |
 The brown pelican is Louisiana's official bird. Pelicans are famous for their large bill, the lower portion of which has a pouch that can be greatly extended. |
State Tree |
 |
State Insect |
Honey Bee |
Crustacean |
Crawfish |
State Dog |
 The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the official state dog. It is a cross of the domestic dog the Indians of the Catahoula Lake region raised and the Spanish "war dog" that came through the area in the early 1500s. The Catahoula has unusual glassy eyes, webbed feet, a spotted coat, and is gentle with children. |
Drink |
Milk |
Flower |
 The large, creamy-white bloom of the magnolia tree was designated the state flower in 1900 because of its abundance throughout the state. The magnolia is an evergreen and the flower is unusually fragrant. |
Fossil |
Petrified Palmwood |
Freshwater Fish |
White Perch |
Gemstone |
Agate |
Mammal |
Black Bear |
Musical Instrument |
Diatonic Accordion, commonly known as the "cajun" accordion |
Reptile |
Alligator |
Wildflower |
Louisiana Iris(Giganticaerulea) |
State Songs |
Give Me Louisiana Words and Music by Doralice Fontane Arranged by Dr. John Croom You Are My Sunshine Words and Music by Jimmy Davis and Charles Mitchel |