Louisiana

Louisiana became the 18th state in the United States in 1812, which followed the territory of Louisiana being divided into two parts, with the southern part being the Territory of New Orleans. The climate of Louisiana is subtropical in the south and temperate in the north. The population of Louisiana is approximately 4.4 million. Louisiana is the only state with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments. This unique political makeup has created strong political networks in the state at the local level. Louisiana's population has the second-largest concentration of African Americans in the United States, at 32.5 percent, and Hispanic Americans make up 2.4 percent of the state's population. Cajun and Creole populations are dominant in much of the southern part of the state, and the remainder is Caucasian. There are a variety of recreational facilities in the state, which makes it known as a vacation destination; some of the lakes, including Pontchartrain, have been highly developed as resort areas, and there is superb hunting and fishing throughout much of the region.

With its rich soil, the state is one of the nation's leading producers of sweet potatoes, rice, and sugarcane. Other major industries in the state are soybeans, cotton, and dairy products, along with vegetables, which are produced in high quantities. Fishing is a major industry; shrimp and oysters are also principal catches, creating a vast number of social networks around the industry. The state is also the U.S. leader in the production of salt and sulfur and ranks high in production of crude petroleum. Four of the 10 busiest ports are located in Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

New Orleans is the major attraction in the state with its rich history, nightlife, and old world feel. The city presents itself as a major tourist attraction with unusual nightlife on Bourbon Street, as well as others; in short, what would be out of the norm nearly everywhere else is what draws tourists to the city. New Orleans is especially known for the French Quarter, which has many famous restaurants and is known for Mardi Gras, one of the most famous festivals in the United States. Mardi Gras, which is influenced by the Catholic faith, refers to the practice of the last night of excesses such as eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday. The Catholic influence is strong in Louisiana and is evident in many such state traditions and social networks.

The Creole population of Louisiana is an enigma to most outsiders, and even within the city of New Orleans, which is where the majority of this population resides. The word creole, by definition, means to raise or to breed, but Creole is also signified by being born in or committed to the area of living for both whites and slaves. Throughout the 18th century, however, Creoles were defined as simply native-born to French mothers and fathers in Louisiana. This aspect of Louisiana's heritage has influenced food, architecture, and music.

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