Louisiana

Louisiana

Louisiana is South Central state bordered by Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Texas to the west. The state is shaped like the capital letter "L" or a boot. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Most of Louisiana has a hot, humid, subtropical climate; it is one of the wettest states. The state's location at the mouth of the Mississippi River on the Gulf of Mexico is very favorable and has played an important role in the state's development.

Louisiana has an interesting history. Thomas Jefferson bought the area that makes up the state from France in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The influence of early French settlers can also be seen in the state's name. Louisiana was named after Louis XIV, King of France from 1643–1715. When René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle claimed the territory drained by the Mississippi River for France, he named it La Louisiane, meaning "Land of Louis".

Louisiana has the world's busiest port system due to its location and is one of the most important trading states. The state is linked with the center of the country as well as places across the sea by its water route. The Mississippi River has made Baton Rouge an important inland port. Most of the country's petroleum and grain is shipped from New Orleans.  The Mississippi River has played an important role in Louisiana's economic success. The water along the state's coast produces a quarter of all the fish caught in the United States; only Alaska has larger fisheries. Louisiana produces many things. It's a leading producer of forest products, furs, and minerals including oil, natural gas, sulfur, and salt. In fact, the state is the leading producer of natural gas in the country and a large part of its economy is dependent upon its mineral resources. The state is also a very important part of the United States space program. In New Orleans, there is an enormous facility for making the gigantic external fuel tanks for space shuttles.

Baton Rouge is home to one of the state’s largest public universities, Louisiana State University (LSU). International students who study in Louisiana may find it easier to adjust to their new environment at LSU because of the International Student Association. The Tulane University, a private, nonsectarian, research university is located in New Orleans and is ranked among the country’s top 50 research universities. One of the benefits for international students who study in Louisiana is that they can participate in some of the country’s most popular traditions and celebrations; Mardi Gras and Jazz and Heritage Festival.

List of colleges and universities in Louisiana

The official website of the State of Louisiana

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