Louisiana State Fast Facts
Louisiana's Festivals, People, Demographics and Cajun French Culture
Aug 13, 2009
Though modern media portray New Orleans and hurricanes more than anything else, Louisiana's rich cultures culminate into diverse cultures which are celebrated throughout Louisiana.
French, Spanish, and African influences are evident throughout Louisiana, and these cultures combine into the well-known "joie de vivre" or joy of life that must be experienced to be understood.
Louisiana State Basics
- Name Origin: King Louis XIV of France
- Capital: Baton Rouge
- Motto: Union, Justice, and Confidence
- Nickname: Sportsman's Paradise
- Flower: Magnolia
- Bird: Eastern Brown Pelican
- Reptile: Alligator
- Song: "Give Me Louisiana" and "You Are My Sunshine"
- Tree: Bald Cypress
- Amphibian: Green Tree Frog
- Colors: Gold, White, and Blue
- Crustacean: Crawfish
- Dog: Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Mammal: Black Bear
- Musical Instrument: Diatonic (Cajun) Accordion
- Wildflower: Louisiana Iris
Louisiana Population and Demographics
Louisiana was admitted into the union on April 30, 1812 as the 18th state, and since then it has grown in population and its distinct cultures have blended. As of 2008, about 4.4 million people live in Louisiana according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The largest city in Louisiana is New Orleans, followed by the state's capital, Baton Rouge. Shreveport and Lafayette both have more than 100,000 inhabitants.
As of 2007, about 65 percent of the state's population was white, 32 percent black, 3 percent Hispanic or Latino, 1 percent Asian, and less than 1 percent American Indian.
As of 2000, nearly 10 percent of Louisiana residents have a language other than English spoken in the home. About 75 percent of Louisiana residents age 25 years or older have a high school degree, and 19 percent have a Bachelor's degree or higher. The average house has 2.6 residents with a median income of $40,900. The average travel time to work is 26 minutes, and the poverty level is at 19 percent.
The largest city in Louisiana is New Orleans, followed by the state capital of Baton Rouge. Shreveport and Lafayette have populations greater than 100,000.
Famous People from Louisiana
Louisiana is home to many cultures, traditions, and talents. Because of its arts-friendly, laid-back lifestyle, many creative minds originate in Louisiana.
- Louis Armstrong, musician
- Kate Chopin, author
- P.G.T. Beauregard, confederate army general
- Truman Capote, author
- James Carville, political consultant
- Van Cliburn, pianist
- Bryant Gumbel, newscaster
- Huey P. Long, politician
- Huey Newton, activist
- Anne Rice, author
- Jimmy Swaggart, evangelist
- Geoffrey Beene, fashion designer
- Jerry Lee Lewis, singer
- Ernest Gaines, author
- Britney Spears, singer
Major Festivals in Louisiana
Louisiana is famous for its numerous and diverse festivals. Nearly every city in Louisiana hosts a festival each year, and with more than 400 festivals per year, this is a state that knows how to celebrate. But how can you choose just one? Below is a list of major festivals.
- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
- Festival International de Louisiane
- Contraband Days
- French Quarter Festival
- Shrimp and Petroleum FestivalFest For All
- Mandeville Seafood Festival Festival
- Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival
- Blooming on the Bricks
- Cajun Hot Sauce Festival
- Louisiana Crawfish Festival
- Jambalaya Festival
- Mudbug Madness Festival
- Sunshine Festival
Louisiana is a unique pocket of culture that is the result of different heritages and their traditions. One corner of the state is a swampy fishing delight while another is a forested hunter's treasure trove. Travel to the northern part of the state and have some good down home Southern cooking or head to the southern part of the state and try some flavor-filled cajun or creole cuisine. Louisiana is home to diversity, so no matter your interest, something in Louisiana is sure to catch your attention and settle in your heart.
The Louisiana Flag
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