THE PELICAN STATE

Union, justice and confidence

The state of Louisiana was established as part of the United States on April 30, 1812, making it the 18th to join the union. Louisiana ranks 33rd in size⁸ with 43,566 sq. miles of land, and New Orleans is the largest city. Louisiana also ranks 22nd in population⁸ with 4,468,976 residents (2000 est.), and Baton Rouge is the state capital. The official bird of Louisiana is the Pelican, and the official flower is the Magnolia.