Welcome to the Pelican State, where the jazz is smooth, the cuisine is spicy, and the culture is vibrant. Louisiana is a state full of surprises and fascinating tales, from the birthplace of jazz to the home of Mardi Gras. Whether you’re a fan of food, music, or just trivia, there’s something for everyone in Louisiana. So, put on your dancing shoes, and let’s explore 20 amazing Louisiana facts that will make you say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
1-5 Fun Facts About Louisiana
1. When it comes to the size of states, Louisiana may not be the biggest, but it certainly isn’t the smallest either – sitting comfortably between Alabama and Mississippi in terms of land area, it’s the 19th smallest state in the US.
2. If Louisiana were its own country, it would be larger than the country of Greece.
3. New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana, home to around 384,000 people (and many more in the surrounding metropolitan area).
4. Louisiana has a rich history of African American culture, with over 30% of the state’s population identifying as such.
5. While French may have once been the dominant language in Louisiana, today only a small percentage of the population speaks it. Most people speak English.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Louisiana
6. However, the state still has its unique version of French called “Creole French,” which is so different from standard French that even native speakers can’t understand it.
7. When it comes to religion, Louisiana is no slouch – in fact, it’s the 4th most religious state in the US, behind only Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
8. Louisiana’s state motto is “Union, Justice, and Confidence,” reflecting the state’s values of unity, fairness, and self-assurance.
9. With around one million alligators each, Louisiana and Florida have the highest population of alligators in the United States.
10. Louisiana is a sought-after destination for movie productions, having been the filming location for well-known movies like “Fight Club,” “Swamp Thing,” and “Suicide Squad.”
11-15 Surprising Facts About Louisiana
11. Famous Louisianians include jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino, actors Reese Witherspoon and Jared Leto, musician Jerry Lee Lewis, and TV host Ellen Degeneres.
12. Louisiana is one of the two states in the US where casino-style gambling is legal statewide; the other is Nevada, home to Las Vegas and Reno.
13. Back in 1910, a proposal was made to release hippos into the Louisiana bayous to clear out invasive river plants and alleviate a critical shortage of meat. This idea had the support of Former President Roosevelt and The New York Times, who even described the taste of hippo meat as similar to “lake cow bacon.”
14. Louisiana stands as the only state in the US that mandates licensure for florists.
15. In Louisiana, it’s customary for the warden to join the condemned prisoner for their final meal.
16-20 Scary Facts About Louisiana
16. Louisiana’s legal system has some peculiarities. For instance, biting someone with your natural teeth is considered a simple assault, but doing so with false teeth is an aggravated assault.
17. Performing rituals involving urine, fecal matter, or blood is illegal in Louisiana and can result in imprisonment for up to 20 years.
18. Stealing an alligator could land you in jail for up to 10 years.
19. Beware of ordering a pizza for someone without their consent in Louisiana; it could result in a hefty $500 fine.
20. Louisiana’s bar exam is notorious for its length – at 21.5 hours, it’s the longest of any state in the US. If you’re planning on practicing law in Louisiana, you’d better hit the books now.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Louisiana Facts For Students.
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