Origin of State Name : Named in 1682 for France's King Louis XIV.

Nickname : The Pelican State.

Capital : Baton Rouge.

Population : 4,468,976; 22nd, 12/00

Entered Union : 30 April 1812 (18th).

Songs : "Give Me Louisiana" and "You are My Sunshine."

Motto : Union, Justice, and Confidence.

Colors : Gold, white, and blue.

Flag : On a blue field, a white pelican feeds her three young, symbolizing the state providing for its citizens; the state motto is inscribed on a white ribbon.

Bird : Eastern brown pelican.

Crustacean : Crawfish.

Dog : Catahoula leopard.

Flower : Magnolia.

Wild Flower : Louisiana iris.

Tree : Bald cypress.

Gem : Agate.

Fossi l : Petrified palmwood

Insect : Honeybee.

Agriculture : Seafood, cotton, soybeans, cattle, sugarcane, poultry and eggs, dairy products, rice.

Industry : Chemical products, petroleum and coal products, food processing, transportation equipment, paper products, tourism.