Louisiana.

Located in the Deep South and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana is situated between Texas and Mississippi and to the south of Arkansas. The Mississippi River, a commercial gateway for the United States, flows through the entire length of the state and into the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana became the eighteenth state to join the Union on April 30, 1812, and is one of the country's largest producers of cotton, sugarcane, and rice. Tourism is among Louisiana's largest industries, and the state's rich history and its intriguing geographic features make it a popular destination for tens of millions of visitors each year.