USA Louisiana | North America

Louisiana is located in the Deep South region of the United States, bordering Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Texas to the west. The state is defined by its low-lying deltaic geography, featuring the Mississippi River, extensive bayous, and coastal marshes. The capital city is Baton Rouge.

History & Culture

Louisiana was named for King Louis XIV of France and was acquired by the U.S. via the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It is the only state with a legal system based on Civil Law (Napoleonic Code) rather than Common Law. Its culture is a unique synthesis of French, Spanish, African, and Acadian (Cajun) influences. Primary religious affiliations are Christianity (84%, with 26% Catholic) and irreligious/secular (13%). Social etiquette emphasizes a relaxed "Joie de Vivre" lifestyle, communal dining, and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

The official language is English. English proficiency is universal. Spanish is the second most common language (spoken by approx. 5.8%). Louisiana French and Cajun French are spoken by approximately 2% of the population, predominantly in the Acadiana region.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 4.6 million, with 75% urban and 25% rural distribution. Top three export commodities are petroleum/coal products, chemicals, and agricultural products (soybeans/corn). GDP per capita is approximately $55,000 USD. The economy is driven by energy production (15 oil refineries), chemical manufacturing, the Port of South Louisiana (the largest tonnage port in the U.S.), and a high-volume tourism sector centered on New Orleans.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries to enhance security vetting. Citizens of most EU nations and the UK require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) is strict regarding the importation of biological and food products to protect the state's agriculture and seafood industries.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal in urban areas. Cash remains essential for small tips, entry to local music venues, and at informal crawfish boils or roadside stands. ATM availability is high across all parishes.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the Interstate Highway System (I-10, I-12, I-49, I-20). Amtrak provides service via the "Sunset Limited," "City of New Orleans," and "Crescent" lines. Domestic and international aviation is anchored by New Orleans International (MSY) and Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR). The state utilizes a complex network of bridges and ferries to traverse its extensive waterways.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the New Orleans-Baton Rouge industrial corridor and Shreveport. In 2026, Louisiana is a major node for new AI data center construction, including a multibillion-dollar Meta facility. Signal strength is frequently lost in the deep bayous and remote sections of the Atchafalaya Basin.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is humid subtropical, featuring hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Louisiana has the highest annual rainfall in the U.S. (approx. 60 inches). For the 2025–2026 winter, a weak La Niña has resulted in variable precipitation and mild temperature swings. Hurricane season (June–November) is the primary environmental risk period.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and heat-related illnesses. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Greater New Orleans (Tourism/Logistics): Hub city is New Orleans.

Plantation Country/Industrial Corridor (Gov/Energy): Hub city is Baton Rouge.

Acadiana/Cajun Country (Maritime/Seafood): Hub city is Lafayette.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.15 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $5.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

The "Rougrou" is a prominent local legend in French Louisiana, described as a werewolf-like creature that haunts the swamps and sugarcane fields to punish those who break Lent. Additionally, New Orleans is the undisputed birthplace of Jazz. The state fossil is Petrified Palmwood, and the state boat is the Pirogue, a traditional small, flat-bottomed boat used in the bayous.