Louisiana , state in the S central United States. It is bounded by Mississippi, with the Mississippi R. forming about half of the border (E), the Gulf of Mexico (S), Texas (W), and Arkansas (N). Louisiana's climate (subtropical in the south and temperate in the north) and rich alluvial soil make the state one of the nation's leading producers of sweet potatoes, rice, and sugarcane. Other major commodities are soybeans, cotton, and dairy products, and strawberries, corn, hay, pecans, and truck vegetables are produced in quantity. Fishing is a major industry; shrimp, menhaden, and oysters are principal catches. Louisiana is a leading fur-trapping state; its marshes (7,409 sq mi/19,189 sq km of the state's area is underwater) supply most of the country's muskrat furs. Pelts are also obtained from mink, nutria, coypus, opossums, otter, and raccoon. About one third of Louisianans are African American, and their struggle for civil rights has been long and bitter. The move toward integration following the 1954 Supreme Court ruling against racial segregation in public schools was difficult, and continuing resistance to social change is reflected in the careers of David Duke and others. Hurricanes and flooding are recurrent dangers for the state. In 1965, Hurricane Betsy killed 74 and caused property damage in excess of $1 billion. In 1969, Hurricane Camille was even more destructive, ravaging Louisiana and neighboring states and killing 256 people. In Apr., 1973, the Mississippi River rose to its highest level recorded in Louisiana and, with its tributaries, flooded more than 10% of the state. Louisiana enjoyed an oil boom in the early 1980s but then suffered following the 1986 collapse of oil prices. The state's unemployment rate rose to the highest in the nation, and economic distress grew. The slump placed a great burden on the tourist industry and led to increased efforts to diversify the economy. The state's recent environmental woes have largely arisen from the fact that natural erosion, oil exploitation, and river control projects have severely degraded its freshwater marshlands, especially in the delta of the Mississippi.

Louisiana enjoys a strong economy as a leader in natural gas, salt, petroleum and sulfur, as well as large crops of sweet potatoes, rice, sugar cane, pecans, soybeans, corn and cotton. Tourism is an important industry as well. New Orleans is the major draw, known particularly for its picturesque French Quarter. With the cost of living below the national average affordable apartments for rent are available.

Louisiana is among the most culturally diverse states in the country with a rich heritage of Creole, Cajun and French. It has a musical wealth of jazz, blues and zydeco. About half of Louisiana is covered with timber. It has beautiful ancient cypress, magnolia and live oak with flowing moss. The great Mississippi River flows through the state. Louisiana has winding bayous and swamps with a vast wetland wilderness which is the largest of its kind on the continent. Rent an apartment and experience a truly unique state.

Louisiana's State Parks, Historic Sites, and Preservation Area offer unique experiences of the natural beauty and historical riches in the state. Louisiana is a paradise for fishermen. Unique apartments for rent can be found in the major cities in Louisiana.

Louisiana State University System has campuses throughout the state and a public hospital system that impacts the lives of millions of the citizens. The University of Louisiana System, one of the nation's twenty largest public systems of higher education, has provided access to higher education through its eight universities located throughout the state. Louisiana also has a number of well-known private institutions such as Loyola and Tulane University. Housing, especially apartments for rent are available for students.