Abbreviation	LA
Admitted to Union	April 30, 1812 (18th state)
Capital	Baton Rouge
Climate	Subtropical
State Seal	A pelican and her nest, surrounded by the state motto "Union, Justice, Confidence" and the words "State of Louisiana".
Flag	A pelican feeding its young against a field of blue. Official Colors: Blue, White, and Gold
Federal Delegation	Two U.S. Senators, Six members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Eight Electoral Votes
Government	State Constitution of 1974 provides for 3 branches of government: Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. The Executive Branch is headed by the governor who is elected for a four year term. The Judicial branch is headed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Legislative branch consists of 39 State Senators and 105 State Representatives. All are elected for four year terms.
Motto	Union, Justice, Confidence
Nickname	Pelican State
Political Subdivisions	64 parishes (analogous to counties in other states)
Population	4,533,372 (2010 Census estimate)
State Bird	Eastern Brown Pelican
State Dog	Catahoula Leopard Dog
State Flower	Magnolia. State Wildflower: Louisiana Iris
State Insect	Honey Bee
State Songs	"Give Me Louisiana" (Doralise Fontane) "You Are My Sunshine" (Jimmie Davis) Second State Song: "State March Song" (Jimmie Davis) State Environmental Song: "Gifts of the Earth" (Frances LeBeau)
State Tree	Bald Cypress
State Reptile	Alligator
State Mammal	Black Bear
Musical Instrument	Diatonic Accordion
Freshwater Fish	White Perch
State Fossil	Petrified Palmwood
State Drink	Milk
State Gemstone	Agate
State Fruit	Strawberry