The State of Louisiana has a wealthy, colourful historical background. Early Spanish explorers were Alvárez Piñeda, 1519; Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, 1528; and Hernando de Soto in 1541. In 1682, Sieur de la Salle arrived at the entrance of the Mississippi and declared all the land drained by it and its streams for Louis XIV of France.

Louisiana turned into a French crown settlement in 1731 but was conceded to Spain in 1763 after the French and Indian Wars. Louisiana reverted to France in 1800. In 1803, it was sold by Napoleon to the United States. In 1812, the southern piece known as the region of Orleans became the state of Louisiana.

The state has become a well-known visitor destination. New Orleans is the main draw, famous particularly for its charming French Quarter and the yearly Mardi Gras celebration, which is held since 1838.

Louisiana is a leader in salt, natural gas, petroleum, and sulphur production. a great deal of the oil and sulphur comes from offshore deposits.