Facts About Mississippi

Mississippi is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Louisiana and Arkansas to the west. Mississippi is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes.

Geography

Location

Mississippi is located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Louisiana and Arkansas to the west. It is the 32nd most populous state in the country and the 31st largest in terms of land area.

Size

Mississippi is the 32nd largest state in the United States, covering an area of 48,430 square miles. It is the 31st most populous state in the country, with a population of approximately 3 million people. The capital of Mississippi is Jackson, and the largest city is Gulfport.

Climate

Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the winter it is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The state receives an average of 56 inches of rain per year, with most of the precipitation occurring in the spring and summer months. The state is also prone to severe weather, including tornadoes and hurricanes.

History

Pre-Colonial History

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the land that is now Mississippi was inhabited by the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez Native American tribes. These tribes were the most powerful in the region and were known for their complex social and political systems. The Choctaw and Chickasaw were matrilineal societies, meaning that property and family lineage were passed down through the female line. The Natchez were a hierarchical society, with a ruling class known as the Sun people. All three tribes had complex religious beliefs, with the Choctaw and Chickasaw being polytheistic and the Natchez believing in a single creator god.

Colonial History

The first Europeans to explore the area were the Spanish, who arrived in 1540. They were followed by the French, who established the first permanent settlement in 1699. The French were the dominant power in the region until 1763, when the British took control after the French and Indian War. The British held the area until the American Revolution, when it became part of the United States.

Statehood

Mississippi was admitted to the Union as the 20th state in 1817. During the antebellum period, Mississippi was a slave state and was the site of several major battles during the Civil War. After the war, the state was subject to Reconstruction, which lasted until 1876. During this period, African Americans were granted the right to vote and hold office. In the late 19th century, Mississippi experienced a period of economic growth, with the development of the cotton industry and the expansion of the railroads. This period of growth was followed by a period of decline in the early 20th century, due to the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression. In the latter half of the 20th century, Mississippi experienced a period of economic revival, with the development of the tourism industry and the emergence of the technology sector.

Demographics

Population

The population of Mississippi is estimated to be around 3 million people. It is the 32nd most populous state in the US. Mississippi has experienced a population growth of about 7.5% since the year 2010. The population is expected to reach 3.2 million by the year 2020. Mississippi has a population density of about 63 people per square mile, making it the 33rd most densely populated state in the US.

Race and Ethnicity

The racial makeup of Mississippi is 68.3% White, 37.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population of any race is 2.8%. The largest ancestry groups in Mississippi are African American (37.3%), American (14.3%), English (10.2%), Irish (7.2%), and German (6.7%).

Language

English is the most widely spoken language in Mississippi. According to the US Census Bureau, 97.2% of the population speaks English as their primary language. Spanish is the second most spoken language, with 1.2% of the population speaking it as their primary language. Other languages spoken in Mississippi include French (0.4%), Vietnamese (0.3%), German (0.2%), and Chinese (0.2%).

Economy

The economy of Mississippi is a diverse one, with a number of major industries that contribute to its overall economic health. Mississippi is known for its agricultural production, particularly its cotton, poultry, and catfish farming. It is also home to a number of large manufacturing companies, such as Nissan and Toyota, which have established plants in the state. Additionally, Mississippi is a major producer of timber and has a thriving tourism industry.

Major Industries

Agriculture is a major industry in Mississippi, with cotton, poultry, and catfish farming being the most prominent. Mississippi is the largest producer of cotton in the United States, and it is also the second-largest producer of poultry. Catfish farming is also a major industry in the state, with Mississippi producing more catfish than any other state in the country. Additionally, Mississippi is a major producer of timber and has a number of large manufacturing companies, such as Nissan and Toyota, which have established plants in the state.

Taxation

Taxation in Mississippi is relatively low compared to other states in the United States. The state has a flat income tax rate of 5%, and the sales tax rate is 7%. Mississippi does not have a corporate income tax, but it does have a franchise tax and a corporate privilege tax. Additionally, Mississippi has a number of other taxes, such as property taxes, motor vehicle taxes, and a hotel/motel tax.

Culture

Music

Mississippi has a rich musical heritage, with a variety of genres that have been developed and popularized in the state. Blues music, in particular, has a long history in Mississippi, with some of the earliest blues recordings having been made in the state. Mississippi is also home to a variety of other musical styles, including gospel, jazz, and country music. Many of the most famous musicians in the world have come from Mississippi, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters. Mississippi is also home to a variety of music festivals, such as the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival and the Mississippi Music Festival.

Cuisine

Mississippi is home to a variety of unique and delicious cuisine. The state is known for its barbecue, with many restaurants and roadside stands serving up delicious pulled pork and ribs. Mississippi is also known for its catfish, with many restaurants serving up fried catfish with hush puppies and coleslaw. Mississippi is also home to a variety of other dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. Mississippi is also home to a variety of unique desserts, including Mississippi mud pie and banana pudding.

Sports

Mississippi is home to a variety of professional and college sports teams. The state is home to the NFL's New Orleans Saints, the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, and the NHL's Nashville Predators. Mississippi is also home to a variety of college sports teams, including the University of Mississippi Rebels, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Mississippi is also home to a variety of minor league baseball teams, including the Biloxi Shuckers and the Jackson Generals. Mississippi is also home to a variety of motorsports, including drag racing, stock car racing, and dirt track racing.