Basic Information
Mississippi, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its rich history, distinct culture, and natural beauty.
Capital
- Jackson
Largest City
- Jackson
Area
- 48,430 sq mi
Population
- 2.96 million (2020)
Demographics
Mississippi's population is characterized by a significant African American population and a rich cultural heritage.
Ethnic Composition
- African American:38.0%
- White:56.9%
- Hispanic:3.4%
- Asian:1.1%
Languages
- English:95.8%
- Spanish:2.9%
Age Distribution
- Under 18:24.1%
- 18-64:60.5%
- 65+:15.4%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:-0.2%
- Natural Increase:8,000
- Migration:-14,000
Economy
Mississippi's economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and increasing sectors like gaming and tourism.
GDP
- $125 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Gaming
- Tourism
Employment Rate
- Employed:94.6%
- Unemployment:5.4%
Major Companies
- Nissan
- Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Sanderson Farms
- Entergy Mississippi
Climate
Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Summer
- Avg. Temperature:90°F
- High Humidity
- Frequent Thunderstorms
Winter
- Avg. Temperature:50°F
- Occasional Freezes
- Rare Snowfall
Rainfall
- Annual:55 inches
Hurricane Season
- June to November
- Coastal Regions at Risk
Visiting Mississippi
Mississippi offers a blend of historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural beauty for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring:March-May
- Fall:September-November
- Avoid Summer Heat:June-August
Transportation
- Major Airports:3
- Highway System:Interstates and State Routes
- Limited Amtrak service
Accommodation
- Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts
- Campgrounds & RV Parks
Tourist Information
- Mississippi Tourism Website
- Visitor Centers throughout the state
Popular Attractions
Mississippi's attractions highlight its musical heritage, Civil Rights history, and natural landscapes.
Historical Sites
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Medgar Evers Home Museum
- Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
- Natchez Antebellum Mansions
Musical Landmarks
- Birthplace of Elvis Presley (Tupelo)
- Mississippi Blues Trail
- B.B. King Museum (Indianola)
- Ground Zero Blues Club (Clarksdale)
Natural Attractions
- Gulf Coast Beaches
- Natchez Trace Parkway
- Mississippi River
- Tishomingo State Park
Cultural Festivals
- Jubilee Jam (Jackson)
- Natchez Balloon Festival
- Mississippi State Fair
History
Mississippi's history includes Native American settlements, French and Spanish colonization, the antebellum period, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Early History
- Native American Tribes:Choctaw, Chickasaw, Natchez
- French Settlement:1699
- Spanish Control:1763-1798
19th Century
- Mississippi Territory:1798
- Statehood:1817
- Antebellum Period & Slavery
- Civil War:1861-1865
20th Century
- Jim Crow Laws & Segregation
- Great Migration
- Civil Rights Movement
Recent History
- Economic Diversification
- Recovery from Hurricane Katrina
- Continued Cultural Preservation
State Symbols
Mississippi's symbols reflect its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
State Animals
-
State Bird:Mockingbird
-
State Fish:Largemouth Bass
-
State Insect:Honeybee
-
State Waterfowl:Wood Duck
-
State Land Mammal:White-tailed Deer
State Plants
-
State Flower:Magnolia
-
State Tree:Magnolia Tree
-
State Wildflower:Coreopsis
-
State Fossil:Prehistoric Whale
Cultural Symbols
-
State Song:"Go, Mississippi!"
-
State Beverage:Milk
-
State Waterway:Mississippi River
Other Symbols
-
State Stone:Petrified Wood
State Facts
Interesting and unique facts about Mississippi that highlight its distinctive character and achievements.
Geographic Facts
-
Highest Point:Woodall Mountain (807 ft)
-
Longest River:Mississippi River
- Extensive Delta Region
- Gulf Coast Shoreline
Records & Rankings
- High Percentage of African American Population
- Rich Musical Heritage (Blues, Gospel, Rock & Roll)
- Significant Agricultural Producer
Notable Firsts
- First Human Heart Transplant (Dr. James Hardy)
- Significant Contributions to Blues Music
Unique Features
- Home to the Mississippi Delta
- Numerous Antebellum Mansions
- Important Civil Rights Landmarks
- Strong Literary Tradition (William Faulkner, Eudora Welty)
Government & Politics
Mississippi has a state government with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
Governor
- Current Governor (as of 2023)
Legislature
- Bicameral:State Senate and House of Representatives
Political Trends
- Historically Democratic, shifting Republican in recent decades
Key Political Issues
- Education
- Healthcare
- Economic Development
- Social Issues
Time Zones
Mississippi observes Central Time Zone (CT).
Standard Time
- Central Standard Time (CST, UTC -6)
Daylight Saving
- Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC -5)
Education
Mississippi's education system includes public schools, community colleges, and universities.
Major Public Universities
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- Mississippi State University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Jackson State University
Community Colleges
- Numerous community colleges across the state
K-12 System
- Public school districts throughout Mississippi
Key Educational Initiatives
- Early Childhood Education Programs
- Teacher Development Programs
- Efforts to improve statewide academic performance
Culture & Festivals
Mississippi's culture is rich in music, literature, and historical traditions, celebrated through various festivals and events.
Major Festivals
- Mississippi Delta Blues Festival
- Natchez Trace Festival
- Jubilee Jam (Jackson)
- Blessing of the Fleet (Biloxi)
Musical Heritage
- Home of the Blues
- Gospel Music Traditions
- Influence on Rock & Roll
Literary Culture
- Home to notable authors (William Faulkner, Eudora Welty)
- Mississippi Book Festival
Regional Traditions
- Mardi Gras Celebrations (Gulf Coast)
- Cultural events celebrating Native American heritage
Sports & Teams
Mississippi has a strong college sports culture, particularly football, and various minor league teams.
College Sports
- Ole Miss Rebels
- Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Southern Miss Golden Eagles
- Jackson State Tigers
Minor League Teams
- Mississippi Braves (baseball)
- Mississippi Sea Wolves (hockey)
Notable Sporting Events
- Egg Bowl (Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State)
- College World Series appearances
Cuisine & Local Specialties
Mississippi's cuisine features Southern comfort food, seafood from the Gulf Coast, and unique regional dishes.
Signature Dishes
- Catfish
- Shrimp and Grits
- Fried Chicken
- Pecan Pie
- Tamales (Delta region)
Regional Specialties
- Gulf Coast Seafood
- Delta Cuisine
- Soul Food
Agricultural Products
- Cotton, Soybeans, Poultry, Sweet Potatoes
Local Restaurants
- Numerous family-owned restaurants
- Barbecue joints
Infrastructure
Mississippi's infrastructure includes highways, ports, and transportation networks supporting its economy.
Highway System
- Interstate Highways and State Routes
Ports
- Port of Pascagoula
- Port of Gulfport
Railways
- Freight rail lines
Airports
- Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport
Notable Historical Figures
Mississippi has produced numerous influential figures in music, literature, civil rights, and politics.
Musical Legends
- Elvis Presley
- B.B. King
- Muddy Waters
- Robert Johnson
Literary Icons
- William Faulkner
- Eudora Welty
- Tennessee Williams
- Richard Wright
Civil Rights Leaders
- Medgar Evers
- Fannie Lou Hamer
- James Meredith
Political Figures
- Jefferson Davis (Confederate President)
- John C. Stennis (U.S. Senator)
State Government Services
Mississippi provides various services to its residents through state agencies and departments.
Health Services
- Mississippi Medicaid, Department of Health
Social Services
- Department of Human Services
Environmental Agencies
- Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Parks & Recreation
- Mississippi State Parks
Key Historical Documents & Landmarks
Mississippi's history is preserved in various documents and landmarks.
State Constitution
- Mississippi Constitution
Historical Sites
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Antebellum Mansions
Archival Repositories
- Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Environmental Initiatives
Mississippi is involved in various environmental conservation and protection efforts.
Coastal Preservation
- Efforts to protect Gulf Coast ecosystems
Conservation Programs
- Wildlife management, state park preservation
Water Management
- Mississippi River management, water quality protection
Major Events & Conferences
Mississippi hosts various events and conferences that highlight its culture, industry, and heritage.
Musical Events
- Mississippi Delta Blues Festival
- Jubilee Jam
Cultural Festivals
- Natchez Balloon Festival
- Mardi Gras (Gulf Coast)
Agricultural Shows
- Mississippi State Fair
Industry Conferences
- Meetings related to shipbuilding, agriculture, and tourism