Welcome to Mississippi
"The Magnolia State" Schoolchildren might know Mississippi best for the sing-song way in which its name is spelled, but most grown ups are aware that the state is known for quite a bit more. Largely defined by its eponymous river and the flooding it has caused over the centuries, the Magnolia State features an elaborate system of levees to keep water at bay (or in this case, at Delta). Some say this has negatively impacted the state's wetlands and general ecology, and it hasn't put a stop to the occasional deluge—in 2005, Hurricane Katrina became the latest major storm to cause massive flooding along the Gulf Coast Region. When Mississippians aren't bailing out their basements, many like to unwind by listening to and playing music—the state, which has the highest proportion of African-American residents in the country, is world-famous as the birthplace of the Delta blues. Legendary Mississippi musicians from every genre include "Father of Country Music" Jimmie Rodgers, Chester Arthur Burnett (known as "Howlin' Wolf"), Tupelo-born Elvis Presley, and Jimmy Buffet. Unfortunately, Mississippians are often singing the blues for good reason: Despite its artistic riches, the state is notoriously poor. Mississippians suffer the lowest per capita income in the country, and the farming industry depends greatly on federal subsidies to stay afloat. State Name: Mississippi State Nickname: "The Magnolia State"  State Motto: Virtute et armis ("By valor and arms") Name for Residents: Mississippian Abbreviation: MS Time Zone: Central, GMT/UTC -6 / -5 (Daylight Savings Time) Capital City: Jackson Date of Statehood: December 10, 1817 Statehood Rank: 20th State Area: 48,434 square miles (125,443 km²) Area Rank: 32 of 50 Number of Counties: 82 State Population: 2,938,618 (2008 estimate) Largest Cities:     Jackson - 173,861 (2008)     Gulfport - 70,055 (2008)     Hattiesburg - 51,993 (2008) Major Rivers:     Mississippi - Length: 2,320 mi (3,730 km)     Big Black River - Length: 330 mi (531 km)     Pascagoula River - Length: 80 mi (130 km) Highest Point: Woodall Mountain, 806 ft (246 m) Lowest Point: Gulf of Mexico (sea level) Bordering States and Countries:     Tennessee (North)     Alabama (East)     Louisiana (South and Southwest)     Arkansas (Northwest) Record High Temperature:     115°F (46°C)     July 29, 1930 at Holly Springs Record Low Temperature:     -19°F (-28°C)     January 30, 1966 at Corinth
	Mississippi State Flag Mississippi State Seal Mississippi Location Map Mississippi
	Author: World Trade Press