Louisiana, one of America's most culturally and geographically diverse states, is located in the heart of the Deep South. Adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico and dottedwith hundreds of lakes and bayous, Louisiana is home to all types of terrain from swamps and marshes to lush forests and gentle hills.

Louisiana is home to Mardi Gras, a two-week party that includes more that 60 parades and millions of visitors from around the world. All year long, New Orleans Jazz, Creole culture, stately riverboats and some of the finest cuisine in the world is mixed into a diverse and renowned culture of Louisiana.

Foods like boiled crawfish, jambalaya, shrimp etouffee and gumbo make cajun and creole cuisine of Louisiana the envy of the nation.