Mississippi ranks as the 32nd state in size, at 48,434 square miles (125,443 sq km). That includes a few islands in the Gulf of Mexico. The twisty Mississippi River, called Old Man River by some, forms the state's western border. It has changed its course many times, and over thousands of years its flooding made Mississippi's soils some of the best in the country. Many other rivers, like the Yazoo and Chickasawhay, crisscross the land and drain into the Mississippi or the gulf. Most of the state is made of flat plains and small hills. The fertile plains along the river are called the Delta. Forests cover half the state. Some forests are full of pine trees, and others have hardwood trees like hickory, oak, and sweet gum.
The Mississippi River is the state's lifeblood. The river made the rich soil that supports cotton, soybeans, and other crops. It allowed explorers and settlers passage into the heart of the country. It also lets barges and ships transport everything from coal to cars, making trade with other states easy. Farming in Mississippi has been kept to many small farms. As a result, Mississippi has long been one of the poorest states in the country; however, farming isn't as important as it used to be. The tourism industry is growing. Visitors like riding steamboats on the Mississippi or swimming at Biloxi's white-sand beaches. Fishing and raising catfish in man-made ponds (called aquaculture) are big businesses. Building car parts, refrigerators, and ships boosts the economy as well. With so much wood available, many companies make paper, particleboard, and furniture.
2,918,785
Capital:
State Abbreviation: MS
Governor: Haley Barbour (Republican)
U.S. Senators: 2
Thad Cochran (Republican)
Roger Wicker (Republican)
U.S. Representatives: 3
Republicans: 1
Democrats 2
State Senators: 52
State Representatives: 122
Counties: 82