Fast Facts: Mississippi derives its name from a certain river, which flows 2,320 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico including along Mississippi's western boundary. Jackson is the capital and largest city.
Mississippi Career Education: Mississippi was ranked 50th in a 2009 K-12 "Academic Achievement" study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Mississippi Economy: Casino income is big in Mississippi as, in 2007, it ranked third nationally, behind only Nevada and New Jersey.
Location, Location, Location...: The state of Mississippi is located in the Southern region of the United States.
Cities: Jackson is the state capital and largest city; other large cities include Gulfport and Biloxi.
Behind the Name: The state's name comes from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary. Mississippi is nicknamed the "Magnolia State' in honor of the beauty of the state's namesake trees.
A Closer Look: Mississippi still boasts historic antebellum mansions that have been widely preserved, as the state endeavors to maintain the memory of the Old South. In contrast to the urbanized growth of much of the nation, Mississippi is still primarily composed of small towns and rolling farmlands.
Did You Know? Mississippi suffered the largest percentage of people who died in the Civil War of any Confederate State.
Population: 2,938,618 (3.3% increase since 2000) - 51.6% Female, 48.4% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 42nd in Forbes Magazine's "Best States for Business," 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) manufacturing; (2) retail trade; (3) health care and social assistance; (4) accommodation and food services; and (5) construction.
Taxes: Income Tax, 3.0% to 5.0% and Sales Tax, 7% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 97.0 in relation to the "National Average" of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 43rd of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 44.21; Apr: 62.90; July: 80.73; Oct: 63.70 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 50th of 50 states in "Academic Achievement" by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
In General: While agriculture was once the most important contributor to the Mississippi economy, other industries such as manufacturing and services have since moved to the forefront. The majority of Mississippi's workforce is employed in the service industry, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, or government and military services.
Service Industry: Community, business and personal services, such as private health care, hotels, law firms, repair shops and casino gaming, are Mississippi's leading services group.
Agriculture: In terms of revenue generated Mississippi's top five agricultural products are broilers, cotton, soybeans, aquaculture (farm raised catfish), and cattle and calves. Mississippi's most valuable crops are cotton and soybeans; Mississippi ranks as a leading cotton-producer across the nation.
Manufacturing: Processed foods are Mississippi's most important manufactured products, with meatpacking (poultry processing plants), beverages and dairy products of particular importance. The state is also one of the leaders in the production of upholstered products.
Mining: Mississippi's key mined products are petroleum and natural gas.
Fishing: Mississippi is a leading shrimp producing state, while also serving as the leading national producer of farmed catfish.
Did You Know? We bet you didn't know that casino income in Mississippi ranks third in the nation, behind only Nevada and New Jersey.
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