Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is the capital and the largest city of Louisiana, a U.S state. It is the second largest city in Louisiana. The English translation of 'Baton Rouge' is "Red Stick". Like other capital cities, its region is called the "Capital Area." Being the parish seat of East Baton Rouge Parish, the city is the second largest metropolitan area in the state.

The city is home to many universities like Louisiana State University and Southern University. The effect of hurricane Katrina that raged through the area in 2005 declined the population rate of New Orleans, making Baton Rouge, the largest city in Louisiana. The city has proven to be one of the fastest growing cities in the South in terms of technology. Rated as one of the largest mid-sized business cities, it is also one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas.

Area & Location: Situated just north of Bayou Manchac, Baton Rouge is located at 30º27'29? Latitude North and 91º8'25? Longitude West. Having a total area of 204.8 sq. km with 199.0 sq. km of land and 5.7 sq. km of water, the city is one of the southernmost capital cities in the lower 48 U.S. It serves as a home to 224, 097 people.

Economy: Having one of the nation's largest deep-water ports that are able to handle both ocean-going vessels and river barges, Baton Rouge develops into large industrial and chemical complexes in addition to agricultural enhancement. Forest and agricultural products, steel and pipe, ores, coal and petroleum products are the main cargoes shipped through the port. The natural resources basin that exists in the city helps the industries to access the natural resources such as gas, oil, water, timberland, sulphur, salt and other raw materials. Travel industry also contributes much to the economy of the city besides finance, insurance and health care. Petrochemicals, rubber, plastic, wood, paper products, food, concrete and scientific instruments are the notable productions in the city.

Tourist Attractions: As a city with a number of tourist attractive sites, a visit to Louisiana gives pleasure to its visitors. Alex Box Stadium - Baseball stadium for LSU, Baton Rouge River Center - Entertainment complex, Baton Rouge Zoo with over 1,800 animals, Blue Bayou Waterpark, Dixie with over 20 water rides, Landin' Amusement Park are some places where people can enjoy themselves with their children. The Capitol Lakes and Huey Long Field House, which has a large swimming pool, helps people to chill and refresh themselves in summer. The Independence Park Botanic Gardens - that contain rose garden, crape myrtle garden, sensory garden, children's forest and Louisiana Iris garden gives a feast for the eyes. Louisiana Arts and Science Museum that contains art and science galleries, Louisiana Museum of Natural History that focuses on Textile and Natural Science and Louisiana State Capitol the tallest state capitol building in the United States are other points of interest that entice the tourists.