Explore this Map of Mississippi to learn about the twentieth state of the US Learn about Mississippi’s location in the United States, official seal/flag, area codes, zip codes, time zones, geography, climate, etc. Check out the major cities, history, trails (hiking, cycling, backpacking, etc.), national parks, the capital city’s location, FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), and many more.

About Mississippi

Mississippi is known for blues music. It is the hometown of many famous singers. This state has fertile soil. The meaning of Mississippi is “great river,” indicating that the Indians were aware of the river’s immensity. The name Mississippi is derived from the name of the Mississippi River. It is the 35th most populous state in the US. 

In the USA, Mississippi has the lowest per capita income. Jackson is the capital city and also the largest city. Around one-fifth of Mississippi’s population can be found in Jackson. 

English is the official language. However, a small percentage of people use French and Spanish to communicate. Mississippi has two nicknames: the Magnolia State (official) and the Hospitality State. Magnolia is the state’s official flower. The motto of Mississippi is “Virtute et armis.” It is a Latin phrase that means “By valor and arms.”

Mississippi Flag

The flag features a blossoming Magnolia on a blue background. This flower is surrounded by 21 white-colored five-pointed stars and the written word, “In God, We Trust.” The star at the top of these twenty-one stars has a five-diamond pattern and a golden color. The blue background section in the middle of the flag has two vertical golden stripes. There are two red stripes at the flag’s extreme left and right corners.

Mississippi State Symbols

The emblem of Mississippi is called the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi. On July 1, 2014, the new design of the seal was adopted. 

The new design of the seal features:

• An American eagle with wings spread is situated at the center of the inner circle of the seal. 
• At the chest of the eagle, stripes and stars are seen.
• The eagle is holding:
  • An olive branch on its right claw symbolizes the desire for peace.
  • A quiver of arrows on its left claw symbolizes the power to wage war
• “The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi” and “In God, We Trust” are written on the outer circular ring’s upper and lower sections surrounding the seal’s inner circle. 

Learn more exciting aspects of the State from Mississippi Facts & Trivia.

Mississippi Location

Mississippi Location Map shows the exact location of Mississippi on the US map. Mississippi is situated in the south-eastern part of the USA. It attained statehood and became an official part of the US on December 10, 1817.  

The exact location of this state is 30°12′ N to 35° N Latitude and 88°06′ W to 91°39′ W Longitude. Check this Mississippi Latitude and Longitude Map for more information.

History of Mississippi

Indigenous peoples have been living in the Mississippi region for thousands of years. The three main tribes that lived here were the Choctaw, the Natchez, and the Chickasaw. 

The European settlement started when Hernando de Soto (a Spanish explorer) reached this place with his exploration team in 1540. The commercial and strategic importance of this place was first understood in the 1670s by a small group of French Canadian sailors. Pierre le Moyne d’Iberville first claimed the lower Mississippi Valley, on behalf of France, in 1699. Soon after, French settlements were established in New Orleans, Fort Rosalie, Biloxi, Mobile, and Fort Maurepas. 

In 1763, the French and Indian war took place. This war made France cede this entire region (except New Orleans) to the British. The Mississippi region first became a part of the US territory in 1798 after the American Revolution (from 1775 to 1783). During the War of 1812, this territory played an important role. Mississippi became the twentieth state of the US on December 10, 1817. 

During the American Civil War, Mississippi became the second state to leave the Union and join the Confederate forces. The Battle of Vicksburg was the most crucial battle of this time. In 1865, Confederacy lost the war. After changing the state’s constitution and conferring voting rights to formerly enslaved people, Mississippi was reinducted into the Union in 1870.

Mississippi Geography

Mississippi is spread across 48,430 sq mi (125,443 sq km), where 46,952 sq mi (121,607 sq km) is land area and 1,521 sq mi (3,940 sq km) is water area. It is the 32nd largest state in the United States in terms of size. 

Woodall Mountain is the highest elevation point at 806 feet (245.7 m). The state’s lowest point is the Gulf of Mexico, whose elevation is at sea level. The Mississippi River, Yazoo River, Pearl River, Big Black River, and many more. The major lakes in the state are Ross Barnett Reservoir, Grenada Lake, Sardis Lake, Arkabutla Lake, etc. 

Mississippi’s prominent landform is a low fertile delta. It is mainly situated between the Mississippi River and the Yazoo River. Along the delta border, you’ll find a stretch of loess bluffs. Sandy Gulf coastal terraces, prairie, and piney woods follow this region. The high sandy hills are located in the northeastern parts of the state. You’ll find the flatlands, Pontotoc Ridge, and black prairie belt as you turn from north to central highlands. Check this Mississippi Topographic Map to learn more.

Learn about the location of various geographical landforms in Mississippi, including mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, and neighboring states, from this Physical Map of Mississippi.

Mississippi Counties

There are 82 counties in the US state of Mississippi. While Yazoo County is the largest, Alcorn County is the smallest county. Check the Mississippi County Map to learn more about the location and boundaries of different counties in the state. 

Mississippi Area Codes

The area codes in Mississippi are:

• 228
• 601/769
• 662

The Mississippi Area Codes Map helps you locate any area code in the state. You can also use it to learn more about the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital. 

Mississippi Zip Codes

There are 423 active zip codes in Mississippi. Some principal zip codes in Mississippi are 39503, 38654, 38655, 39759, etc. You can locate the location of a particular zip code, boundaries (state and zip codes), the state capital, and state boundary with the help of the Mississippi Zip Codes Map. 

Mississippi Major Cities

Learn about the state’s significant places from this Mississippi city map. It also helps you to learn about the state capital’s exact location, other cities, state boundaries, neighboring states and oceans, and many more. Some of the prominent cities of Mississippi are Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Greenville, Oxford, and many more. Check out the Mississippi Cities Map for more details. 

Mississippi Airports

The busiest airports in Mississippi are Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport, Golden Triangle Regional Airport, and many more. Have a look at the location of different airports in the state on the Mississippi Airports Map. This map also shows Mississippi’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

National Parks in Mississippi

There are nine national parks in Mississippi with a total annual visitor count of around 6,092,896. Major national parks in the state are Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Medgar, Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, and many more. 

In Mississippi, you can enjoy 251 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). Clark Creek Primitive Trail, Bear Creek Outcropping Trail, Tuxachanie Trail, and many more are some of Mississippi’s most popular hiking routes. 

Check out the National Parks in Mississippi Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.

Time Zones of Mississippi

Mississippi is in the central time zone of America. Its time zone is UTC−06:00 (Central), and its summer (DST) is UTC−05:00 (CDT).

Mississippi Climate

In a humid subtropical climate region, Mississippi is situated. The summers are long and hot. However, the winters are temperate. Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed across the year. During May-September, Southerly winds cause high humidity. Mississippi receives around 60-days of violent thunderstorms every year. 

The average yearly temperature in the northern parts of the state hovers around 62 °F (16.7 °C). However, the average annual temperature along the coastal belt of Mississippi hovers around 68 °F (20 °C). As you move from the northern part of the state to the southern region, the average precipitation level changes from 50 inches (1,270 mm) to 65 inches (1,651 mm).

FAQs on Mississippi

FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is Mississippi? 

Ans: UTC−06:00 (Central) is the time zone in Mississippi. UTC−05:00 (CDT) is its Summer (DST) time zone. 

FAQ #2: What Is The Capital Of Mississippi?

Ans: Jackson is the capital of Mississippi. 

FAQ #3: What Is Mississippi Known For? 

Ans: Mississippi is known for its Magnolia trees, cotton fields, southern charm, blue music, USA International Ballet Competition, being the poorest state in the United States, and as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. 

FAQ #4: Does It Snow In Mississippi?

Ans: Yes, snowfall takes place in Mississippi. However, the annual snowfall level remains very low, usually around 0.2 inches (5.08 mm). 

FAQ #5: Who Is The Governor Of Mississippi?

Ans: Tate Reeves of the Republican Party is the incumbent governor of Mississippi. He is the 65th governor of the state and assumed office on January 14, 2020. 

FAQ #6: What Is The Population Of Mississippi?

Ans: Mississippi’s population in 2022 is estimated to be 2.94 million, making it the thirty-fourth populous state in the USA. 

FAQ #7: What Is The State Bird Of Mississippi?

Ans: The mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the official state bird of Mississippi. 

 FAQ #8: When Did Mississippi Become A State?

Ans: On December 10, 1817, Mississippi became a state. 

FAQ #9: How Many Counties Are In Mississippi?

Ans: There are 82 counties in Arkansas. 

 FAQ #10: What is the Largest College in Mississippi?

Ans: The University of Mississippi is the largest in Mississippi.