Capital : Jackson

Motto: "Virtute et armis"

State Symbols:

Nickname: Magnolia State

Origin of state's name: Possible based on Chippewa Indian words "mici zibi," loosely meaning great river

Land area, 1990 (square miles): 46,914

Area Codes: 228 - 601 - 662

Economy: Agriculture: Cotton, poultry, cattle, catfish, soybeans, dairy products, rice. Industry: Apparel, furniture, lumber and wood products, food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment.

Largest Cities: Jackson, Biloxi, Greenville, Hattiesburg, Gulfport

1999 resident census population: 2,768,619. Male: 1,326,704; Female: 1,441,915; % white: 62.4%; %Black: 36.5%; % American Indian: 0.4%; % Asian or Pacific Islander: 0.7%; % Hispanic: 0.9%; % population under 18: 27.2%; 65 and over: 12.1%.