Capital : Jackson

State abbreviation/Postal code: Miss./MS

Governor: Haley Barbour, R (to Jan. 2008)

Lieut. Governor: Amy Tuck, R (to Jan. 2008)

Senators: Thad Cochran, R (to Jan. 2009); Trent Lott, R (to Jan. 2013)

U.S. Representatives: 4

Secy. of State: Eric Clark, D (to Jan. 2008)

Treasurer: Tate Reeves R (to Jan. 2008)

Atty. General: Jim Hood, D (to Jan. 2008)

Organized as territory: April 7, 1798

Entered Union (rank): Dec. 10, 1817 (20)

Present constitution adopted: 1890

Motto: "Virtute et armis"

State Symbols:

Nickname: Magnolia State

Origin of state's name: From an Indian word meaning “Father of Waters”

10 largest cities (2005 est.): Jackson, 177,977; Gulfport, 72,464; Biloxi, 50,209; Hattiesburg, 47,176; Southhaven, 38,840; Greenville, 38,724; Meridian, 38,605; Tupelo, 35,673; Olive Branch, 27,964; Clinton, 26,017

Land area: 46,907 sq mi. (121,489 sq km)

Geographic center: In Leake Co., 9 mi. WNW of Carthage

Number of counties: 82

Largest county by population and area: Hinds, 249,345 (2005); Yazoo, 920 sq mi.

State parks: 24

Residents: Mississippian

2005 resident population est.: 2,921,088

2000 resident census population (rank): 2,844,658 (31). Male: 1,373,554 (48.3%); Female: 1,471,104 (51.7%). White: 1,746,099 (61.4%); Black: 1,033,809 (36.3%); American Indian: 11,652 (0.4%); Asian: 18,626 (0.7%); Other race: 13,784 (0.5%); Two or more races: 20,021 (0.7%); Hispanic/Latino: 39,569 (1.4%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 72.7; 65 and over: 12.1; median age: 33.8.