Located in the heart of the South, Mississippi is one of five southern states that border the Gulf of Mexico. Its total area consists of 47,689 square miles, ranking it the second smallest Gulf-South state and the 31st in population nationally. Despite its size, this popular moving destination has been blessed with perhaps the South's most fertile soil. One trip to Mississippi and you will find the people, culture, attractions and natural beauty that give the state a unique and authentic Southern feel. Experience the warm, smiling faces and a smooth southern drawl of the people who make Mississippi known as the hospitality state.

Origin of State's: The name Mississippi comes from the French "Messipi" - the French rendering of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe or Algonquin) name for the river, "Misi-ziibi," meaning "Great River."

Capital City: Nicknamed the City of Soul, Jackson is the capital of Mississippi. This modern city containing many historic buildings and sites and is conveniently located at the crossroads of Interstate 55, Interstate 20 and the historic Natchez Trace Parkway The city of Jackson is the hub of the Metro Jackson area, and is home to nearly 500,000 residents.

Population: Mississippi's population is approximately 2.8 million.

Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can be found on the Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Agriculture and Industry: Major agriculture includes cotton, poultry, cattle, catfish, soybeans, dairy products and rice; Apparel, furniture, lumber, food processing, electrical machinery and transportation equipment are the state's leading industries.

State Bird: The mockingbird was designated the official state bird of Mississippi in 1944. Northern mockingbirds have extraordinary vocal abilities and can sing up to 200 songs, including the songs of other birds, insect and amphibian sounds, even an occasional mechanical noise.

State Tree: On April 1, 1938, the Mississippi Legislature officially designated the magnolia as the State Tree. The large, lustrous, evergreen foliage makes the Southern Magnolia a desirable decorative plant.

State Flower: Southern Magnolia was officially designated as the Mississippi state flower in 1952. Magnolias trees have large fragrant white flowers and evergreen leaves that make them one of the most splendid of forest trees.

State Song: Written by Houston Davis, "Go, Mississippi" is the official stat song.