Louisiana Parish Map

Louisiana Parish Maps

You might be surprised to learn that Louisiana doesn’t actually have counties. Instead, it’s divided into 64 parishes. This unique system sets Louisiana apart from most other states in the U.S., which typically use counties.

Louisiana Parishes

East Baton Rouge Parish is the most populated parish in Louisiana. It’s home to Baton Rouge, the state capital. This parish brings in people with its government jobs, universities, and industrial opportunities. On the other hand, Tensas Parish is the least populous. It’s a rural area with limited job prospects, which has unfortunately led to a steady decline in population over the years.

When it comes to size, Cameron Parish is the largest. It covers a whopping 1,937 square miles, but here’s the kicker. Almost half of that is water! This coastal parish is known for its wetlands and wildlife refuges. At the other end of the spectrum, we have Orleans Parish, the smallest at just 169 square miles. But don’t let its size fool you. It’s the home of New Orleans, one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.

The word “parish” has its roots in the state’s French and Spanish colonial history. It originally referred to church parishes, which were used as administrative units. Interestingly, the first parishes were established way back in 1807, just a few years after the Louisiana Purchase.

Louisiana’s geography is diverse, with swamps, marshes, and coastal plains in the south, and rolling hills in the north. Its parish system is just one of the many things that make this state stand out. From the Mardi Gras streets of New Orleans to the quiet bayous of the coast, each parish contributes to Louisiana life.