Mississippi
Mississippi (/ˌmɪsəˈsɪpi/ ⓘ MISS-ə-SIH-pee)[6] is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It borders Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Louisiana to the southwest, and Arkansas to the northwest. Mississippi's western boundary is largely defined by the Mississippi River, or its historical course.[7] Mississippi is the 32nd largest by area and 35th-most populous of the 50 U.S. states and has the lowest per-capita income. Jackson is both the state's capital and largest city. Greater Jackson is the state's most populous metropolitan area, with a population of 591,978 in 2020.[8]
This article is about the U.S. state. For the river, see Mississippi River. For other uses, see Mississippi (disambiguation).
Mississippi
December 10, 1817 (20th)
Tate Reeves (R)
Delbert Hosemann (R)
Roger Wicker (R)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (R)
1: Trent Kelly (R)
2: Bennie Thompson (D)
3: Michael Guest (R)
4: Mike Ezell (R) (list)
48,430 sq mi (125,443 km2)
46,952 sq mi (121,607 km2)
1,521 sq mi (3,940 km2) 3%
340 mi (545 km)
170 mi (275 km)
300 ft (90 m)
807 ft (246.0 m)
0 ft (0 m)
2,963,914[3]
63.5/sq mi (24.5/km2)
US$43,567[4]
Mississippian
Miss.
30°12′ N to 35° N
88°6′ W to 91°39′ W
Northern mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos)
Spicebush swallowtail
(Papilio troilus)
Largemouth bass
(Micropterus salmoides)
Western honey bee
(Apis mellifera)
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
American alligator
(Alligator mississippiensis)
Southern magnolia
(Magnolia grandiflora)
Milk
red and blue
Emerald
Gold
Granite
Eastern oyster
(Crassostrea virginica)
Teddy Bear[5]
The state's history traces back to around 10,000 BC with the arrival of Paleo-Indians, evolving through periods marked by the development of agricultural societies, rise of the Mound Builders, and flourishing of the Mississippian culture. European exploration began with the Spanish in the 16th century, followed by French colonization in the 17th century. Mississippi's strategic location along the Mississippi River made it a site of significant economic and strategic importance, especially during the era of cotton plantation agriculture, which led to its wealth pre-Civil War, but entrenched slavery and racial segregation. On December 10, 1817, Mississippi became the 20th state admitted to the Union. By 1860, Mississippi was the nation's top cotton-producing state and slaves accounted for 55% of the state population.[9] Mississippi declared its secession from the Union on January 9, 1861, and was one of the seven original Confederate States, which constituted the largest slaveholding states in the nation. Following the Civil War, it was restored to the Union on February 23, 1870.[10] Mississippi's political and social landscape was dramatically shaped by the Civil War, Reconstruction era, and civil rights movement, with the state playing a pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights. From the end of the Civil War to the 1960s, Mississippi was dominated by socially conservative and segregationist Democrats dedicated to upholding white supremacy.
Despite progress, Mississippi continues to grapple with challenges related to health, education, and economic development, often ranking low in national metrics for wealth, health care quality, and educational attainment.[11][12][13][14] Economically, it relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and an increasing focus on tourism, highlighted by its casinos and historical sites. Mississippi produces more than half of the country's farm-raised catfish, and is a top producer of sweet potatoes, cotton and pulpwood. Others include advanced manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and health services.[15] Mississippi is almost entirely within the east Gulf Coastal Plain, and generally consists of lowland plains and low hills. The northwest remainder of the state consists of the Mississippi Delta. Mississippi's highest point is Woodall Mountain at 807 feet (246 m) above sea level adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau; the lowest is the Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate classification.
Mississippi is known for its deep religious roots, which play a central role in its residents' lives. Mississippi ranks among the highest of U.S. states in religiosity. Mississippi's governance structure is based on the traditional separation of powers, with political trends showing a strong alignment with conservative values. Mississippi boasts a rich cultural heritage, especially in music, being the birthplace of the blues and contributing significantly to the development of the music of the United States as a whole.
Etymology[edit]
The state's name is derived from the Mississippi River, which flows along and defines its western boundary. European-American settlers named it after the Ojibwe word ᒥᓯ-ᓰᐱ misi-ziibi (English: great river).
Health[edit]
The state is ranked 50th or last place among all the states for health care, according to the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit foundation working to advance performance of the health care system.[122]
Mississippi has the highest rate of infant and neonatal deaths of any U.S. state. Age-adjusted data also shows Mississippi has the highest overall death rate, and the highest death rate from heart disease, hypertension and hypertensive renal disease, influenza and pneumonia.[123]
In 2011, Mississippi (and Arkansas) had the fewest dentists per capita in the United States.[124]
For three years in a row, more than 30 percent of Mississippi's residents have been classified as obese. In a 2006 study, 22.8 percent of the state's children were classified as such. Mississippi had the highest rate of obesity of any U.S. state from 2005 to 2008, and also ranks first in the nation for high blood pressure, diabetes, and adult inactivity.[125][126] In a 2008 study of African-American women, contributing risk factors were shown to be: lack of knowledge about body mass index (BMI), dietary behavior, physical inactivity and lack of social support, defined as motivation and encouragement by friends.[127] A 2002 report on African-American adolescents noted a 1999 survey which suggests that a third of children were obese, with higher ratios for those in the Delta.[128]
The study stressed that "obesity starts in early childhood extending into the adolescent years and then possibly into adulthood". It noted impediments to needed behavioral modification, including the Delta likely being "the most underserved region in the state" with African Americans the major ethnic group; lack of accessibility and availability of medical care; and an estimated 60% of residents living below the poverty level. Additional risk factors were that most schools had no physical education curriculum and nutrition education is not emphasized. Previous intervention strategies may have been largely ineffective due to not being culturally sensitive or practical.[128] A 2006 survey found nearly 95 percent of Mississippi adults considered childhood obesity to be a serious problem.[129]
A 2017 study found that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi was the leading health insurer with 53% followed by UnitedHealth Group at 13%.[130]
Transportation[edit]
Air[edit]
Mississippi has six airports with commercial passenger service, the busiest in Jackson (Jackson-Evers International Airport).
