Louisiana Is Number One At All Of These Things

Louisiana isn’t always seen as number one in very many things. Sometimes, it seems like we are only the worst in things—such as most obese, least educated, etc. But the truth is, despite some difficult years, Louisiana has a lot to celebrate. Louisiana is ranked number one in quite a few amazing things, making for a truly special state. Here they are:

1. Number One State in Annual ACT Gain

While educational quality is still somewhat controversial in the state, Louisiana was ranked most improved in ACT scores in the year 2015 by the ACT on their report, "Condition of College & Career Readiness". So we’re improving!

2. Number one for Major Business Projects per Capita in the South

Southern Business Development magazine named Louisiana the most popular place for business projects in 2015.

3. Largest wetland and swamp in the United States

The Atchafalaya Basin, or Atchafalaya Swamp, is the largest wetland and swamp in the United States, located in South central Louisiana.

4. Largest concentration of crude oil refineries in the United States, and the third largest producer of petroleum in the country

While a lot of the oil industry can be found in neighboring Texas, Louisiana still dominates in the refining sector of the industry.

5. Most loved city in the United States

Travel + Leisure named New Orleans "America’s Favorite City," and Good Magazine has ranked New Orleans in the top 10 of the world for two years running.

6. Largest Producer of Crawfish in the United States

Unsurprisingly, Louisiana is the biggest crawfish producer in the U.S. and has been for many decades.

7. Bars per capita

Louisiana has more bars per capita than any other state, and New Orleans has more bars per capita than any other city in the nation.

8. In 2014, Louisiana was named the number 1 location for motion picture filming.

Although the tax credits for motion pictures have recently been changed, Louisiana’s film industry is still booming.

9. Most Tabasco Sauce Production

This amazing hot sauce is still being produced on Avery Island in Louisiana.

10. Worst Drivers in the United States

Drawing on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety, Louisiana was ranked as having the worst drivers in the U.S. in 2013. Maybe that’s why the car insurance is so expensive here.

11. Most Festivals per capita in the United States

While a comprehensive study hasn’t been completed, the state has been named numerous times as having more festivals per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Can you believe Louisiana is number one at all of these things? I was pretty surprised myself. Louisiana is ranked number one in such a wide range of stuff, it makes me optimistic about our future. Louisiana has many good years ahead, I’m sure.