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Delta Roads and Gulf Coast Communities

Mississippi

Mississippi’s regions include the Delta, northeastern hills, central communities, pine country, and the Gulf Coast. Jackson is the capital, while places such as Tupelo, Oxford, Natchez, Hattiesburg, Gulfport, and Biloxi offer different starting points for understanding the state. Music, literature, civil rights history, and local food all contribute to its identity.

Mississippi at a Glance

Population (2025 est.)2,954,160
CapitalJackson
Largest CityJackson
Counties82 counties
Land Area46,925 sq mi
Water Area1,511 sq mi
Statehood1817
Highest PointWoodall Mountain — 807 ft
Explore Mississippi

County Guides in Mississippi

Choose a county to explore local information, resources and the businesses listed for that area.

Mississippi county map

Counties of Mississippi

Mississippi landscape

Get to know the cities, towns and landscapes of Mississippi. Browse the photographs and official resources on this page for places to explore and practical information.

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American landscape
ABOUT THE STATE

America

Local communities make a national story tangible. Across Mississippi, libraries, schools, businesses, public spaces, and volunteer groups give neighbors places to meet, learn, work, and contribute. Exploring a community means listening to its people and understanding both its achievements and its challenges.

Places, People and Stories

Freedom to Build

Freedom gives people room to create businesses, raise families, serve their communities, and pursue a future they choose.

Community Makes Us Stronger

Strong communities grow when neighbors participate, local institutions serve well, and people invest time and care close to home.

Opportunity Within Reach

Education, work, entrepreneurship, and community connections can open practical paths for people to build more secure and meaningful lives.

Building Tomorrow Together

A shared future grows from responsible choices today—supporting families, strengthening communities, preserving local heritage, and creating room for new ideas.

Find Your Next StopAcross Mississippi
LATEST FROM

Mississippi Headlines

Latest reporting from Mississippi Today. Coverage may include state and national stories.

Mississippi Today

MBI accidentally released a report about the fatal shooting of Kohen Wiley. Here’s what we know

Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.

Read the full story
By Mukta JoshiNov 3, 20262 min read
STATEWIDE COVERAGEPresented by Local Supporters
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STATE SYMBOLS

The Spirit and Symbols of Mississippi

Symbols that represent Mississippi

Mississippi state flag
Nickname

Magnolia State

Magnolia State is a widely used name for Mississippi.

Motto

Virtute et Armis

The motto is commonly translated as “by valor and arms.”

Bird

Northern mockingbird

Northern mockingbird is the state bird of Mississippi.

Flower

Magnolia

Magnolia is the state flower of Mississippi.

Tree

Magnolia

Magnolia represents Mississippi among its official tree symbols.

State Animal

White-tailed deer & red fox

Mississippi recognizes both the white-tailed deer and red fox as state land mammals.

A State with Many Stories

Delta Roads, Pine Forests, and Gulf Coast Communities. Explore the communities, public lands, and local traditions that give Mississippi its own sense of place.

Blues heritageNatchez TraceRiver historyGulf CoastLiteratureLocal foodMagnolia landscapes
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STATE RESOURCES

Mississippi Resources

Explore Mississippi through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.

Need a Place to Start?

Browse official links for public services, parks and visitor information.

HELP DESK

Questions About Mississippi

Answers and links for residents and travelers.

Jackson is the state capital. Jackson is the largest city.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Start with a region. Explore its towns.

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