Southern Louisiana sits on the Mississippi River Delta. It is a rich and vibrant place. Louisiana is mostly sub-tropical forest, swamps and coastal wetlands. Its ecosystems are extremely biologically active, akin to something like a coastal, tropical rainforest. Our swamps, marshes and bayous are teeming with wildlife. Oil and gas exploration, shipping and navigation and the fishing industry support a thriving national economy. Local traditions and culture originate from a mix of Cajun, Creole, Caribbean, French and Spanish roots.