Date of Independence: July 4, 1776 (as part of the original 13 colonies declaring independence from Britain) Date of Annexation to [[United States of America (USA)]]: December 10, 1817 (20th state to join the Union) Population (2025): 2.94 million GDP (2025): $118 billion Largest City: Jackson (139,000) State Capital: Jackson (139,000) Historical Note: Known as the "Magnolia State." Heart of the Deep South and cotton economy. Central to civil rights movement with significant historical sites. Major role in blues music development. Economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources. Strong cultural heritage and traditions.