New Orleans, often referred to as "NOLA" or "The Big Easy," is a consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, United States [1]. As of the 2020 census, it was the most populous city in Louisiana, with a population of 383,997 [1]. The New Orleans metropolitan area is home to approximately 1 million residents, making it the 59th-most populous metropolitan area in the nation [1]. The city is renowned globally for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and vibrant annual celebrations, most notably Mardi Gras [1]. Its historic core, the French Quarter, is famous for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and lively nightlife, particularly along Bourbon Street [1]. New Orleans has also gained recognition as "Hollywood South" due to its increasing prominence in the film industry and pop culture [1].

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New Orleans is a major port and commercial hub for the broader Gulf Coast region, known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, Creole cuisine, and festivals like Mardi Gras. It is also a significant center for the maritime industry, oil and gas production, and tourism.

Founded in 1718 by French colonists, New Orleans served as the territorial capital of French Louisiana before becoming part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 [1]. By 1840, it was the third most populous city in the U.S. and remained the largest city in the American South from the Antebellum era until after World War II [1]. The city's name, La Nouvelle-Orléans, was given in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who was regent of the Kingdom of France from 1715 to 1723 [1]. The indigenous Choctaw people originally called the area Bulbancha, meaning "land of many tongues" [1].

New Orleans' economy is significantly driven by its port, which is the fifth-largest in the United States by cargo volume and the twelfth-largest by cargo value [1]. When combined with the Port of South Louisiana, it forms the fourth-largest port system globally in terms of volume [1]. The region is also a major center for oil refining and petrochemical production, serving as a corporate base for onshore and offshore petroleum and natural gas operations [1]. Companies like Shell plc, Eni, and Chevron have regional headquarters in the area [1]. The city is home to Entergy, a Fortune 500 company specializing in power generation and nuclear power plant operations [1].

Tourism is a cornerstone of New Orleans' economy, generating $5.5 billion and accounting for 40% of the city's tax revenues [1]. In 2004, the hospitality industry employed 85,000 people, making it the city's top economic sector by employment [1]. Major annual events such as Mardi Gras, the Voodoo Experience, and the Jazz & Heritage Festival are significant draws for visitors [1]. The city also hosts the World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) annually at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, promoting cultural and economic development [1]. The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, a landmark 34-story tower on Canal Street, highlights the city's appeal to luxury tourism, offering riverfront views, innovative Louisiana cuisine, and a rooftop pool [2].

Historically, New Orleans has been vulnerable to flooding due to its low elevation, high rainfall, poor natural drainage, and proximity to multiple bodies of water [1]. The city was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, which flooded over 80% of the city, caused significant loss of life, and displaced thousands [1]. Since Katrina, substantial redevelopment efforts have led to a rebound in the city's population [1]. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has implemented massive levee repair and hurricane protection measures to enhance the city's resilience [1]. Despite these efforts, concerns about gentrification and high violent crime rates persist, though by mid-2025, focused initiatives have reportedly reduced violent crime to its lowest levels since the early 1970s [1].

New Orleans is also a hub for higher education, with over 50,000 students enrolled in its eleven two- and four-year degree-granting institutions, including Tulane University [1]. The University of New Orleans (UNO) is recognized for its affordability and high graduate employment rates [4]. The city's cultural landscape is deeply influenced by its Roman Catholic tradition, stemming from its French and Spanish colonial past, and is also known for its unique variety of Louisiana Voodoo [1]. The New Orleans Saints, the city's NFL team, are a significant part of its identity, with recent news including the team's roster moves and the debut of new alternate uniforms [3].

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