| State Abbreviation |
MS |
| Statehood |
December 10, 1817 |
| State Capital |
Jackson |
| Number of Counties |
82 |
| State Population (2005) | 2,921,088 |
| State Quarter Issue Date |
October 15, 2002 |
| State Flower |
Bloom of the magnolia or evergreen magnolia |
| Nickname |
Magnolia State |
| State Flag |
 |
| Area Codes |
228, 601, 662 |
| Top 5 Cities (2000 population) |
| Jackson | 184,256 |
| Gulfport | 71,127 |
| Biloxi | 50,644 |
| Hattiesburg | 44,779 |
| Greenville | 41,663 |
|
| Major Sports Teams |
None
|